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Ashley Kilmartin

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July 22, 2025

The Excuse Factory Is Closed

Why is it so hard to get back to the healthy rhythm that you once had?

Sure, the physical benefits of eating well and working out are appealing. And feeling confident in your clothes again. But honestly, that’s not what’s holding you back. The real resistance? It’s happening between your ears.

The big question floating around:
“Why should I choose a healthier version of myself right now?”

Is it fear of missing out?
Worried a workout might keep you from a social event?
Afraid you’ll have to skip the ice cream?

But let’s be real, you’ve said no before. And life went on. You didn’t shrivel up and die. You enjoyed it again later when the time was right.

Right now, though, it feels like a tug-of-war.
Mentally exhausted by the back and forth:
Am I being “good” today or not?
Am I in a challenge or just floating?
Should I say yes to this? Or no?

Here’s a better question:
What kind of something can I do today that moves me forward?

Stop fixating on how it used to look. Stop spinning in the mental limbo. Start small. Lay the groundwork.

Build a Foundation

Maybe the first step is food.
Find a few simple recipes. Get yourself to the grocery store. Spend time in the kitchen actually making a meal. Real food, not pre-packaged, preservative-loaded stuff.

Your body will thank you with energy, less bloating, and better sleep. Your digestion will stop working overtime trying to process mystery ingredients and maybe, just maybe, that leftover energy will go toward muscle recovery or mood stability.

And Then, Movement

How long are you going to be okay with doing the bare minimum?

If time really is your limiting factor, then make it count. Be intentional. Even 10 minutes can matter. Do a quick round of bodyweight movements like pushups, squats, jumping jacks, lunges. Strap on a weighted vest and walk a lap around your kitchen. Doesn’t have to be fancy. Just consistent.

The win isn’t just showing up. It’s doing the kind of work that makes you say:
“I’m proud of that.”

Limit the Distractions

Try a “media challenge.”
Pick a block of time (morning, lunch, evening) and place a piece of paper over your phone. Literally write on it: family time, fitness time, faith time…whatever needs your focus. Do this for a few days and document how you feel. You might be surprised what clarity surfaces when you're not constantly scrolling.

Start With One Task in Each Lane

The phrase “you know what to do, just do it” has lost its meaning. Let’s bring it back with action.

Pick one food task and one movement task each day that says: "The Excuse Factory Is Closed!"

And then? Give yourself a gold star. Literally. Track your wins. Stack ‘em. Build momentum. Collect enough and you’ll be sounding like Super Mario yelling “Wahoo!”

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