“Make excuses or make changes. The choice is yours.” — Anonymous
“I’m going to exercise, walk every day, and get healthier.”
We’ve all said it. The intentions are good, but somehow, barriers always seem to get in the way.
Near where I live, there’s a beautiful bike path along the river. It’s one of my favorite places to walk and run. However, it’s also a favorite hangout for the local geese, who have a tendency to—let’s just say—leave their mark on the path. For one of my friends, the goose poop became his excuse. It was his barrier to walking.
Life is full of “poop on the path.” You have a choice in how you respond to these barriers that seem to pop up whenever you’re ready to make a positive change.
3 Ways to Deal with Barriers on Your Path:
1. Find a Way Around
Sometimes, the best option is to look for a detour. This might mean checking in with your doctor to ensure your exercise plan is safe and suitable for you. You could join a class, find a gym, or hire a trainer to create a program that fits your needs. Having a workout buddy or accountability partner can also help you stay on track when motivation wavers.
2. Run Right Through the Poop
Not every barrier needs to be tiptoed around. Some obstacles are just excuses in disguise. Decide to push through. Yes, the goose poop is annoying, but if you keep walking, you’ll realize it’s not really stopping you. The same goes for the mental and physical excuses we often make. More often than not, when you confront them head-on, they lose their power.
3. Focus on the Beauty Around You
Shift your attention away from the obstacles. Notice the reflections dancing on the river, the blue sky overhead, the gentle breeze on your face. Watch the baby geese waddling along (poop and all) and admire the colorful flowers along the path. Feel the joy of simply moving your body. When you focus on the beauty of the journey, the barriers fade into the background.
The Poop Will Always Be There
There will always be obstacles, difficulties, and—yes—poop on the path to a healthier, happier life. But how you respond is entirely up to you.
You can avoid them.
You can deal with them head-on.
You can choose to ignore them and keep going, focusing on what truly matters.
Eventually, when you stay consistent and keep moving forward, you’ll hardly notice the “poop” anymore. It’s just part of the path—and it no longer has the power to stop you.