Manufacture Your Day by STOP MAKING EXCUSES

It’s been said that if you want to reach your goals, you must shrink the size of your but.

Many years ago, I listened to a speech delivered by a woman at Toastmasters titled, “Why Is My But(t) So Big?”

I’ve never forgotten it. She spoke about her struggles to lose weight, live a healthier lifestyle, and become more courageous in her life.

We all make excuses—some of us more than others. And here’s something you should know: The more you make excuses, the easier it becomes to keep making them.

Whether it’s exercising, changing careers, learning a new skill, owning a mistake, showing up late, missing deadlines, eating better, quitting smoking, starting a business, or finding a new job – excuses are everywhere.

Did you know people often choose unhappiness over uncertainty?
It’s true. It’s incredibly easy to talk yourself out of any lifestyle change you want to attempt.

We choose excuses to:

• Justify our own shortcomings

• Avoid responsibility for our actions

• Cover for incompetence

• Feel better when we flake out

• Avoid fear—fear of failure or fear of success

• Prove to ourselves we’re not good enough (hello, low confidence)

As a committed early-morning runner, I always say:
The hardest part is convincing myself to get out of bed and out the door. Excuses are always within reach – too hot, too cold, too dark, too tired, not feeling it.

But for years, I’ve used running and cycling to strengthen my mind. Through these activities, I practice self-discipline, goal-setting, determination, persistence, positivity, and mental strength. And I still do.

Today, I want to give you three powerful first steps to start overcoming your excuses:

1. Be selective about who you spend time with.
   Get rid of the “excusers” in your life.
   They say you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

2. Change your self-talk and be proactive.
   Tell yourself you can and you will.
   Small steps lead to small wins—celebrate them. These wins (even if only you notice them) change the way you see yourself.

3. Trust the process—and trust yourself.
   Whatever you want to do, make a plan and stick to it.
   Start small. Finish big. There’s no better way to build real confidence.

Testing your limits is fun. You absolutely deserve to do more, have more, and become more.

I’m rooting for you.

You look like someone who’s ready to conquer their excuses.

Food for Thought:

Do you allow roadblocks in your life to become your excuses?

Please read this article:

15 Motivational Quotes to Stop Making Excuses