I hear it all the time: "I would do it but my schedule is soOoOoO busy. I just don't have time!"
.....
What's the deal with EXCUSES?!?!? Seriously. We all do it, trust me I know. But do we ever really feel better about ourselves after using them? If we put more effort into actually doing the shit we know we need/want to do and less effort into trying to convince ourselves that it's okay to settle for a less than ideal version of ourselves, JUST IMAGINE WHAT WE COULD ACCOMPLISH.
Let's take the easiest example, and one that a ton of people struggle with--- getting your butt to the gym.
Do any of these sound familiar?
1. I'm too tired.
2. The gym is too expensive.
3. I don't have time.
4. I'm just not motivated enough.
5. I don't want to workout alone.
6. Exercise is boring.
7. It's too late for me to change my body.
8. I've tried and I've failed before. I just can't stick with it.
9. I don't like working out in front of the opposite sex.
10. I don't like to sweat.
I SURE AM GUILTY! (Excuse numero uno slaps me in the face basically everyday of life.)
What is important to know is that having these thoughts are totally normal! If greatness happened easily, everyone would be killin' it! Having the discipline to set these thoughts aside and do what you know you need to do in order to accomplish the goals you have for yourself is what will elevate you. You do this by having a plan...
Let's tackle time management since excuses related to this seem to be a frequently encountered issue. These are my TOP 5 TIPS:
1. Get the sleep you need! If you need 8 hours to function like a normal human and not like a half-dead zombie all day long, then do that. Set yourself up for success by having a "full tank of gas" from the start.
2. Assess your day. Have a list of things you need to accomplish and schedule them into your day (Literally write down into your planner a block of time needed for the task). The key here is to be realistic! Don't take a bite bigger than you can chew. (BONUS: Multitask when appropriate! For example, if you have a pedicure appointment, use that time to be productive and answer emails, work remotely, etc. This way, you get the most out of every minute of your day!)
3. Prioritize your tasks. Be cognizant of deadlines. Know what needs to be attended to and what can wait. This allows you to put your best efforts and focus towards the task at hand.
4. Exercise and eat healthy. The mind and body are a unit. If you care for your body, your work performance will likely increase. Make time in your daily schedule for movement and use at least one day of the week to plan meals. For example, I wake up at 5:30am and schedule the gym from 6-7am. I treat this daily movement time as if it were an important work meeting, meaning I can't skip it! (BONUS: I like to go grocery shopping on Sunday. Here, I plan out my meals and snacks for the entire week. Usually when we are starving and looking for a quick fix we settle for the unhealthy options. Avoid this altogether by thinking ahead and being prepared.)
5. Commit to your plan. Having your tasks and goals written on paper means nothing unless you follow through. Nobody can do it for you, except you. Commit to being the best you, for you. You f*cking got this! Remember why you started and roll with it. Everyday.
I hope this inspires you and guides you towards making changes to your mindset and lifestyle. When I am feeling unmotivated or overwhelmed, these tips help me get back on track. We are only human, mistakes happen all the time, but in life results reflect the actions you consistently make. Check yourself and your habits to see if they reflect your end goal, and schedule time to get it done.
Love,
B
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