On Saturday, I went to the gym and had a bit of a wake-up call.
As I was working out, I saw an elderly woman come into the gym, likely in her late 80s, walking with a cane. She slowly walked over to one of the weight-lifting machines in her flip-flops, sat down, and started lifting weights.
She then gradually walked over to one of the cardio machines, got on, and began exercising.
This woman did not look strong and wasn’t wearing fancy workout clothes. She didn’t even have running shoes on. To be honest, it looked like she might be wearing pajama bottoms. But there she was—all in and giving it her best.
How Many Days Have You Allowed an Excuse to Stop You from Starting?
Maybe it’s the excuse that you’re not good enough, early enough, smart enough, tall enough, skinny enough, or educated and certified sufficiently to do the very thing you want to do.
Excuses can become a jail you live in your entire life if you listen to them long enough.Excuses can become a jail you live in your entire life if you listen to them long enough. Click To Tweet
When I saw this woman, I felt inspired to give up excuses, not just with respect to working out, but in general.
Life is short; you are not guaranteed tomorrow or next year so if not now, when?
Food for Thought
I subscribe to a weekly newsletter called Brain Food written by Farnam Street, and this Sunday, they had a little thought that really resonated with me. Perhaps it will for you too:
“No one cares about your excuses as much as you do. In fact, no one cares about your excuses at all except you.
When people’s actions have outcomes that don’t align with how they see themselves, they tend to insulate their egos by blaming others or unfavorable circumstances. Phrases like, “It was a great idea, just poorly executed,” “We did the best we could,” and “We never should’ve been in this situation in the first place” are often manifestations of this self-preserving tendency.
Here’s the thing: it might be true. Maybe it really wasn’t a bad idea, just bad execution. Maybe you really did do the best you could. Maybe you never should have been in that situation in the first place. It doesn’t really matter. No one cares. None of it changes the outcome or solves the problems that still remain.
Just because something happened that was outside of your control doesn’t mean it’s not your responsibility to deal with circumstances the best you can.
Focus on the next move. The next move makes the future easier or harder.”
She Talks Business – Coming Soon!
P.S. If you’re wondering what is happening with She Talks Business, all is well! The first episode of our next season on money will be released next Monday. You’ll want to listen in for 13 ways to increase sales—none of which are gimmicky or require any excuse not to try.
