How To Break Down Barriers and Obstacles
Making a conscious and constant effort to live healthfully takes a mindset change - a certain outlook if you will. While attending a conference about 10 years ago, a fitness professional named Susan Cantwell introduced me to the distinction between barriers and obstacles. This can be very useful when trying to justify eating well and exercising. Let's look at some examples of each.
Barriers:
These are absolute and legitimate reasons why you are unable to adhere to a workout program (to be honest, I can't think of a single "barrier" for eating healthily). I should probably mention right off the bat that barriers are few and far-between. They include;
- Work/family/faith commitments. Most of us have to work. We can't really exercise during this time. Many also have other family and religious commitments that take up time and in many cases, we can't engage in meaningful healthy habits during these times (although you can to some extent with family time).
- A serious injury or a very stressful situation or tragedy or some sort can also legitimately pull people off track. You may have to put off exercise for a bit under these circumstances.
Obstacles:
These are situations that take up time and or energy and the category under which most rationalizations fall. Here are some examples;
- Too tired
- Not motivated
- Have an injury/aches/"owies"
- No time to grocery shop, get to the gym, etc.
- Don't like salads or healthy foods
In essence, obstacles are those situations that can be overcome with the right mindset and proper planning.
Taking Action
This starts with a change in perception. Most people perceive obstacles as barriers. Those who live healthy lifestyles tend to see barriers as obstacles and obstacles as challenges that are easily overcome.
The best way to tackle roadblocks is to first determine if it is a barrier or an obstacle. In almost every case, you will find that what you are up against is an obstacle. From there, it is important to remind yourself of why you are doing this. Remind yourself of how great it feels when you are exercising or what amazing things a salad will do for your body.
To summarize: Almost all perceived barriers are easily surmountable obstacles. Choose to conquer those obstacles!
The most important thing you wrote was the last sentence "Choose to conquer those obstacles" I believe it is that easy. Thanks for that post
ReplyIt's interesting how people manage to find the time to do other things, like say fun things or easy things like TV watching, but cannot find the time to hit the gym or eat sensibly. For people who can't go to the gym legitimately, there are many exercises that can be done at home or via an exercise dvd.
If you want it, you'll do it. End of story.
ReplyGood distinction. I like that. Although I have another word for these so called "Obstacles" ... EXCUSES!
The word "obstacle" can give my clients a justifiable reason to not do the workout, or not ear right. But when you label them for what they really are, (whiny excuses), you can flip the tables on em and get them to do work!
ReplyVery good article & like Mike, I love the last comment: Almost all perceived barriers are easily surmountable obstacles. Choose to conquer those obstacles! And as FJ said, many are just excuses to not do it. I have been tired, lack of time even injured.. but as long as the injury allows me to do other things than I do what I can to work around it.
As for food, there are many ways to spice up food so give it a try. Your taste buds will be used to the high fat, high sugar so it takes time to change this... have patience!
ReplyA great article making a simple point we all know. Excuses are just excuses! To the list of obstacles I would need to add 'people'. Plenty of times I have had friends (who dont exercise) suggest a coffee/drink/chat instead of my work out. These are my hardest obstacles to get around. :) Kellie
Replyi have come to realize that you can mutter all the excuses you want but that is not going to make you more fit. that realization alone should be motivation- on top of that, as i stare in the mirror while i tuck my sheets on my bed- i see what i want to conquer much more than any obstical could stop me: cellulite!! take a good look in the mirror and remind yourself why "obsticals" are merely excuses that anyone could over come... isn't that the purpose of this site??
ReplySo called 'barriers' or 'obstacles' are simply a matter of perception. Having a family or a job or other commitments is not a barrier to exercising or eating well, it is simply a cop out. Even injuries don't have to stand in the way. While you may have to change your regular routine to accommodate abilities, an injured person can usually still do some form of activity. Let's remember Terry Fox. the young man that ran a marathon every day on ONE leg to raise money for cancer research.
As far as being too tired, or unmotivated I agree with FJ! Sometimes people just have to 'suck it up'!
ReplyIt's all about priorities. Lots of people prioritize their jobs, their TV watching, their kids, etc., but if you make exercise a priority, you'll find a way to fit it in to your schedule. Get up an hour earlier, work out WHILE your favorite show is on, get a sitter for an hour so your kids are out of your hair, etc. There's a way around just about every obstacle out there; it's just that people don't WANT to work out, so they come up with excuses why they can't. As far as not liking veggies, those people drive me crazy. My brother in law eats like a three year old--mac and cheese, pizza, chicken nuggets, NO veggies whatsoever. My theory on that one is that if you hate veggies, you haven't had them prepared the right way. There's a way to make EVERY vegetable tasty and not all of them involve adding cheese/butter/cream/etc. Roasted broccoli is insanely delicious!
ReplyI think it's all about how much you really want it. When I started exercising (not just an occasional bike or walk), I had to really use will power and force myself to the gym. Now, unless there are REAL obstacles (time commitments, etc.), I go, because I'm in the habit, and won't be comfortable if I don't.
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