The clothes fall to the floor, exposing bare skin. The breath is sucked in and held as first one foot then the other steps onto the scale. Dread, remorse, and shame rise while waiting for the number to register. Frustration and disappointment follow beginning the barrage of self-criticism and resolutions to do better. Goals are set, a plan is made. Intentions and motivation are high. For a short time all efforts are successful. Until one day when the stress is too much and the lack of time cause a revert to old habits like fast food or skipping exercise. Though self-promises are made for the slip to be a one time thing, it's not. Eventually, all efforts are surrender in a hopeless fit of disgust.
While the example is weight loss, this same pattern can be seen when it comes to behavioral change in just about all areas of life. The three biggest that I see with clients are health, finances and relationships. Time is the strongest excuse for self-sabotaging goals. Here are the top three ways people use time as an excuse and how to excuse bust each one.
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