I don't want to hear these excuses.
“I can’t workout today because I have a little pain in my shoulder”
“I can’t start the nutrition plan because I have too many work dinners this week”
“I didn’t get my cardio done yesterday, I was tired and my oura ring told me I didn’t sleep well so I decided to rest instead”
These are excuses I heard from some clients recently. While seemingly valid, they are rooted in the fear of not being perfect.
I was listening to a podcast recently and the host mentioned a scene from the movie Invictus, when Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) meets Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) the South African rugby captain.
MANDELA: Tell me. How's your ankle?
PIENAAR: My ankle?
MANDELA: I was told you'd hurt it. Has it healed?
PIENAAR: The truth is, sir, you never play at a hundred percent, no matter what.
MANDELA: Yes ... yes. In sports, and in life.
This exchange highlights a critical lesson: Waiting until we feel 100% ready or perfect often means waiting forever. Sometimes you just have to suck it up and get on with it.
Slight Pain: If you have a minor injury, adjust your workout instead of skipping it. Focus on other parts of your body or choose low-impact exercises. Consult a professional if needed, but don’t use minor discomfort as a reason to stop completely.
Social & Work Engagements: Life will always have social events. Instead of waiting for a perfect time, learn to navigate these situations. Make healthier choices when possible, but also allow yourself to enjoy without guilt. Balance is key.
Fatigue and Technology: While tools like Whoop & Oura rings can provide useful data, they shouldn't dictate your life. Listen to your body, but also recognize that sometimes pushing through fatigue can actually energize you. A workout or a good hike can still be beneficial even if you didn't sleep well!
Mandela's conversation with Pienaar teaches us that perfection is not a prerequisite for action.
Start now and do your best!