By: Amanda Thompson
As a health coach and nutrition counselor I talk to a lot of individuals about how to get healthy. As I listen to them, I hear a lot of excuses. All the reasons why they can’t commit to a healthy routine.
“It’s hard”
“I don’t have time”
“I can’t afford it”
“I have a family to take care of”
Sound familiar?
Excuses are easy. Consider them the comfort zone response you default to when change is introduced. They flow without a lot of thought, but are they really barriers holding you back from what you want?
What if you looked at excuses as an opportunity?
When you speak your excuse take a moment to listen to what you are saying and ask yourself “What does that REALLY mean to me?”. Stop making excuses for not working out and reframe your thoughts to make it happen.
“It’s hard” – Translation: I don’t know where to begin, it’s out of my element
Reframe: How have I transitioned to new things in the past? What can I do to take the first step toward my health goal?
“I don’t have time” – Translation: Health is a commitment I don’t want to make it a priority
Reframe: What do I consider a priority in my life? How do I make time for my priorities?
“I can’t afford it” – Translation: Health is not worth the investment
Reframe: What does a healthy lifestyle look like to me? How can I invest in a healthier lifestyle without spending a lot of money?
“I have a family to take care of” – Translation: My time is someone else’s
Reframe: What would happen if I didn’t make time to take care of myself? How would getting healthier affect my family? What would I do better if I was making time for myself?
Excuses are easy. Don’t allow the reason you THINK you can’t accomplish something be the reason you give up. Acknowledge the excuse, translate the excuse into its real meaning, and reframe the excuse into a tool to grow and get out of your own way.