What EXACTLY are you Getting out of It?

If you're fat, broke, or your relationships stink, why don't you stop and ask yourself just what it is that you are getting out of that situation that causes you to stay there year after year?

Before you seriously consider these concepts, however, put your Excuse Hat in the closet and lock the door, because your excuses are what have powered your ability to get to where you presently are in life. If you want things to change, then your excuses need to go away!

Stop traveling on the road to Nowhere!!
Photo Credit: Gavin Wilson
All of us living the 3-dimensional existence here on planet Earth have dreams, aspirations, goals, etc., and sometimes we even make a consistent effort to see them realized. However, more often than not, people refuse to consistently do what it takes to effect long-term, positive changes in their lives. As a result, they mindlessly stay on a road that leads nowhere, in a car they don't even want to be in, surrounded by people they would just as soon leave at the next rest stop.

What EXACTLY are you getting out of that type of situation??

Sure, it's easy to just sit back and know that you want to lose weight, make more money, or be in better relationships, but why not take a more active role in your own happiness by simply asking yourself: "What am I getting out of the fact that this area of my life isn't what I want it to be?"

If you're Fat

If you are, and you're offended right now, then that should be a huge red flag that you aren't getting what you want out of your level of health and fitness.

Do you like how it feels to hide your body behind clothes that disguise your curves? Do you like the fact that you see people every single day who have the type of body that you want to have? Do you like the fact that your self esteem and your self confidence take a hit every time you look in the mirror? Do you like the fact that other people have something that you want, but have been unable to attain?

Unless you can answer yes to those types of questions, then what exactly is it that is stopping you from taking the consistent, long-term steps necessary to lose weight? Don't forget – the excuses are locked in a closet right now.

For most people, that will leave them with nothing to say in their defense, because excuses are all that they have been putting their back against for all of these years.

If you're Broke

Money might not buy happiness, but it sure does buy plenty of opportunities and freedoms that allow us to do the things that cause happiness in our lives. If you've been struggling with finances, what exactly is it that you are enjoying so much about that struggle that causes you to keep doing it?

Do you like never having the money to do the things you want to do? Do you like worrying about whether or not you are going to have enough money to pay your bills? Do you like creditors and bill collectors calling you? Do you like seeing other people with the material goods or experiences that you want to have, yet you can't have because you're broke?

Unless you can answer yes to those types of questions, then what is stopping you from cleaning up your finances, and finding abundance in your life? With your excuses firmly locked away in the closet, the only thing you should be thinking right now is: "You're right! It's time to finally make changes after all these years!"

If you're Relationships Stink

You may not feel that it is within your power to magically bring Mr. or Mrs. Right into your life, but you can control whether or not you stay with your present significant other, or whether or not your present relationship includes the experiences that you want to have.

Do you enjoy having someone in your life who doesn't treat you the way that you want to be treated? Do you enjoy feeling like you are trapped in a relationship that you don't want to be in? Do you enjoy fantasizing about a person or a relationship that is a far cry from where you are right now? Do you enjoy clocking off the precious, limited amount of hours in your life while having a relationship status that does not bring you joy?

Unless you can answer yes to those types of questions, then why exactly is it that you don't make the hard decisions or take the appropriate action in order to change your circumstances? With your excuses locked away in the closet, it may very well be time to start taking massive action in order to safeguard your own happiness.


Were the examples that were given blunt, and to the point? You bet they were, because that is exactly what people need to hear! The B.S. politically correct atmosphere that our world is enshrouded in does nothing but help people feel better about the fact that they aren't willing to do what it takes to improve their lives.

So, what are you going to do now? Will you continue to be fat, broke, or unhappy in your relationships, or will you leave the excuses safely locked away in the closet and start taking control over your life?

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  • Jo Anne,

    Each of us is in charge of our own destiny, so although I may have been the motivation, it is you who has to get off your butt and make it happen! :)

    Enjoy the journey, Jo Anne!
  • You are right about the "Excuse Hat" I've been making excuses so I dont have to get off my butt and do what is right..thanks for this information it really motivated me..
  • Oh, Steve...You got a laugh there!

    When my ex-husband and I did the Body For Life challenge some years ago, we got into amazing shape, and our poor concerned Mother (-in-law for me) really thought we were too skinny...she kept saying we were making ourselves sick, and that we should EAT!!!

    So, there is more than just denial here - there are cultural beliefs attached to eating, as well as a bit of love entangled in there, and who knows what else.

    I know that Aaron was addressing the issue of people knowing full well that they were doing themselves harm (or at least avoiding doing what they know and believe they should), and just not bothering to make theffort to make things better.

    S :)
  • Steve,

    That's a great example of how our culture reinforces habits that - although well-meaning - are not always in the best interest of the individuals.

    I have often thought about that specifically with regard to the Italian lifestyle. I LOVE Italian food, but I could never live in a culture like that because I'd be as big as a house!

    Thanks for the comment, Steve, and congrats on getting your new site up and running! :)

    - Aaron
  • Hi Aaron/Shauna,

    The whole fat discussion got me thinking.... I mean I'm not a fat guy to begin with but I get the opposite quite a bit. My Italian parents will say,

    "Steve, you're so thin! You're shrinking! Are you sick? You should eat something."

    I just tell them, "I'm lean" and that "I'm perfect the way I am." Italians must think that eating is the same as breathing.

    Great post btw,

    Steve
    PS - I'm back online with a new personal development website, www.freedomeducation.ca
  • It's all good, Patricia! If I had a dollar for every time I spelled something different than the norm, I could certainly pay a proofreader! ;)

    Your comments are always welcome, Patricia. No correct spelling necessary!
  • I love your straightforwardness.

    I inspired myself and changed tough into taugh... things that happen with 2nd languages... but shouldn't ;)
  • Thanks for the positive feedback, Patricia, and I have zero problem with admitting that Yes, I AM getting tougher!

    After 3 years as a personal trainer and 2 years writing about personal development, I have learned that without exception excuses will get you nowhere.

    Anyone who wants to hide behind their excuses should not be reading this blog! ;)
  • Hey,

    Aaron: excellent article, as usual. I agree with Shauna on the taugher reflection. I just hope you are not getting taugher inside. (You don't need to answer this).

    Shauna,

    I could have written what you wrote. Word by word. Except that the not-so-perfect relationship I am in at the moment don't include some of the items in your list.
    Thanks for having written it. You helped me reflect.

    Love,
    Patricia
  • Shauna,

    You simply could not have chosen a better way to word that!!

    ...I simply could not feed the denial...


    That is exactly what so many other people do, and your ex-mother-in-law had a rare honest person in her presence when you said that. It's like that old joke:

    Patient: Doc, it works when I do this.
    Doctor: Then don't do that!

    Good for you to lead with honesty, Shauna!
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