Do you remember when you used to have to ask a parent or teacher (or the prison guard) for permission to do something? We asked hoping that our request would be granted. Then when we were responsible adults, we pretty much only had to ask ourselves permission.

Can I eat this donut? Sure, have six.

This is the time of year when everyone is complaining about how full the gym is this week. Or they are complaining because people are complaining about the gym being full. Like we should be grateful "they" are there doing something good for themselves. I don't personally care.

What I do care about is this: am I succeeding at being fit?

Don't get me wrong, I am glad when others get fit and make good choices; however, my success does not depend on their success; this ain't baseball. Our lives are our own. I have well north of 700 friends on MFP and even more in my Facebook group. (I know, it's pathetic I'm online so much.) In all of the years of fitness forums (over 1300 days on MFP), what have I noticed is the most common trait? it is that we give ourselves permission to be slackers.

WE MAKE EXCUSES! We give ourselves permission when we shouldn't.

You: Today is my workout day.
You the slacker: The gym is full, I'll go tomorrow.

You: Today is my run day.
You the slacker: It's too cold out.

You: It's Sunday and I need to plan meals.
You the slacker: I'll just get something small for lunch (like a large Meat Lovers pizza) and do it tomorrow night.

You: I haven't lost any weight this week.
You the slacker: It's better to loose like one pound a year.

You: I am still overweight.
You the slacker: I have big bones. I have bad jeans (pun intended)

You: I am out of shape.
You the slacker: Round is a shape. .

You: I am not getting any faster running.
You the slacker: I don't like sweating that much.

You: I ate too much.
You the slacker: Everyone deserves a cheat day.

You: I am binging.
You the slacker: Might as well keep going and start tomorrow.

You: The doctor said cut out the sweets.
You the slacker: It's only chocolate.

You: I should throw out these clothes that are too big.
You the slacker: I'll probably fail and need them again.

You: The doctor said i should lose 50 pounds.
You the slacker: That's too skinny.

You: I should buy David's book, ICU to Marathon.
ME: DO IT!

Happy New Year!