How many times have you 'thought' yourself out of going to
the gym or whatever training your involved in? Thinking too much especially
when training time is approaching is all too common and one of the main reasons
we break the winning cycle and go back to old habits.
This has happened to me countless times I'm ashamed to say.
Though it's nothing to be ashamed about because it's how our brains function.
They key is to catch yourself doing it and take steps to change the end the
result.
Thinking back when I used to let excuses get the better of
me I used all types of excuses like these classics.
I've had a busy day.
It's raining
It's too hot or too cold
I'm too sore
I have friends coming over
The kids want help with their homework
Sound familiar!
Let's be honest there's not enough space on my hard drive to
list all types of excuses that we have used to get out of doing for what's best
for our health.
This article is not about all the excuses that we have used
but the thinking process that leads to non action on our part.
When I catch myself thinking this way, my trick is to focus
my attention onto something else.
For example, some of you who have tried meditation will know
what I mean. When learning to meditate you don't actually stop thinking but you
focus your attention on something else, like your breath. By having a single
minded approach to your breath there is less likely hood that thoughts will
intrude. As you practise your focus becomes stronger and concentrating on your
breath becomes easier and hence less frivolous thoughts intrude during our
meditation.
So the moral of this post is to stop thinking about your
impending training but to focus on what your currently doing, this forces
excuses to diminish and lose their power.
Using this method over a period of time will force you mind
to give up on such thoughts as feeble excuses to get out of what needs doing,
and that is to get your butt to training.
In one of my previous posts I wrote about scheduling your
workouts, I'm a big fan of this as it decreases excuses and over time gets you
into a routine that is difficult to break. You can read it here (Scheduled Workouts) if you missed it.
Don't forget to download my free ebook 'Learn my 7 step approach to a healthy lifestyle'. Simply enter your details in the sidebar and start reading it today. I know you will enjoy reading it.
Before signing off - next time you catch yourself fighting
those negative, excuse inducing thoughts stop for a moment and concentrate on
what you are currently doing. If at work focus on that, if your at the park
take a few deep breaths and enjoy the surroundings. With practice and time the
excuses will become less frequent and hold no power over you. Good luck.
I would dearly love to hear your thoughts and victories no
matter how small they may be.
Sharing with others gives you added strength and reinforces
your determination.
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