What’s stopping you from accomplishing the big goals you have set for yourself? It’s important to know your “go to” hindrances/ excuses in order to remove them from your path.
Tweet ThisIdentifying these obstacles can help you figure out if they are real or excuses.
As I continue to use Leo Babauta’s method of using streamlined focus to develop lasting habits, I am analyzing my next goal- Exercising Early Each Weekday Morning.
I want to understand why I haven’t been able to successfully adopt this habit in the past.
Usually my eyes first open between 5:30 and 6. Yet I only rise around 6:15. What have been my reasons or excuses for not waking at 5:45 and working out until 6:15?
This is what I came up with for what’s stopping me.
Problem # 1: Going to bed too early
Sometimes I go to bed too EARLY. Yes, there is such a thing. Lucky me :-P. That leads to waking between 3-4 am, then falling back asleep, effectively restarting my sleep cycle. By 5:45 am I don’t want to wake up voluntarily to work out.
Solution: Go to bed no earlier than 10 pm. This allows me to have 1 regular 7-8 hr sleep cycle.
Problem # 2: Waking at Night to Pee
Due to my increased water intake, I get up a couple times per night for bathroom breaks. This also disturbs and resets my sleep cycle.
Solution: Time my fluid intake so I stop drinking hours before bedtime.
Problem # 3: Feeling Lazy
No description needed ☺
Solution: Just do it. Many times motivation comes after action and results, not before.
Problem # 4: Distraction
Distraction is a big obstacle for me. I’ll decide to just peep at my email or favorite websites when I wake. Next thing I know, the half hour has passed.
Solution: Prohibit checking the phone until after I have exercised. Use that as a reward at the end of the session.
Problem # 5: Lack of Consistency
I’ll start off super motivated and lose steam after a week or so.
Solution: Implementing all the above solutions.
This has been such a helpful exercise for me.
I now have specific strategies and solutions that I can apply to help me to develop this habit of exercising. In fact, it was so helpful to me; I’ll do this sort of analysis for all the upcoming habits from my back log!
If you have been struggling to implement healthy habits, I highly suggest that you try this exercise.
It just may help you identify the underlying reasons you are having a hard time being consistent.
Try it and let me know your results!
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