I knew I had to do it today. I had to get back to the gym. It’s amazing how the excuses creep in day after day. And the funny thing is, I love going to the gym. I love the feeling of taking care of my body. I pride myself on my ability to inspire and empower my clients to work out, whether at home or at the gym. So I know there’s something wrong if I’m not going to the gym.
I had to stop the excuses and today was a great day to do that. The first of the month. A Monday. And I’m happy to say, I did it. Though, at times during the day it seemed as if I was being tested. When I got a call to attend a meeting, I went in my gym clothes. Fortunately, I had the option to do that and didn’t have to be in “work” clothes. Because I knew if I didn’t put on the clothes I wasn’t getting to the gym. I just knew that after a meeting and subway and bus ride, I was going to use the excuse of being too tired to get dressed and go back out to the gym.
The meeting lasted longer than I anticipated so I was having a conversation in my head as I walked toward the subway. “What if the gym is too crowded by the time I get there?” “Should I go home first and drop off my computer?” “Once I’m home, should I eat first and then go back out to the gym?” Yeah, right, like that was going to happen.
Suddenly, it hit me. “STOP it,” I told myself. “Let the excuses go.”
I walked to the subway and then something urged me to go another block and a half to the other subway line. I walked further and then looked up as I was about to cross the street. In front of me was a branch of my gym. I smiled and knew what I needed to do. Go the gym and THEN go uptown and home.
I had a nice workout and felt so good about my actions. I know that I’m in control of my actions. I’m also in control of my excuses. So glad I let them go tonight.
Photo: © Minerva Studio – Fotolia.com
I made excuses tonight on the way home. After having to work late and a bus ride in which I couldnt even stay awake, I was too tired to cook a healthy dinner. The issue wasnt the cooking, but going in to the grocery store to try to figure out what the heck to buy! Instead I ate pizza….and after reading your post, I feel GUILTY!
You made me see excuses in a different light. When I hear myself making excuse, I’m going to tell myself to let those excuses go!!!
Dear Gwen,
Thanks for your comment. Appreciate your feedback. The important thing is not to beat yourself up. The awareness is the first step. Now that you see how excuses creep into your mind, you can control them and let them go.
Be well,
Jodi
Loved the conversation you had in your head! We’ve all been there! Mine is a tad bit more serious…my gym is in my bedroom. 🙂 So, yes, I find it hard to go in there but I hate the alternative of leaving the house to go to a gym. That never happened. At least I live with the possibility of working out and when I do get started, I stick to it. Here’s to getting it done! 🙂
Great job sticking to your guns and doing what you said you were going to do.
Kudos!
Isn’t that just the way we are, trying to get by with excuses? Love the realness of this article. Sometimes we just need to listen to the voices in our heads. 🙂