It's lunch time and you're watching a well-deserved episode of Friends while you're eating...and then it becomes two episodes...three...and next thing you know it's been a two hour lunch and you can not find it within yourself to move from that spot.
You really need to do the laundry. But. Meh. The only thing that will wrench you from the soft cuddly embrace of your couch is nature's call that must be answered or the pizza delivery guy because you've been sitting there so long it's almost time for your next meal.
Doing things can be hard. Even if it only takes a short amount of time.
That 30 minute workout right after work before heading home.
Taking 15 minutes the night before to pack yourself a healthy lunch instead of going through the drive-thru on your lunch break.
Getting off of your phone a half hour before bed time so you actually sleep at a decent hour and wake up without being groggy and moody.
Doing the dishes so you can actually wash your hands at the sink (yes I've had this problem before. Not proud).
None of those things take much time, but we tend to give ourselves reasons why it's okay to skip them or push them off.
You had a long day at work, just finished dinner, and you are ready to plop on the couch and sink into your book. You'll pack your lunch after you're done with the next chapter, though (repeat 10 times).
It's the weekend and you worked 60 hours this past week so you're going to spend the entire day playing your favorite video game because you deserve to just chill. You'll workout on Monday.
We have so many rationalizations for why we don't need to do the things right now that we actually should just do. Right now.
How often do we put things off until we are put into a position where we HAVE to do something about it?
You have nothing to wear so you finally do laundry.
You have no silverware to eat with so you do *some* dishes.
Family is coming to visit so you finally vacuum for the first time in 3 months.
You're pre-diabetic so you start eating healthier.
You're 75 pounds overweight so you start trying to workout.
We really shouldn't let ourselves get to these points before we wake up and take control of our lives. Because that's really what it is-either we're living intentionally or we're letting life flow on by and whatever happens happens.
Which is it going to be for you?
Here are a few methods you can try to use to get yourself to do that thing you really don't feel like doing:
Put your why in front you where you can see it-whether it's a picture of your family, a place you want to go on vacation, a pair of jeans you want to fit into- put it where you're going to see it as a reminder of why you need to get up and do!
Set a timer and put your phone out of sight-If you need to focus on some work or a school project set a timer on your phone for 15-30 minutes, put it somewhere out of sight, and just work until that timer goes off. Then take a break or move on to the next thing. At least you got solid time in without distractions. I do this one myself and it really helps. Sometimes I end up working past the timer because I've hit a groove.
Find someone to hold you accountable-get yourself an accountability partner whether it's a friend, your mom, a partner, or a coach. Have someone hold you to what you say you are going to do and to encourage you in your endeavor.
Use the 5 second rule- Mel Robbins knows what's up. She came up with this method to get your butt up and moving based on how the brain works.
"The 5 Second Rule: The moment you have an instinct to act on a goal you must 5–4–3–2–1 and physically move or your brain will stop you.” —Mel Robbins
When the idea pops in your head that you have time to get your lunch ready for work tomorrow count down from 5 then physically get up and do it before your brain talks you out of it.
(if you'd like to know more about this really cool concept visit https://melrobbins.com/the-5-second-rule/)
Usually once you get moving it's much easier to keep going. Getting started is half the battle!
What tips or tricks do you have on how to get yourself to do that thing you just really don't feel like doing? Let me know in a comment!
If you need help getting started on tackling your health and wellness goals I got you! Hit me up at jlfit360@gmail.com!
