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How to Take Control and Find Solutions

Updated: Aug 5, 2020



Have you ever wondered why some people can succeed while others get stuck?

What if I told you that you 100% have what it takes to take control of your life and find solutions to your problems?

My problem was small, by all things considered, but the steps I used to overcome my problem are the same for issues of all sizes.

Last week, California was ordered to "shelter in place". Once I got the kids set up for virtual school I was pretty set to hunker in place except for my workouts. I LOVE the gym. I have tried for years to exercise at home but can never find the motivation. Last week, every day I told myself I would work out from home. Out of those seven days, I worked out once. Yup, that's right, just one time.

My Problem: I needed to workout.

My Excuses (Objectives):

  1. Gyms are closed.

  2. I felt overwhelmed by all the YouTube workout videos.

  3. I did not like the instructor or music.

  4. I did not have time.

  5. I did not want to pay for a virtual workout program.


I could go on with a list of excuses for why I did not work out and why I would not be able to keep up with my fitness goals while we are in shelter in place.


"I look at my excuses as a way to find solutions to my problem."

My Problem: I needed to workout.

My Solutions:

1. Gyms closed (Excuse)

a) Solution: I can go for a run or bike ride

i. Last time I went for a run, my joints hurt for a week (Excuse)

- Solution: I could take supplements

ii. I don't have the right supplements and would have to order online (Excuse: sometimes you can't find a solution)

2. I felt overwhelmed by all the YouTube workout videos (Excuse)

a) Solution: I can ask for recommendations on Facebook

b) Solution: I can look up the most popular videos

i. I did not like the instructor or music (Excuse)

- Solution: I can skim through videos to see if I like the music and the instructor

- Solution: I can make a list of my favorite videos, so I have a list to reference


3. I did not have time (Excuse)

a) Solution: I can get up early

b) Solution: I can lay my clothes out the night before

c) Solution: I can make a schedule, so I don't have to think about what class I want to do

d) Solution: I can work out after the kids go to bed


4. I did not want to pay for a virtual workout program (Excuse)

a) Solution: Find it for free

b) Solution: Find a group of friends to work out with virtually to hold myself accountable

"I used my excuse as a platform to look for solutions."

After I went through my excuses, I found a solution that I think will work: