Rent Is Still Due: A Mantra for Success
No, despite what the title suggests, this is not a notification that you forgot to pay rent. Instead, "Rent is still due" is a mantra I've been using for a while now to help me return to a focused mode whenever I catch myself off task or losing sight of my goals. Whenever I'm feeling lazy, unproductive, or overwhelmed, I remind myself, "Rent is still due."
What does that mean?
When you rent an apartment or house, the rent is always due on a certain day of the month. If you’re sick, tired, or broke, the rent is still going to be due on that day, no matter what. You can either complain about it, not pay the rent and suffer the penalties, or find a way to pay the rent on time. The same principle applies to life.
You have a goal, and that goal doesn’t change no matter what actions you take. You can either create a plan and start taking action towards your goal, getting closer to it each day, or you can procrastinate, be lazy, and make no progress. The "Rent is still due" mantra is a reminder that, no matter how you're feeling, you still have to get things done. It’s a way to check yourself, build discipline, and refocus when things get out of touch.

The Birth of a Mantra
I first came up with this mantra during a particularly challenging time in my life. I was juggling multiple responsibilities—being a full time college student, juggling 3 part-time jobs, managing my personal training business, and creating content for my social media platforms. There were days when I felt overwhelmed and tempted to let things slide. But I knew that if I let one thing slide, it could easily turn into a habit of procrastination and excuses. I needed a way to hold myself accountable, and that’s when the "Rent is still due" mantra was born.
A Turning Point: The Power of Accountability
One night, as I sat in my small apartment, staring at my computer screen with a stack of bills piling up, I felt a wave of frustration and sadness wash over me. I was upset that I didn’t have enough time to work a full-time job to support myself while also being in school. The weight of my financial responsibilities was overwhelming, and I started to feel sorry for myself.
I realized I had two choices: I could continue to wallow in self-pity, or I could take action and do something about it. That’s when it hit me. Just like my rent was non-negotiable and always due on the same day each month, my goals and responsibilities required the same level of commitment. I needed to stop scrolling through my phone and procrastinating on tasks that could help me pay my rent. I decided to focus on what I could control and work harder towards my goals.
Building Discipline: The Marathon Mindset
From that moment, I embraced the "Rent is still due" mantra. I treated my goals with the same urgency and importance as my rent. Every day, I reminded myself that, no matter how tired, overwhelmed, or unmotivated I felt, I had to keep pushing forward. This mindset helped me build discipline.
Imagine training for a marathon. You wake up before dawn, lacing up your shoes while the world sleeps. You hit the pavement, mile after mile, through rain and shine, sickness and health. It's not the race day that defines you; it's the countless early mornings, the relentless pursuit of a single goal. That’s the essence of discipline.
"Rent is still due" embodies this marathon mindset. It’s about making daily deposits into the bank of your goals, no matter the circumstances. Each small action, each moment of perseverance, accumulates, propelling you toward success. Discipline isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about consistent effort, day in and day out.
The Journey of Refocusing

Life is full of distractions. Whether it’s social media, television, or just the myriad of daily tasks that can pull you in different directions, staying focused on your goals can be tough. The "Rent is still due" mantra is a powerful tool to help you refocus. It’s a way to remind yourself of what’s truly important and to prioritize your actions accordingly. Whenever you feel yourself drifting off course, this simple reminder can help you get back on track.
Embracing the Unexpected
No journey is without its obstacles. There will be times when you face setbacks, whether they’re personal, professional, or health-related. It’s easy to get discouraged during these times and to lose sight of your goals. But remember, the rent is still due. You have to find a way to keep moving forward, even if it’s just a small step each day. Every action you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goal.
There was a moment when I was preparing for a critical presentation while also dealing with personal challenges. My stress levels were through the roof, and I felt like giving up. But then I remembered my mantra. Despite feeling overwhelmed, I took a deep breath and tackled one task at a time. I reminded myself that each small effort contributed to the bigger picture. The mantra kept me grounded and focused, helping me deliver a successful presentation.
Practical Applications
How can you apply this mantra in your daily life? Start by identifying your goals and breaking them down into actionable steps. Create a plan and set deadlines for yourself, just like paying rent. When you feel tempted to skip a workout, procrastinate on a project, or indulge in unhealthy habits, remind yourself that "Rent is still due." Use this mantra to push through moments of doubt and to keep yourself accountable.
"Rent is still due" is more than just a phrase; it’s a mindset. It’s about recognizing that success requires consistent effort, regardless of how you feel. It’s about building discipline, staying focused, and overcoming obstacles. By adopting this mantra, you can hold yourself accountable and stay on track towards achieving your goals.
Remember, the rent is always due. Whether it’s a financial obligation or a personal goal, the principle is the same. You can either find a way to meet your obligations or face the consequences of inaction. The choice is yours. Embrace the mantra, take action, and watch as you move closer to your goals each day.
So, the next time you’re feeling unmotivated or distracted, just remind yourself: Rent is still due.
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