We all make excuses.
But the successful ones are those who can kill the excuses like the miserable maggots they are.
Excuses are rationalisations we make to ourselves about people, events and circumstances. They are invented reasons we create to defend our behavior, to neglect taking a particular kind of action, or simply as a means of negating responsibility.
Some of the most popular excuses: I’m too tired. I don’t have the time. I am not capable. Someone else will do it. It’s too late now. Now is not the right time. I am not talented. I am not ready. I’m too scared. Nobody will help me. What if I fail. I don’t feel motivated. I’d rather do nothing. I don’t have the money, equipment, space. I can’t because…
We make excuses for the following reasons:
1. Fear of Failure
2. Fear of Embarrassment
3. Fear of Success
4. Fear of Change
5. Fear of Uncertainty
6. Fear of Responsibility
7. Fear of Making Mistakes
8. Perceived lack of confidence or resources
Making excuses can also lead to the following consequences:
1. Lack of responsibility and growth
2. Self-limiting beliefs
3. Massive regrets
4. Persistent pessimistic outlook on life
5. Bad judgments
6. Paranoia
7. Imaginary walls constricting comfort zone
8. Mental blocks stifling proactive action and creativity
We’ve all made the excuses. Here’s how to kill them (courtesy zenhabits).
1. See the positive. Excuses are usually made because we don’t feel like doing something — we’re accentuating the negative. Instead, see the fun in something, the joy in it. And maintain a positive attitude, or you’ll never beat the excuses.
2. Take responsibility. Excuses are ways to get out of owning up to something. If we don’t have the time, money, equipment, etc., then it’s not our fault, right? Wrong. Take responsibility, and own the solution.
3. Find a solution. Just about every problem has a solution. Don’t have time? Start with just 5-10 minutes. Make the time. Wake earlier. Do it during lunch. Don’t have a gym membership? Workout at home or in the office. Don’t have the energy? Do it when you have higher levels of energy. You’re smart. Figure out the solution.
4. See your goal. This is your motivation — your reason for doing it. Sure, you could just lay on the couch, but if you think about why you really want to pursue a goal, you’ll be motivated. Visualize that goal and just get started.
5. Be accountable. Have a workout partner, a project partner, a team, someone to report to. If you have to meet a coach or partner, you’re more likely to do something.
6. Go ahead and make your excuses. Then do it anyway.
If you keep finding excuses, there will be endless reasons why you should not try anything. Just do what must be done.
The only thing standing between you and your goal/work/dream is that story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.
What’s your excuse not to be great today? Forget it and go get what you want!