Conversations that wind me up
“I haven’t got time to…”
… cook healthy meals
… help out with the school
… exercise
… do my stretching
And so on
5 minutes later:
“Oooh did you watch Love Island / Married at First Sight / whatever the current trashy TV happens to be.
No funnily enough. I don’t watch Love Island. In fact I don’t watch much TV. But I do manage to organise healthy meals, help out with the school, exercise intensely, occasionally do proper stretching, and run a pretty busy business. And I even (mostly) remember to take / pick up my children from wherever they’re supposed to be.
Now, I don’t possess any super human powers. But I am exceptionally clear on my purpose and my priorities.
You see, when you say you haven’t got time for x, what you’re actually saying is
“ I’m not going to prioritise x”…
Try saying it in a sentence.
- I’m not going to prioritise my healthy eating
- I’m not going to prioritise my health
Makes you think about it a bit differently, doesn’t it?
So when you’re too busy and thinking you haven’t got time for something.
Try it! And see if you’re happy with what you’re actually saying…
Are you just making excuses?
This week for me has been busier than normal. So the conversations in my head went like this:
Excuse: I’m too busy to cook.
Reframe: I’m not going to prioritise my healthy eating
Outcome: Not acceptable.
Solution: Buy ready cooked meals from Cook! Delegate! Lots of pre-prepared salads and protein.
***
Excuse: On Saturday, I’m busy all day with Child #1 so I won’t have time for training.
Reframe: I’m not going to prioritise my training
Outcome: Not acceptable
Solution: Wake up at 6 to get it done at 6:30.
***
Excuse: I’m too busy to do the ironing
Reframe: I’m not going to prioritise my ironing
Outcome: Yeah, totally acceptable. I haven’t done any ironing since the 2000s
So, whether it’s your health or the PTA that you’re too busy for, honestly, you’re just making excuses. Have a go at reframing it, but be honest with yourself. And be clear on what’s important to you.
