
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):
Gyms are closed.
I felt overwhelmed by all the YouTube workout videos.
I did not like the instructor or music.
I did not have time.
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:
