THE BIGGEST LIE WE TELL OURSELVES (HOW TO OVERCOME IT)

I hear it time and again:  “I just don’t have the time to work out.”  This is the adult version of “My dog ate my homework.”  And it’s the biggest STORY we tell ourselves so we can avoid making the commitment we know need to make to exercise, eat clean and live a healthier life.

I have dealt with this issue many times, both in my own life and in the very busy lives of the clients with whom I work.  I want to give you a few strategies that have worked for them in the hopes that you, too, can overcome these lies we tell ourselves.  In this way, you will be able to create a new “story” for yourself that puts you in control and helps you make positive changes in your life.

Whether you’re a top executive, a business owner, a single mom juggling 2 kids and a job or just plain BUSY, you can find time to work out!  Nothing is more important than your health, and, contrary to belief, working out GIVES YOU MORE ENERGY and ENDURANCE – it doesn’t wear you out!  Here are some simple, effective methods for finding time to work out and live a better life.

5 STRATEGIES FOR CHANGING THE STORY WE TELL OURSELVES

1. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

Yep, sorry to say it, but it’s up to you.  This is always the first step.  And the most empowering one.  It’s UP TO YOU.  No one else can stop you more than you can!  So what’s it going to be:  are you going to decide today that you have the choice of making time or will you continue to live out your old story?   Once you realize you have a choice, you have the power to change what you want (or don’t want) in you life.  This is the first step (repeat after me):  “I am responsible!”

2. REDEFINE THE TERM “WORKING OUT” 

What comes to mind when someone asks you if you work out?  Does this mean going for a run, heading to the gym, lifting some weights?   Although these are effective ways to “work out”, if you currently are not doing anything, then going for brisk walk is a workout.   Anything that gets you out of your comfort zone (gets your whole body moving, gets your heart rate up and gets you breathing hard), even for a few minutes, is a good start.  And working out with equipment can be overrated:  try my simple QUICK 100 REP WORKOUT  that utilizes only your body weight and can be completed in less than 5 minutes… but is guaranteed to stimulate your entire body, including your heart and lungs.  5 MINUTES!  Do that 2-3 times a day and BOOM, you’ve done quite the workout!

3. DECIDE TO MAKE TIME FOR IT EVERYDAY (NO MATTER HOW SMALL)

Going for a morning walk or doing the QUICK 100 REP WORKOUT are all simple (but effective) ways to find time to move every day.  I think it’s critical that you make time to move every day and finding small ways to do so will help you be consistent and most importantly, will help in the creation of the HABIT.  Once it’s a HABIT, you won’t think about it, you’ll just do it.  I also suggest doing it first thing in the day before life, kids, work, emails and a million other things get in your way.  By the time you sit down and check your email, you could have had your 5 minute brisk walk and 5 minute workout and be done:  and you’ll feel better, too, knowing you’ve accomplished one of your goals for the day.  It’s an empowering and amazing way to start your day.

4. GET MOVING 

What I am really saying here is TAKE ACTION.  Do something.  This is why I recommend it first thing in the morning.   Do it right away, get up, and get moving.  Don’t give yourself time to talk yourself out of it.  Taking action is the step that successful people do that others do not.  Many people think about what they want in their life, but few actually take action and do something about it.

5. FOCUS ON THE BENEFITS 

Looking good is nice, but feeling great is amazing.  There are so many benefits to working out every day, such as lowering your blood pressure, reducing your risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, to name a few.  But what about enhanced mood, a better and improved range of motion and more strength?  Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to get up and down from the ground or a chair without groaning?  When you get up each morning and find that you’re starting to talk yourself out of moving, try to remember how good you feel when you do move and all the benefits you get from exercise:  only then will you begin to create a new STORY for yourself:  one that will inspire you to move.

There is no better gift you can give someone than living a healthy, happier life:  you may just inspire someone else to change their story and get moving!

Until next time,

Phil Dozois, Owner, Breakthru FItness