This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more information.
I’m a pretty busy person. I’m not unique in the regard; you’re pretty busy too. Sometimes, it seems like we’re too busy to do the things that we really want to do. We’re too busy to work on our goals. We’re just too busy. But then again, maybe we’re not. Maybe we’re wasting time that we’re not even aware of. Perhaps we aren’t paying enough attention to opportunities. Or maybe we’re making excuses without even realizing it. Well, enough is enough; starting today, no more excuses!
I’m Guilty!
I started this blog in 2015 because I realized how bored, nay boring, I had become. I made a commitment to change my life, to live more adventurously. And I did; from trips across the country, to how I approached each day. I viewed myself as an adventurer, and it changed everything.
But that didn’t free me from the same obstacles that everyone else faces. I’ve got bills to pay, chores at home, and five jobs. I’m always singing the praises of making time, microadventuring, and overcoming obstacles, but even I find myself saying things like, “I don’t have time,” or “I’m too busy.” And while I am busy, and my time is precious, I’m not too busy, and I can find time if I try. I’m not trying to make excuses, but that’s exactly what I’m doing.
No more excuses!
If we don’t make time to do the things we want, we’ll never do them. So, despite feeling swamped, I took off last Monday afternoon and walked into the woods. With my Cotopaxi Volta slung on my back and my Mora strapped to my belt, I hiked into one of my favorite spots in Iowa to spend a night in a hammock under the stars. No more excuses.
Why an overnighter?
Some people hesitate to head into the woods for just one night. I can understand that; between prepping gear, driving to and from a location, and missing out on accomplishing other things during those times, a single night doesn’t always seem worthwhile.
But it is.
While it’s not a long journey, even one night in the woods will act as a reset button. Your head will clear. You’ll feel refreshed. Just go. Don’t worry if you have to work the next day, just set an alarm on your phone so that you’re awake early enough to make it into your day job on time. No one will question the scent of campfire smoke you put off, and even if they do, it’s likely that they’re just jealous. If you want to be out there doing the stuff, don’t let work be an excuse. Remember, no more excuses!
I’ve said it time and time again, microadventures are awesome! First of all, they’re inexpensive. They also prepare you for larger endeavors, and are easily accessible in just about any location. If you’ve been eschewing microadventure because you think it isn’t worth your time and effort, then you’ve been overlooking an awesome source of fun, excitement, and self-fulfillment.
Reasonable excuses are still excuses
In Rule #69, I warned, “beware the reasonable excuse.” Because they’re so logical and rational, these excuses seldom seem like, well, excuses. What is it that you want to do? Go camping, exercise every day, cook healthier meals, go for a nightly hike? Whatever we want to do takes time, and thus we must ask ourselves, do we really have no time, or are we not using our time effectively.
If it’s the former, you’re definitely overworked and may need to reevaluate your priorities. But if it’s the latter, it’s a pretty simple fix. Watch one less show on Netflix or get up fifteen minutes earlier. Think about what isn’t necessary that you can cut out. If it’s a night of camping that you want, put off all responsibilities for a night. Ignore the TV. Put together a bag and just head out after work. You’ll feel a whole lot better about going into your job the next day after sleeping under the stars.
If you’re worried about money, the question is largely the same. What can I cut out, or how can I make my money go farther? Can I cut back on eating out? Could I earn a couple extra bucks doing something on the side? Can I save money by purchasing Red Bull in bulk? (Yes, yes you can)
No more excuses.
There are a lot of obstacles and limitations in life. While we always have some challenge to overcome, we don’t have to add to them. So commit to letting go of excuses and living the life that you want, even if it’s just one small moment at a time.
So whatever it is that you want to do, start making it happen, one small step at a time. Because life moves on whether we’re enjoying it or dreading it. Therefore, I say we might as well enjoy it. And what’s the first step to start enjoying life more?