Your Health Can’t Wait
It happens more often than you think: conversations with individuals who sound genuinely motivated to get healthy and fit but for some reason they feel like the timing just isn’t right. The excuses come in many forms:
- “I’ll start after the holidays when things settle down.”
- “I’ll wait until I’m back from my mission trip in a remote location where there’s no gym.”
- “I’m too weak to make any changes right now. I’ll wait until I’m stronger.”
- “Summer is just too hectic with being a parent, a business owner, and traveling for my spouse’s work.”
- “The cost of getting help is too high right now.”
While these reasons may feel valid in the moment, they are all part of a dangerous cycle of procrastination. The truth is, there will never be a perfect time to prioritize your health. Life will always have its challenges, commitments, and distractions. The key to success lies in your ability to take action despite the obstacles.
The Excuse Epidemic
Excuses are a form of self-preservation. They protect us from discomfort, from failure, and from facing hard truths about ourselves. But when it comes to your health, excuses can cost you more than just time—they can cost you your well-being, your energy, and your future.
Consider this: if you’re too busy to focus on your health now, how will you find the time to deal with the consequences of poor health later? Chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or debilitating fatigue don’t wait for the “right time.” They creep in silently as a result of prolonged neglect.
Common Excuses and How to Overcome Them
- “After the holidays” — The holidays are a recurring event. If you always wait until after the holidays, you’ll never get started. Instead, set realistic goals during the holidays. Even small steps—like daily walks or mindful eating—can create momentum.
- “No gym access” — Fitness doesn’t require a gym. Bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, and even outdoor activities like hiking or running can keep you on track.
- “Too weak to start” — Strength doesn’t magically appear; it’s built through consistent effort. Start with light movements, stretching, and foundational exercises.
- “Too busy” — Busyness is often a mask for misplaced priorities. You don’t need hours a day to focus on your health. A 20-minute workout or preparing a healthy meal is manageable even for the busiest individual.
- “The cost is too high” — Investing in your health now saves you from far greater costs—both financial and emotional—down the line.
Why Your Health Can’t Wait
Health isn’t a luxury or a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. Without it, everything else in your life suffers—your relationships, your business, your ability to parent, and your overall quality of life.
Here’s what happens when you take consistent action:
- More energy: Regular movement and proper nutrition fuel your body for the demands of daily life.
- Better stress management: Exercise and healthy habits improve mental resilience.
- Improved productivity: A healthy body supports a sharp mind, making you more effective in all areas of life.
- Longevity: Every day you invest in your health adds to the years you can live fully and actively.
Why You Should Start Before Your Next Vacation
Starting before your vacation allows you to build habits that stick, so you can enjoy your trip without losing momentum.
The Cost of Waiting
Waiting for the “right time” often turns into months, years, or even decades of inaction. Imagine where you could be if you started today.
How to Take Action Now
- Set realistic goals — Start with small, manageable steps like drinking more water or adding a 10-minute walk to your day.
- Make a plan — Write down your goals and schedule time for your health.
- Find accountability — Share your goals with a friend, family member, or coach.
- Adapt to challenges — Life will throw curveballs, but flexibility is key.
- Stop waiting for motivation — Motivation is fleeting. Discipline and habits are what create lasting change.
A Final Thought
Your health is your most valuable asset. The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is today. Take that first step toward a transformative journey today.