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Over the past five years working specifically with dads, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with thousands of them and I’ve noticed quite a few trends when it comes to why some dads are fit and some dads aren’t.
And more than anything, I’ve heard excuse after excuse why getting fit is too hard and in today’s show I’m going to share some of the most common ones; ones I’ve heard hundreds of times.
And while some may be legit reasons, most are not. And they’re keeping you fat and unhealthy!
First though, I want to share a few comments from men in our community; men who are struggling just like you.
“I can’t find the time! Secondary issue is having failed at trying to get in shape so many times I am discouraged but I am REALLY tired of being fat and tired! I want to be an awesome and fit dad for my kids and wife!”
“It’s too easy to say I don’t have the time after work and family time. In reality it’s probably just not my number one priority and not exercising just becomes a habit.”
“I have some type of mental block I think because I know what I need to do and how to go about it, but I want to eat what I want and I’m too lazy to work out. Instead I’ll use working or spending time with the kids as an excuse.”
“I guess deep down I dread the pain that comes with making improvements.”
“My commitment to a program or diet eventually stops due to something stressful and then I will eat junk food and it gets worse from there. I get very discouraged and lose any confidence I had that I can lose weight.”
I looked over the different surveys, q&a’s, and conversations I’ve had over the past few years and found the 10 most common excuses why dads aren’t fit right now.
1. Diet/eating healthy
So you have no time to shop, prep, and cook. It’s too time consuming and too expensive to eat healthy. Or you don’t know what to eat. This comes down to making your nutrition a priority. It’s THE most important aspect of getting your health in order, so stop putting it off. It’s easier to stop at Wendy’s but isn’t good enough.
2. No time to workout
Make yourself a priority. If you don’t have time, what you’re really saying is it’s not that important. Maybe its not and that’s OK, but if you want change, it HAS to be. You are the best investment you can make.
3. No energy
Our diets are horrible and our sleep is even worse and it’s no surprise we don’t have much energy. That coupled with the constant inflow of refined sugars and the subsequent highs and lows of it, make for a body (and mind) that’s just worn out.
4. Hate the gym
Find exercise you do like. Forcing yourself to go to the gym if you hate it won’t work long-term. There are plenty of ways around it. Train outside. Find a sport or hobby. Play with your kids. Being miserable isn’t conducive to getting fit.
5. Staying motivated
This comes down to a few things. Your WHY, your habits, and your environment. If you hate your job, your marriage sucks and you’re beaten down all the time, yes you’re going to struggle with motivation. Fix that shit first. In the meantime, use discipline to get the work done. There is no other way.
6. Lack of progress and quitting
Most people don’t stick with a program or diet long enough to see results. We all want instant success and marketers make us believe that’s not only possible, but easy. It isn’t. It takes a fucking shit ton of hard work and consistency to get results.
7. Cutting crap from diet
We are fueled by sugar, caffeine and processed carbohydrates and we are addicted and constantly drawn to eating more and more. Plus we have virtually unlimited access to food and often times, the less healthy it is for us, the better it tastes. That’s no accident. Don’t go cold turkey when getting off the junk, that will likely result in crushing failure, cravings, and anger.
8. Weekend/binge eating
You’re doing well all week, eating chicken and broccoli, feeling good. Then the weekend comes and you let loose. You have a few beers, some chips and salsa and a dozen (or 3) hot wings and ranch. This leads stuffing a pizza in your mouth the next day and you’re like “fuck it” I’ve ruined it all, I might as well quit. NO NO NO. You are just one meal away from changing your health. You didn’t blow up your diet because of one bad meal. You didn’t get fat with a single meal and you wont get fit with one either. It’s just one meal, it means literally nothing. Shake it off and start again.
9. Getting started
Start where you’re at not where you think you should be or what you want others to see. If you haven’t worked out in 15 years, hitting the p90x hard on day one is a bad fucking idea. Start by walking. Move more. Light exercise. Get your muscles, tendons, and ligaments prepared for training. Go light, forget the ego. Stay healthy and injury free, that’s SO important.
10. No support
This is huge and can mean the difference between success and failure. If you’re in a relationship and your significant other isn’t supportive or even negative, you will always struggle. Misery does love company. Get the fuck out of that environment. Find a support network whether it’s at work, a church group, an online community like the Inner Circle. It’s critical that you’re not alone and you know you’re not alone.
Being a single dad and knowing most of these struggles personally, I know it’s difficult. I know it’s overwhelming. And it might seem like you have no chance. But at the end of the day, they are ALL just fucking excuses. If you want this badly enough, you will make it happen regardless of your situation. And you can do it, I assure you.
And if you are finding value in the Podcast, I’d ask that you leave a 5 star rating or review on iTunes, it really does help!
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