Chuck made the decision last year to no longer eat at fast food restaurants. His reward: One loaded burger a month anywhere he chooses. He reports that it was difficult at first as he was always on the road for his job. But, in a few months, he learned how to prepare some amazing to-go meals at home and cut his food budget in half. He also dropped 15 lbs. His wife is now “on board” too. They will use the money they’ve saved ($20/week x 50 weeks x 2 people = $2000) to take a trip to New York City this fall.
Kathy is fighting a serious chronic illness. Rather than focus exclusively on her treatment, she writes a thank you note every day to someone who needs to know they have made a difference in her life. She even had a post card printed up with a personal message. She not only enjoys this daily ritual, she feels an immense sense of gratitude herself and a far greater connection with family and friends. Though she doesn’t have the energy she wishes, she is having a tremendous impact on those around her.
Two years ago, Tim began the practice of reaching out to every LinkedIn contact to ask two simple questions: “How are you doing these days?” And “How can I help you?” When he lost his job last December he had 500 friends on the lookout for him. He was re-employed in just a few weeks.
Denise’s family rule is that no one is permitted to watch TV, play video games, use their smartphones, or stream media, until they have done at least 30 minutes of exercise. These days, her family is healthier, more active and connected. This summer they are planning a hiking trip together in the Rocky Mountains.
In Fire Your Excuses we introduce the idea of the “Excuse GameChanger,” a single decision or group of small, often simple actions, that make a significant difference in a certain excuse area of your life.
What “Excuse GameChanger” do you need to apply this coming summer? Here are five tips to help you achieve your goals and to make them stick:
1. Don’t go it alone. The success of many above was due to the fact that they made their change as a family. Do the same or find a friend or two who are willing to make the change with you.
2. Start Small: The Book of James says “…a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong.” You can always increase your actions once you have a bit of success under your belt.
3. Consider a “test change.” Make a behavioral change for just a month. Could you go a month without fast food? Most likely it wouldn’t be too hard, especially if you did it with others.
4. Hone in on one target. Consider which of the eight life excuse areas needs the most attention and start there. If you need to determine which one is the best place to start, click here to join the hundreds who have taken the free Fire Your Excuses Self-Assessment and receive a 20-page personalized report detailing your highest and lowest excuse areas.
5. Tell others what you are doing. There is nothing like accountability to insure your continued success. And, let us know what you are doing too. We’ll be happy to cheer you on!
Be well,
Dr. Bill and Dr. Marcus
Fire Your Excuses™ is delighted to be able to support World Vision’s Well Projects by donating 10% of all gross income to assist the people of Malawi, Africa, with clean water. When you enroll in a Fire Your Excuses™ coaching program, attend one of our seminars, or order our book, you are also giving the gift of life—fresh water to needy communities in Malawi, Africa, the world’s sixth poorest country.