“Anything rewarding is challenging.”

-Rebecca Pacheco, Do Your Om Thing

It’s time for some tough love…

One of my biggest pet peeves is when people make excuses for things they can control.

• If you have a problem with someone, speak up.
• If you want to wake up earlier, go to bed earlier.
• If you want to move to another city, start applying for jobs there.
• If you want to learn a new language, download an app like DuoLingo.  
• If you want to go to the gym before work, set your alarm and actually wake up.
• If you want to understand the practice of yoga beyond the poses, pick up a book.
• If you want to lose weight, start being more aware of the food you’re putting in your body.
• If you want to change your negative thought patterns, research and try different mindfulness practices.

I don’t care what your usual excuse is, just stop using it and start making a change.

I know you’re probably thinking 2 things:

1. Damn, that’s harsh, Cheryl.
2. It’s not that simple.

It might be harsh, but it’s a truth we all need to hear sometimes.

And, it really is that simple.

Now, I am fully aware of the fact that each of the examples I included are not easy or small tasks to take on. They are huge challenges and scary commitments. BUT, they are situations you can control and they are possible if you put in the time and effort to stop holding yourself back.

One of my favorite lines from the Broadway musical, Hamilton is sung by Aaron Burr. He says “I am the one thing in life I can control.” I love this because it serves as a reminder that you are the only one who can hold yourself back and you are the only one who can create the life we both know you deserve.

So today, stop hiding behind your excuses and start taking action.

You deserve the life you know you can have, but you have to put in the work to make it a reality.