Excuses Be Gone!

Declare it now. Excuses be gone!

Why is it some folks succeed in spite of seemingly difficult times and others don’t? It starts with a limiting mindset and shows up as excuses.

Many of us have a series of excuses that we can pull out of a hat at a moment’s notice. There’s always one that seems to fit the bill perfectly. This is done largely to protect ourselves and to justify our current circumstances.

Regardless of what the year behind us brought or what the year ahead will bring, we get to control how we feel, what we focus on and our level of commitment to success.

Of course, awareness is the first step to shifting anything that holds us back.

Are any of these excuses holding you back from success?

1. “I don’t know how.”

This common excuse gives you permission to not even try. However, this excuse simply doesn’t hold water. At no time in the history of mankind has there been so much information available. Want to start a charity? There are hundreds of books on the subject. Need to lose 100 lbs? There are thousands of resources available.

One of the best ways to figure out how to do something is to find a qualified mentor. Another effective option is to simply try and then adjust your approach based on your results.

2. “I’m afraid.” 

This is perhaps the most socially acceptable answer. Who hasn’t been afraid? But there is very little to legitimately fear in our modern times. Most of our fears are socially based and have no real consequences. Being afraid isn’t a valid excuse 99% of the time.

Although in the time of COVID, fears may be valid, we can still choose to be responsible in our lives. And in reality, there is no better time to focus on your success than now!

3. “I don’t have enough time.” 

Do you really believe this? Nearly all of us waste time on activities that provide no real value, including watching TV, internet surfing, and a host of other time-wasters.

And yet, you know in your heart you could make the time for something that was truly important to you.

4. “I don’t have enough money.”

This is another common excuse, but there is usually a way to work around a lack of financial resources.

For example, if you’d like to learn to play the piano but can’t afford one, you could:

• Pick up an inexpensive digital piano in a pawnshop

• Ask a local church or school to use their piano after hours

• Locate a piano you can use at your local college

5. “It’s too late for me.”

It’s too late? A person climbed Mount Everest in his 80’s. People have gone back to medical school in their 60’s. What would you like to do?

Getting a late start might be less convenient and more challenging, but there’s nothing wrong with that. It means that you’ll only take on the challenges that are really important to you. That could be a good thing.

To be fair, there are a few things that require an earlier start than others. You’re not likely to become a prima ballerina if you take up ballet in your 30’s. But you become an active volunteer supporting your favorite ballet company or even work for them.

6. “It’s too hard.”

Some endeavors are certainly more competitive than others. But claiming that something is “too hard” is really just another way of admitting that you’re afraid or it isn’t a true core desire.

The truth is that people with limited resources and talent can still be extremely successful.

We tend to imagine the competition is much tougher than it really is. The average person doesn’t have a lot of control over herself. She’s not truly committed. Those with motivation and stamina are really the ones who succeed.

People who are successful on a regular basis tend to have the fewest excuses. 

How could it be any other way?

Those with excuses are able to justify not taking action. However, no action equals no results.

You can’t have a true desire for something that you don’t have the ability to create for yourself. So tell those excuse gremlins, “Thank you for sharing, now step to the left.” And go after what you truly want.

You’ll be so happy and grateful that you did!

If you liked this post, you’ll enjoy Yes Or No…Making Balanced Business Decisions.