We've all been there - battling with our inner couch potato, struggling to motivate ourselves to do the things we know are good for us. As a yoga teacher, I've heard a wide array of excuses from my yogis, and some of them are really creative. It's a human thing; we all have our preferred excuse repertoire, whether it's skipping yoga, or, in my case, neglecting my bicycle. In this blog, we're going to scrutinise the hilarious world of excuse-making and, more importantly, explore what stops us from doing things that make us feel alive, energised, and utterly fantastic.

The Excuse Extravaganza: I present you with a bouquet 💐 of excuses that we all familiar with:

1. "I'm too busy": Ah, the classic. In our hectic lives, it's all too easy to prioritise tasks, deadlines, and Netflix marathons over the activities that nourish our bodies and souls.

2. "I'll start tomorrow": Tomorrow, the mythical land where our motivation magically resides. We've all made countless promises to our future selves.

3. "I don't have the right gear": Excuse-makers often believe that they need the perfect outfit, equipment, or setting to start. But let's be real, a worn-out yoga mat or an old bicycle still do the job.

4. "I'm too tired": This one's a killer. It's astonishing how a comfy couch can become a magnetic force field when exhaustion hits.

5. "The weather's not ideal": For cyclists, weather is the ultimate scapegoat. It's either too hot, too cold, too windy, or too something else.

6. "I'll never be as good as [insert pro athlete's name]": The comparison trap. We convince ourselves that we can't start because we won't instantly reach pro-level performance.

7. "I have too many responsibilities": Life responsibilities can be overwhelming, but making time for self-care can help us handle those duties with greater ease.

8. "I'm just not feeling it today": We expect to feel the same level of enthusiasm every day, and if it's not there, we simply give up.

.

The Self-Sabotage Conundrum: So, what's really stopping us from doing the things we love or that we know are beneficial for us? It's a mixture of human quirks and a dash of self-sabotage.

1. Fear of discomfort: We often avoid things that require effort, like getting up early for yoga or tackling that first hill on a bike ride. But it's precisely these challenges that make us feel alive afterward.

2. Instant gratification vs. long-term benefits: Our brains are wired to seek immediate rewards. It's hard to choose yoga or cycling over Netflix and a bag of crisps.

3. Perfectionism: We set unrealistically high standards for ourselves and get discouraged when we don't meet them. Remember, even the pros started as beginners.

4. Lack of self-compassion: We're often our harshest critics. Learning to be kind to ourselves, even when we falter, can make a world of difference.

Overcoming the Excuse Epidemic: Now, let's get to the good part – how to overcome the art of excuse-making and start enjoying the things that make us feel fantastic:

1. Embrace the imperfect: Acknowledge that nobody's perfect, and that's perfectly okay. A messy yoga session or a wobbly cycling start is part of the journey.

2. Set realistic goals: Make small, achievable goals that lead to your bigger aspiration. Progress is a powerful motivator.

3. Make it fun: Infuse joy and excitement into your activities. Play your favourite music during yoga or plan scenic bike routes to keep things interesting.

4. Find accountability: Share your goals with a friend or hire a trainer. Having someone to support and motivate you can work wonders.

6. Schedule it: Block out time in your calendar for your chosen activity, just like you would for an important meeting.

Conclusion: We're all guilty of making excuses, but we're also capable of overcoming them. It's essential to recognise the humour in our own excuse-making artistry and find the willpower to prioritise the activities that make us feel alive, energised, and happy. So, let's laugh at ourselves, shrug off the excuses, and embark on our journeys to better health and happiness, one yoga pose or bike ride at a time. Remember, life is too short not to enjoy the things that truly make you feel alive!

Please share my blogs with anyone you think might be interested.

Join the FACEBOOK GROUP for more blogs and discussions about yoga and how it transforms your life physically, emotionally and spiritually.