Okay, but what, if not promise of future returns, is making you stick to a system that's emotionally costly?

For example, "walking more" or "cycling more" is definitely going to help lose weight in a gradual fashion, but the reason I am walking the amount I am and not cycling at all, is because a) I find these activities boring, and b) I have many more interesting/important (to me) things to do with that time. I can't see myself engaging in an activity I dislike - cycling (or most outdoor activities) - unless I do it for a reason that's interesting/important enough to displace something else I'm already doing. Losing weight is such a reason, but that reason is also a goal.

What would it take for you to find walking interesting?

I didn't used to love walking, until I found a reason to.

In urban areas I looked up and started noticing things. I researched buildings, and local geography.

In rural areas, I started figuring out bird calls and breeds, started understanding the trees and flora around me.

I decided to use that time to get curious. And now, I love walking.

If you think "sure, I have this rough goal of exercising more, but it sure as heck bores me", deciding to focus on the goal just means every time you fail at doing more exercise you a) are just as far away as you were before and b) are now blaming yourself for not being disciplined enough.

How about you choose some inputs that you know roughly align to that goal, but you choose inputs that you can get motivated by?

Perhaps going to the gym bores you, so fine, don't go. Perhaps your exercise is playing sport, or swimming, or walking and exploring the World around you, or perhaps it's just getting a standing desk. Just pick something and try and it, and then if it doesn't work, think about why and what to change and try something else.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I've thought about what you wrote, and came to a realization that the answer to the question:

> What would it take for you to find walking interesting?

Is... no longer feeling like everything is slipping away or collapsing around me; no longer being stuck treading water. It's more of a therapy problem than HN-on-exercising problem.

I never particularly cared for nature, and still don't - except at the biomolecular level, where life fuels my dream/curiosity of functional nanotech. But this is separate to enjoying a walk down the park, or a hike with friends, which I realize I don't mostly because of the internal stress about not doing something better with that time. The few moments I take the plunge or get forced into a situation where I can't do anything but enjoy the time outside, after initial anguish they become relaxing. But I can't make myself engage in such things on my own, not without having some convincing excuse for this helping to get me out of my various predicaments.

When you go on a walk, your mind comes with you. Take that time to think about anything you want! Or listen to other people talk about functional nanotech or whatever else interests you, i.e. podcasts. Reframe going on a walk as the time where you get to listen to podcasts or a time where you're allowed to do nothing with you mind and see where it goes.

I realized this is just advice for myself, so that I'll walk more!