{"id":2148,"date":"2011-09-12T12:01:13","date_gmt":"2011-09-12T16:01:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/lessonsfromarecoveringdoormat\/?p=2148"},"modified":"2011-09-08T23:37:06","modified_gmt":"2011-09-09T03:37:06","slug":"rationales-that-don%e2%80%99t-serve-you-well","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/lessonsfromarecoveringdoormat\/2011\/09\/rationales-that-don%e2%80%99t-serve-you-well.html","title":{"rendered":"Rationales that Don\u2019t Serve You Well"},"content":{"rendered":"

A lot of lessons come to me when I\u2019m running. This week I recognized how easy it is to rationalize not doing something that\u2019s good for you. I hadn\u2019t been running much when the hot weather or heavy rains made it hard. That\u2019s legitimate. I try to power walk during those times. This week I got up early when the temps and humidity were down. I\u2019d power walked for a few miles the two nights before so my legs were a bit tired. And it\u2019s a little harder for me when I haven\u2019t run for over a week.<\/p>\n

As I entered the park I felt tired. My thoughts gravitated to cutting the run short. After all, I\u2019d done exercise the last few days. Why tax my legs so much? Then I thought about the weather forecast and knew this might be the only run I\u2019d have for many days. Yes, I was tired, but I know how good cardio is for me. I always give myself permission to stop early if I get too tired or overheated, but rarely need to. As I ran, I thought about how good cardio is for me.<\/p>\n

Yes, I had a good excuse for cutting my run short. But then I\u2019d miss out on the benefits I get from running. It\u2019s good for my heart, actually raises my energy when I do it first thing in the morning, burns calories, and makes me feel good doing it. I decided I love me enough not to allow my rationales to cut my run short. Then I thought about how easy it is to find reasons not to do something you need to do or that\u2019s good for you.<\/p>\n

Just because you can find a good excuse for not doing something, try to overcome it with reasons why you should do it. Rationales can trigger and feed procrastination. Fight them! For example:<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0You should get your taxes done but it\u2019s been a long week and you\u2019d rather have a clear head to do it. Your head may never be clear enough to do it, especially if your sleep is disrupted by stress over knowing you need to do it. Just get it done, even if it takes a little longer. You\u2019ll feel better if you do!<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0You\u2019re overdue for a doctor\u2019s visit to get something bothering you checked out but the doctor\u2019s hours are inconvenient or you feel like it\u2019s not the right time. Make the appointment! Concern about having a problem can also create fear of learning you have a major problem. That can stimulate all sorts of reasons not to go. Find out so you can heal. Ignoring health problems doesn\u2019t make them go away but often makes them worse.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0You know you need to end it with your romantic partner but have a wedding and other things you planned to go to with him or her. End it now! Staying with someone you know you shouldn\u2019t be with takes it\u2019s toll on you in ways you might not recognize until you do leave. It\u2019s stressful and unsatisfying. Just end it! Don\u2019t rationalize the unfinished business you have. The only unfinished business is the break up.<\/p>\n

When you begin to rationalize why you should or shouldn\u2019t do something, ask yourself the benefits of doing it. Focus on how good you\u2019ll feel knowing you did what you didn\u2019t want to do. Make the call. Clean the apartment. Find a new job. Go to the gym. Do whatever it is you know you should, without trying to find reasons to put it off. Taking control is empowering!
\n*********************<\/p>\n

Take the self-love challenge<\/strong><\/a> and get my book, How Do I Love Me? Let Me Count the Ways<\/a><\/strong> for free at http:\/\/howdoiloveme.com<\/a>. And you can post your loving acts HERE<\/a><\/strong> to reinforce your intention to love yourself. Read my 31 Days of Self-Love Posts HERE<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Please leave comments under my posts so we can stay connected.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A lot of lessons come to me when I\u2019m running. This week I recognized how easy it is to rationalize not doing something that\u2019s good for you. I hadn\u2019t been running much when the hot weather or heavy rains made it hard. That\u2019s legitimate. I try to power walk during those times. 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Daylle's books have been translated into over 10 languages and are popular around the world. She speaks for colleges, organizations and corporations. Through her company, Project Self-Empowerment, Daylle creates programs and materials to help people empower themselves. One goal is to raise the money to self-publish her book, How Do I Love Me? Let Me Count the Ways and give it away for free in colleges and through organizations, to give thanks for all her blessings. 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