I have a back ache.
I really need to clean my house since my mother-in-law is coming next week.
It was a long day with the baby and I'm tired.
Those were all the excuses I gave to let myself off the hook for working tonight. Then, I remembered how much I hate when people tell me they're going to do something and then give me 100 reasons on why they didn't get it done. Aren't I making a pledge to myself every week to write?
I've never understood this concept, the whole making excuses thing. Don't get me wrong I do it too, if not for writing, than definitely for working out and eating healthy. I'd rather put razor blades under my toe nails than miss a meal. Seriously, you'd think I was starving the way I glare at my husband for saying he's not hungry, when I want Taco Bueno (mmmm...tacos). It's pretty ridiculous.
I wonder why we all feel like making excuses is better than just getting our work done and accomplishing our goals? And again, I'm including myself in that sentence. Once I get my work out or word count done, I feel so much better about my day. I do a Snoopy happy dance every time I accomplish everything on my to-do list. I go to bed feeling great about my day and with a new motivation towards the next day. But alas, it seems holding onto the euphoria is easier said than done.
So how does one hold onto that motivation to make such things as meeting a word count or working out daily a habit? How do we set aside the excuses and just get things done? Where do we go to find willpower, discipline and the desire to achieve what we obviously want?
Honestly, we have to look to ourselves. No one is going to do it for you. No one is going to make me get my butt off the recliner and onto the treadmill. No one is going to make me turn off the TV and write. No one is going to tell me to put the taco down (mostly out of fear I will tear them from limb to limb zombie style, don't mess with my tacos). I have to make up my mind and do it. I wish there was an easy fix, but there's not, so let's all (again this post is mostly about me... mostly) make a pledge to stop with the excuses and just do it (don't sue me Nike).
3 comments:
PUT THE TACO DOWN AND FACE THE COMPUTER! LOL Just Kidding.
Willpower is one of the hardest things for anyone to obtain and retain for a long period of time.
I really believe it is an ongoing battle we must fight everyday and as the saying goes: To the victors go the spoils. Nice Blog.
I hear you. I have trouble finding willpower for a lot of things, but strangely not for writing. I'd be at the computer 24/7 if it wasn't for kids, work, chores, sleep, kids...and did I say noisy kids?
= P
The only time I find it hard to write is when I've really hit a wall and I'm not making any progress. When I'm super tired or blocked and know that sitting there is truly a waste of time, then I'll go do something else - usually read. Being away from it almost always gets me to thinking about the scene, then I'll get an idea - some spark of inspiration - and then I'm back at it again.
Now if I didn't have all these other things keeping from my laptop, it might be different. But being kept from it makes it the forbidden fruit for me. ; )
Great post!
We're guaranteed success when we make an excuse to NOT do something. When we attempt anything though, there's no guarantee. We all like success - even if it comes in the form of a failure. Good thoughts!
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