I’ve been journaling my efforts based on the five building blocks. I catch myself wanting to embellish what I record. Seriously!? What’s the point of that? Who do I think I’m fooling? I know when I’m looking for a distraction and consider climbing the stairs as cardio. I’m very creative when it comes to passing anything off as cardio.

Recording my efforts have resulted in some realizations. I feel awkward sitting here and typing this; I am outing myself in writing, no more denial. The overarching theme; I make excuses. There it is, the truth, staring at me.

My life is not routine at the moment. Excuse #1. Would it make a difference if I scheduled exercise into my calendar? Would I see the reminder on my phone and follow through?

Every day is different. Excuse #2. Yet there are still 24 hours in the day, and surely I could find the time for a workout that usually can be done in under 60 minutes. I’m aware of how much time I spend online and am working to reduce time spent surfing online and chatting. When watching TV, I try to do stretching rather than just sitting and staring mindlessly at the screen.

Is awareness the first step to changing habits?

Mornings would be a great time to exercise. True, but, Vodka goes outside (which means in and out a hundred times) for the first hour of the morning, and I have to tend to him. Excuse #3. Yes, my cat runs my life at times. Not a complete waste of time though, I spend this time having breakfast and making a to-do list for the day.

Whenever I catch myself using the word ‘but’ I know I’m making excuses.

The gym. The people at the gym are great, and I feel great when I go. Why don’t I go more often? It’s not far. I have a car. I think I’m just weird and can always find something to do at home that takes priority. Excuse #4.

Searching for employment takes time and must be done a little every day. Excuse #5. Also true, yet only needs about an hour per day. Unless I find multiple roles I’m interested in and spend time researching companies before applying.

Masterful at creative excuses is what I am. Now that I’ve called myself out on this creativity, will it change?

I did manage to go for walks, do my arm routine, some squats and stretching a few times this week. So all in all, I did some exercises. Although I notice I’m selective and do the things that I like or feel comfortable for me. There is progress; I am getting stronger. I’ve increased the weight that I’m using. I’ve not given up completely; I just make things more challenging than they need to be.

I seem to have expectations of myself that I feel I’m not meeting. I’m the person who always says; expectations lead to disappointment. Time to reframe my thinking and give myself credit for what I am doing.

Hoping that this self-awareness helps me to bypass the excuse generator.

Managing stress, living mindfully and having balanced nutrition have been intertwined and less of my focus this week. Feeling more confident about my resume and cover letters helps.

Tailbone issues are ongoing. Still feeling tight and stiff. Reading the YNY exercise program book, the warm-ups each have a why bother section. These address issues I relate to all too well. Tight hips, muscle imbalance, shoulder issues. That’s me in a nutshell. Here’s a thought, do the warm-ups daily. Ideally in the mornings while Vodka does his outdoor routine.

This week it’s time to prepare the yard for winter and cook. Knowing that I’ll be working the next two weeks, I’ve got to focus on having meals ready, so I have no reason to make excuses. Going to make time for the gym this week too.

Ciao!