Coach Tip Tuesday: You Can Always Find an Excuse

And just like that…..it’s 2019. What better way to start off the new year than with Coach Tip Tuesday?

Today, a day when so many people set personal resolutions, challenges, goals (whatever term you apply to the practice), I want to say this:  Be sure you find your reason.  Because you can always find an excuse.  That’s VERY easy to do.  Finding a reason to do what you set your mind to is MUCH harder.  If you don’t have a strong enough reason, any excuse that comes along - work, family, stress, life - will stop your goal-reaching right in its tracks.

This past month, many of you probably experienced some level of this.  Things can, in fact, get crazy during the holidays.  And if you let the craziness take control of you, then you can easily find yourself sidetracked from your goals.  Family gatherings, travel plans, busy days at work, etc. can all easily become excuses as to why you didn’t do what you set out to do for yourself.

You’ve heard me say it before - busyness has become a measure of accomplishment and pride in today’s world, and it’s not a measure that I’m particularly fond of. If I’ve learned one thing over the last 3.5 years, it’s that doing less generally yields more in the end. It’s the quality of the “less” that matters. I’ll say it until I’m not able to say it anymore: quality, not quantity, in almost every aspect of our lives yields incredible results across the board. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish; it helps you to become the best version of yourself. And don’t you want to put the best version of yourself out there for your family, friends, co-workers, and community?

Maybe what I’m saying is harsh.  But I know it to be true, both personally and as someone who strives to help people reach goals for a living as an endurance coach.  The happiest and most successful people I’ve worked with are those who carved the time for themselves and their goals.  For some, this means blocking “wellness time” (whether that’s for a workout, massage, reading a book, taking a walk, etc.) like an appointment on their calendars is what works best.  For others, carving time first thing in the morning when they get up for the day sets them up for success all day long (and doesn’t allow anything else to potentially interfere with their plans for themselves).

So in 2019, I encourage you to find your REASON.  Don’t become one of the so very many who finds excuses.  Remember, excuses are easy.  Reasons are harder.  They take planning, commitment, and work.  And everything worthwhile is worth working for, my friends.  You are worth SO much more than any excuse you can come up with for yourselves.  Honor yourself, your family, and all of the other connections and relationships that matter in your life by committing to prioritizing YOU for at least a portion of each day this year.

Happy New Year! Thank you for joining me and reading my ramblings week in and week out. Here’s to a year full of health, happiness, friends, family, strength, and joy for all of you!