Excuse me for starting out on this topic which is close to every one of us. What a lovely word excuse is, just like sorry. Pandit Nehru was supposed to have said, “I am not interested in excuses, only in work done”. I have often quoted this when it has suited me, especially with my students. But, honestly, sometimes I say it to myself too!!
Coming to think of it, you need to be very creative to find or make up excuses. They should be absolutely convincing, and if you notice making minor changes to the word, then convincing can easily become conning?!
That's why genuine excuses have lost their credibility. OK, now let's come to what excuses I am going to deal with . Since I am in the health arena, I am considering excuses in food and exercise areas.
Excuses for not exercising
No time
Too busy
Have to take care of family
Can't afford it
Can't get up early, I sleep late
Everybody in the family uses the treadmill when I want it
Does anybody know how much work I'm doing, and you want me to exercise?
I don't want to develop muscles
I've done it many times and it hasn't helped one bit
At my age, I can't start now.
It's so boring
Your own unique excuse!
Should there be excuses for over exercising? I'm not too sure. May be they want the 6 or 8 packs and / or the size 0!
There may be a few fitness enthusiasts who may exercise too much. Even if they have their own reasons, they should watch out for injuries and for overdoing on the food and exercise front. So, what's your excuse today?
Excuses for not eating
I don't feel like
My stomach is aching
I'm not hungry
I don't like this
I don't have time, I have to rush
What's this muck? (Stronger words are also used) Even pigs won't sniff at it.
I have to watch my weight, I'm broad at my hips, I'm overweight (even if not overweight)
It's not yet time, I go by the clock.
Not like mother makes it.
I am allergic to it
It's not on the table when I'm ready to leave
It's TOO hot / cold / spicy / sweet / salty, etc.
Your own UNIQUE excuse!
Excuses for overeating
It smells Divine! Looks great and I can't help myself. What if I just ate my meal?
I can't stop with one (used in ads)
I can't do without it
This is my favourite
I feel hungry all the time
My mother / others force me too much. What can I do?
I cannot waste food on the plate / on the table / in the refrigerator / at the restaurant. After all, I paid for it.
I love this dish / sweets / chocolates / snacks / ice creams
I must have my soda everyday
Executive meetings. I have to entertain
I eat for comfort, food is a stress buster
I don't care what you or others think;
I'll eat, eat and eat
Your own, UNIQUE excuse!
The author is Dean, Academy of Fitness Management, Chennai
