You Are Success!

Sunday, February 26, 2006

Excuses, Excuses...Are You Done Yet?

"There aren't enough hours in a day!"

"I just can't find the time!"

"I have enough things to worry about!"

Sound familiar? For many of you it hits very close to home. Most of us live very busy lives with a ton of responsibilities and have numerous things that require our attention. As a result, we tend to neglect the way that we treat ourselves (i.e. eating well, exercising) and lose focus on the way that we would truly like to live our lives.

We then tend to justify our actions (or lack of them) by offering excuses. These reasons are used as a crtuch to validate our problems and our unhappiness as it leaves us unaccountable for our lives.

It's time to stop making excuses and trying to justify your shortfalls and it's time to take control of your life. People don't want to hear what you dislike about your life and the reasons why you can't do the things that you want to do. Instead others would rather hear what you can do in order to overcome those challenges so that you can achieve that which you want to accomplish. Here's how:

First, take a look at the most common problems in your life and examine the excuses that you use to justify them. (i.e. "I just can't find the time to exercise"). Second, begin taking personal responsibility and recognize that you are in control of your life (i.e. "I do NOT make the time to exercise as I have NOT made it a priority hence I am at fault for not being where I would like to be"). Third, plan the appropriate steps to take action (i.e. "I will watch 30 minutes less television in the evening and will take a 30 minute walk after dinner as my health is a priority to me).

To Recap:

   (1) Recognize your excuses

   (2) Take ownership of your issues

   (3) Make a game plan

   (4) Take action!

You are now on the road to self-discipline...enjoy the trip!