At times we get wrapped up in our circumstance or situation and spend too much time focusing on the wrong things. Just recently, I read a post by Seth Godin where he pointed out the difference between problems and situations. He noted that problems have solutions, whereas situations are simply things we need to live with. The mistake we make at times is in mislabeling problems and situations. The fact that your work situation legitimately prevents you from exercising when you want to isn’t necessarily a problem. If you can’t change that fact, then it’s a situation that you must live with. But if you work long hours on your own volition, sacrificing health, fitness, and other important things in life, that’s a problem.
The way I typically coach people through this is by applications of the words “and” versus “but.” It’s as simple as this. Instead of saying, “I want to exercise more regularly, but I have to work,” change your phrasing to, “I want to exercise more regularly, AND I have to work.” This correctly labels your circumstance as a situation that you can accept and adapt to, versus a problem that you can’t solve. Your situation is what it is. So how will you work through that situation to achieve a better balance between your work and your health?
Think “and” vs. “but.”
Control What You Can – Work vs. Fitness