Take Control: Stop Blaming, Start Acting

Recently, we decided to homeschool my son.

The school wasn’t supporting him the way we hoped. I could have complained, blamed the teachers, or wished the system was different. But that wouldn’t change anything.

Instead, I asked myself: What can I do?

I realized I could create an environment where he learns better, where he’s supported, and where progress is measurable. I didn’t wait for someone else to fix it. I took control.

That same mindset applies to your fitness.

The Fitness Parallel

Many people say things like:

• “I don’t have time to train.”

• “I can’t eat healthy with my work schedule.”

• “If only my gym/program/trainer were better, I’d make progress.”

All of these are excuses. They’re a way to place blame on something outside yourself.

Instead, ask: What can I control?

• When and how often I train.

• The quality of my effort when I train.

• The choices I make about food, sleep, and recovery.

• How I structure my week to prioritise health.

Just like I could take my son’s education into my own hands, you can take your fitness into your own hands. The system, the schedule, the circumstances — they may be imperfect, but you still have control over your actions.

Action Steps (This Week)

1. List what’s outside your control: Work demands, commute, gym equipment, or your environment.

2. List what’s inside your control: Training, effort, habits, diet, mindset.

3. Pick one controllable action and commit:

• Morning workout before emails.

• Meal prep for the week.

• 20-minute bodyweight circuit during lunch.

4. Reflect daily: Did you act on what you can control? If not, why? Adjust tomorrow.

Key Takeaway

Excuses only exist when you let external circumstances dictate your actions.

You can’t control the school, your job, or the gym’s schedule — but you can control your effort, your habits, and your environment.

Take responsibility. Take action. Own your results.

Excuses fade when you take control. If you’re ready to own your fitness journey, book a call with me or one of our coaches atwww.masterathletic.com. We’ll help you focus on what youcancontrol and create a plan that actually works for your life.

Nat Galloway

Coach, Master Athletic Performance