Move Out Of Your Own Way: No More Excuses

As you reflect on your day, how many times did you make an excuse for something? When you look back, were any of the excuses legitimate reasons not to pursue the task at hand? While it is not unusual to make excuses, it is the idea that excuses are permissible choices in our everyday lives that is problematic. But if poor reasoning is a problem, why do we use it so often? The act of making an excuse is caused by one of five reasons: fear, doubt, no motivation, lack of preparation, and complacency. Therefore, to overcome brushing plans off, you must first identify why you have created this lackluster justification in the first place. When you feel the urge to make an excuse, have an honest conversation with yourself. Are you making an excuse because you are afraid of failure? Do you think a change is unnecessary? Is there something you can do now to complete your task? George Washington Carver once said, “Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.” Often, we don’t make the immediate connection between excuses and failure until it is too late. Therefore, you should identify the reasoning behind your excuses and then plan a course of action to overcome it. Here is an example of excuses and action plans: We all have things that we avoid and/or postpone. One of the more popular causes of excuses is exercise. Many can relate to the story of going into the new year wanting to start a healthier chapter, so you join a gym, search Pinterest for healthy recipes, and blast all over social media “new year, new me.” As passionate as one may be in the beginning to work out, too often they fall victim to excuse-making: “I’m too tired.” “What if people stare at me?” “I didn’t bring the right clothes to work out in.” “What if I hurt myself? “I’ll do it another time; it won’t make a difference now.” Sound familiar? So what do you do once you identify the reasoning behind your excuse? You isolate the reasoning and find a solution targeted to that specific issue. ○ Fear: Stop holding onto past failures. Focus on the positives and the potential that lies ahead. ○ Doubt: Focus on your strengths and building on them. Don’t compare yourself to others. Even if you have missteps, you are capable of picking yourself up and finishing the race. ○ No Motivation: Set S.M.A.R.T. goals to help give you focus, create purpose, and minimize room for discouragement. While outside sources can be helpful, you will always be your own greatest motivator. ○ Lack of Preparation: Learn to plan before you can create an excuse. Create lists, read an inspirational text, and embrace the need for change. ○ Complacency: Identify changes that need to be made in your life. Focus on turning your weaknesses into strengths. When you have created a pattern of making excuses, it may seem difficult to break that cycle. However, you are capable of achieving so much more. Not making excuses is about self-discipline, taking responsibility, and having the desire to change your life for the better. 2020 was and 2021 continues to be a roller coaster, but despite what some may have you believe, it is not an excuse to give up. You will discover a positive change in your life when you take action and improve your attitude. Each day starts with a win just because you woke up, so make each win count.