All the Reasons Why You Can't

For a time last year I used to train double Bikram yoga classes every other day on M, W, and F to get 6 practices in week, and that worked for quite a few months until I decided to try some other styles of yoga. In addition to that my schedule keeps changing.....or should I say that I have so many options to change my schedule, on the days I do decide to double up I find myself weighing the pros and cons during my first class debating whether or not I should stay for the second practice.....as if I've given myself a choice to change my mind. It's fine not to train "extra" but that's not really the point.

It occured to me during one of these self debates that for every reason I came up with to bail I had a reason to stay. By the time my first class was over I had realized that for every reason I felt I was justified in using to leave was the exact reason why I couldn't.

Here is some of my inner dialogue:

But I don't have the time.

Well, you shouldn't have committed then. Besides you had the time earlier, now all of a sudden you have better things to do?

I do have better things to do.

Really? Like what? Shopping? (lol)

But I could take a shower, get done early and runs some errands. I know by the time I'm done I'll be too tired to do anything else.

Errands can wait.....and who cares is you're showered?

But I didn't bring any food with me and I'll have to go home first.

Well, you should have thought about that. You had plenty of time to grab something before you left, instead you spent to much time on the computer, or too much time doing things less important and now you think you have a choice.

But I don't need to do two yoga classes.

Well, then you shouldn't put it into your schedule. Make peace with it and don't commit or do what you say you're going to do. No one else cares how much yoga you do, you don't do it for anyone else.

I don't like this teacher.

Well then too bad! You don't like this teacher because she's making the class harder, the exact reason why you need to stay....quit being a weenie.

You exercise too much anyway.

Really? Since when do you consider improving your practice, something that makes you feel good, "exercise"?

Walking is better, you should have gone for a walk.

Again, then you should schedule a walk instead. Don't flake out on your commitment.

No time? Make time.

No energy? Training gives you energy....and a sense of accomplishment.

It's too hard. It's harder not doing it!

It's not really making a difference. It is if you don't do it. You are not getting younger, stronger or healthier, in fact the opposite. Older, weaker and more open to sickness.

Too many options? Don't give yourself the option.

Better things to do? There's nothing better than good health and feeling more fit and strong.

Instead of thinking of all the reasons you can't think of all the reasons you can, you will, you must....besides, you want to!