When I started thinking about the concept of It Doesn’t Count (see my last post), I realized I say those words to myself much more than I like to admit. They frequently pop into my head when I’m doing chores—like cleaning house. If I scrub the stove, it doesn’t count because I haven’t mopped the floors. If I vacuum, it doesn’t count because I haven’t dusted. If I scour the entire kitchen from top to bottom, it doesn’t count because the cabinets still need to be organized. Since I never have the time or inclination to clean the whole house all at once, my efforts never count because something is always left undone. You get the picture.

I don’t like feeling frustrated and annoyed at myself, which is inevitably what happens when I tell myself it doesn’t count. The words certainly don’t light a fire under me to do more. In fact, they usually have the opposite effect, making me want to escape with a game—or ten—of online Scrabble and some chocolate chip cookies.

Lately I’ve tried taking a different approach. It seems to help. Whenever I catch myself saying it doesn’t count, I add, but at least . . .

Let’s take exercise, which I talked about in the last post. I just came back from a walk with the dogs. I’d planned to run but was too tired, and I caught myself thinking it doesn’t count. So I added, but at least the dogs had a walk. Since I think it’s really important for Baxter and Freddie to get a brisk walk every day, I felt good about having taken them out (and I even got a little sweaty to boot).

So the next time you catch yourself thinking it doesn’t count, talk back. Take it from me. You’ll feel a lot better.