Why do we all use the same excuses over and over again? Whether it is a child having trouble in school and telling us they failed their class because their teacher didn't like them or a neighbor saying he can't keep up with his yard work because his life is just too busy, or a dieter complaining that they can't succeed because they can't give up their favorite foods or they have no time to exercise. People generally blame life's problems on the excuse of not being given the opportunity.

As far as I am concerned, where there's a will there's a way and it is time to stop blaming everyone for your lack of desire to succeed. Do the work needed, find the time and make it happen! No one else can do it but you.

People put off making positive changes in their lives with off the wall excuses that really doesn't make any sense. We all have responsibilities in our lives like getting an education, working at a job and taking care of our families. If you can't take care of yourself how in world are you ever going to successful in taking care of something or someone else. No one is to blame for your lack of commitment to change but you. After all, no one has the ability to change your life but you.

There are a few things that you need to consider before you attempt to make changes in your lifestyle.

1. Want: You must want to change. Without having a want, it is basically impossible to move forward.
2. Desire: You must have a desire to make a change. For instance, if an alcoholic feels the need to quit drinking because of a health problem, the only way for them to succeed is to have the desire to stop drinking alcohol. The wanting to do it is simply not enough.

3. Educate: Once the wanting and the desire are acknowledged, then you must learn how to make the desired change. Research, reading, or searching online is a great way to get you started. Educating yourself will help you develop a plan to move forward. Without an education you will be discouraged from moving forward and the end result is you will fail.
4. Belief: Truly believing in your ability to succeed is an important step to your self improvement. Having a wanting, a desire and an education is not enough if you don't believe in yourself to succeed. Walt Disney once said, "If you can dream it, you can do it." If you lack the confidence to change your lifestyle then it is going to be a long and bumpy road to success. It takes time to have faith in your abilities, especially if you have failed in the past. In my opinion, we have failed in our past because we haven't set up a plan or educated ourselves on what we are going to do. Affirmations and positive self talk of your desires will help you to believe in yourself. This is a must before a change can be made.
5. Action: Once you have completed the processes above, you are ready to take some action. Make sure you take baby steps, keep your goals realistic, and keep track of any changes that occur. Stop and reward yourself with something non-food for your achievements. We all need positive things in our lives, even if it locking the bathroom door and taking a hot relaxing bath, buying yourself something to make you feel good or just finding some alone time. If you find yourself unhappy with something in your life, you are the only one who can take the time to make the changes you desire. No one ever said that change was easy. Change can even very challenging in our lives. But once you start taking the baby steps toward a healthy lifestyle, these new habits will seem like a walk in the park. We are all motivated by the desire for happiness or avoiding pain. It is true, what one person may think is wonderful may be painful or uncomfortable for someone else. An example, if you view exercise as painful, you won't want to do it. However, if you view exercise as a healthy activity that reduces your stress, increases your metabolism to lose weight, tones your muscles, helps with your self esteem and makes you feel like a million bucks then you are will try to make this activity a healthy habit.

You and only you can decide your future. You must sketch out your future so that you can live your life to the fullest.

Change is very positive when it reinforces your life. To change just for the sake of change is a waste of your time. Create a plan with priorities and follow it through to the end. You'll be wondering why it took you so long to make the changes that now make your life healthy and wonderful.

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