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"I Can’t Afford It" and the Idea That Life Is Infinite

Writer's picture: Mario PortelaMario Portela

How many times have you told yourself, “I can’t afford it”?

It’s one of the most common objections people have when considering something that could improve their health, happiness, or future. And on the surface, it seems like a reasonable statement. If the numbers don’t add up, then it’s simply not an option—right?

But what if “I can’t afford it” isn’t really about money? What if it’s about priority, mindset, and the false idea that life is infinite?



The Reality of Priorities, Not Just Price

Let’s be honest: when we say “I can’t afford it,” we don’t always mean we literally don’t have the money. What we often mean is:

  • “I don’t see enough value in this to justify spending my money on it.”

  • “I’m scared of committing because it might not work for me.”

  • “I’m choosing to spend my money on other things instead.”

We’ve all seen people who say they can’t afford a gym membership while spending £100 a month on takeaways, nights out, or subscriptions they barely use. This isn’t a judgment—it’s just human nature. We invest in what feels comfortable and familiar. Change is uncomfortable.

But here’s the truth: the things that feel urgent now (entertainment, fast food, unnecessary spending) are often fleeting. The things that matter most (your health, your energy, your ability to live life fully) don’t always feel urgent—until they become an emergency.


Life Isn’t Infinite—But We Act Like It Is

We all live as if we have endless time to get fit, eat better, and take care of ourselves. “I’ll start next month.” “Now isn’t the right time.” “I’ll do it when I have more money.”

But the harsh reality is: time isn’t guaranteed.

Every single day, people wake up thinking they have more time, more chances, more opportunities. And then, suddenly, they don’t.

  • The person who “was going to get in shape” but gets hit with a major health issue.

  • The person who “couldn’t afford it” but ends up paying thousands in medical bills later.

  • The person who kept waiting for the perfect time but never actually started.

This isn’t meant to be dramatic—it’s just reality. We don’t have infinite time to take control of our health. And if we don’t prioritize it now, we’ll end up paying for it later—with our energy, mobility, confidence, and even our ability to enjoy life to the fullest.


What’s the Real Cost?

So let’s flip the script. Instead of asking, “Can I afford this?” ask:

  • “What is it costing me to stay the same?”

  • “What happens if I do nothing?”

  • “Is my current lifestyle actually working for me?”

Because the truth is, not taking action has a cost too. It just doesn’t show up on your bank statement right away.


A Mindset Shift: Investing vs. Spending

Think about where your money goes. Some things lose value instantly (eating out, buying new clothes, upgrading your phone). Other things give back over time (education, fitness, health).

Fitness isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in your future self.

  • More energy to enjoy life

  • More confidence in your body

  • More years of feeling strong and capable

  • More money saved on future healthcare costs

If you invest in your health now, you gain so much more than just fitness—you gain a better quality of life.


Final Thought: The Power of Deciding

If you’ve been telling yourself, “I can’t afford it,” I challenge you to reframe that thought. Instead, ask:

  • “How can I make this work?”

  • “What can I adjust in my budget?”

  • “How much is my health truly worth to me?”

Because in the end, the biggest mistake isn’t spending money on your health. It’s assuming you have infinite time to fix it later.


And the hard truth? Later isn’t promised.

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