Excuses

There's a term in psychology called rationalizing. The short definition is that rationalizing is making up "good reasons" so that people can do what they want to do.

The thing about humans is, we have reason, but we are also driven by our emotions, our feelings. Sometimes we think up "good reasons" to avoid doing something, even though we know that doing it is necessary and beneficial, simply to feel normal, healthy.

I think the number one rationalization, or excuse for anything, is "I don't have time." Maybe the next excuse in line is, "I didn't want those sour grapes anyway."

We are not all born equal in talent or ability. The only thing that is equal among all people, is the amount of time we have in the day. We all get 24 hours a day.

"I don't have time," becomes more of a belief than an excuse after repeating it over and over again. It becomes a habit to believe in a self-restricting belief that only limits oneself.

A more useful belief to have is exercise is something that could change your outlook and attitude, releases feel-great endorphins, and has benefits that carry over into all other aspects of your life. The muscle you develop and condition now, you will keep into your old age. After 50, the amount of muscle one has declines steeply with increasing age. Is mobility and independence important at 70 or 80? Yes. We all age; we are all getting older.

The best way to build strong bone is to do weight-bearing exercises. This makes the bone more dense. The old idea that cow's milk is good for bone health is myth. Weight bearing exercise + lots of broccoli and cruciferous vegetables (calcium) do the best job, not dairy products.

Training with weights is about keeping what you have--about keeping the muscle and bone you have, throughout life. Your body is your vehicle in life.

If you understand this and believe it, your brain will find a way no matter what; your brain won't need the "good reasons" that only justify easy and comfortable habits. And after doing it for a while, you don't have to believe it because you come to know it.