To Do and Not To Do - List of Excuses and Statements to Counter those Excuses

Hi Ladies!

This morning, I was thinking about all of the excuses that I've used this week and in the past to avoid sticking to my workout/eating plan. Think about it...it's really easy to have a plan and get off course - we all do it - that's just life. So, how do we minimize the time that we stay off the track and get back into the saddle? Or, better yet, decrease the number times we get blown off course?

The intent of this posting is about listing some of your common excuses and at least 2-3 counter-excuses for each excuse that is listed. In the table below, I've listed some of my common excuses and the statements that I've used to counter them. Please post your thoughts/suggestions on any of your most popular excuses AND the statements that you use to help you get out of a rut!

Excuse	Counter-Excuse
1. I don’t have time.	I'm in charge of my own schedule and making time for ME. I’m going to make me a priority. Even, if it is only for a few minutes each day. How much time will I end up sitting on the couch/in front of my computer instead? How much time have I already wasted by not going? I could've been done by now! It’s only 30-60 minutes out of the day. I can break it up into smaller chunks over the course of the day.
2. I feel tired.	I’m tired of feeling tired, and working out helps me not feel tired. I remember the last energy rush I got from working out and how good that made me feel. I’ll go out and exercise. If I still feel tired after 10 minutes, I’ll stop. (chances are I’ll keep going).
3. My favorite TV show is on this evening, I have to cook dinner, and spend time with my family. I can’t fit my workout in.	Something is better than nothing. How much of my workout can I squeeze in? I’ll check the show’s web site to see if it’s a rerun. If so, then I don’t need to watch it again and can go workout. I can do some type of activity while watching the show. Like, my weight routine, or jogging in place. If my hubby helps with dinner, we can be done with it quicker and both have time to work out or go for a walk afterwards. It’s something we both like doing and can spend time doing it together.
4. It’s been a totally lousy week, I’ve already missed my workouts for most of the week and have eaten out all week. I’ll “officially” start my routine back up again on Monday.	If I start today, I’ll have that much more of a positive jump start instead of waiting until Monday. It’s about consistency. The past couple of days I’ve gone astray. But that doesn’t mean it’s complete sabotage. The more I put it off, the further behind I’ll be. So, I’m going to start NOW! Some days are harder than others to get motivated….I’ve got to do something, even if it’s walking instead of jogging, or doing stretches/pilates instead of weight training. I don’t want to break my routine. I give myself permission to go slightly less intense or switch up my intended activity as long as I do something active that day. Make a list for the grocery store of the healthier food items that I’ve been craving. Go shopping and stock up on items that are easy to throw together for dinner. Thinking about all the money and calories that I’m saving by doing this is a big motivator.