Excuses Suck: Debunking 10 Lies We Tell Ourselves

Excuses have been the bane of progress for ages. Instead of focusing on solutions, we turn to lies that make us feel better about not achieving our goals. There may be moments when we have doubts, but that doesn’t mean we should give in to these lies. In this article, we will debunk ten of these excuses and show you how to move past them.

#1 “It is not possible.”

Have you convinced yourself that something is impossible? That there is no other solution? Before you wave the white flag, ask yourself, why do you think it is impossible? Just because something didn’t work out previously does not mean it’s impossible. By focusing on the negative, you limit yourself from seeing the bigger picture, and you could miss out on opportunities that could lead to success.

#2 “I am not worth a dime without a college degree.”

We’re sold the idea that a college degree is the be-all and end-all of success, and without it, we’re dead in the water. But this is far from the truth. There are many people who have succeeded without a college degree. Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs, Ellen DeGeneres, Mark Zuckerberg, and Richard Branson are just a few prominent examples.

#3 “I am not good enough.”

Feeling inadequate is common, but it doesn’t mean you have to succumb to this belief. Contrary to popular belief, no one is born good at something. It takes time, patience, and practice to become skilled at anything. Being at a disadvantage can be a good thing because it makes you work harder, and success is more rewarding when you’ve had to fight for it.

#4 “I don’t have the money to do this.”

Money has often been used as an excuse for not pursuing something. But the truth is that money is just a tool. If you’re passionate enough, you can find ways to generate the money you need. You can freelance or offer services to earn extra money. By focusing on the excuses, you’re only impeding your progress.

#5 “What will people say if I did this?”

Human beings are social creatures, and we generally care about what others think of us. However, this attitude can hold us back from pursuing our goals. The reality is that people are too busy with their own lives to be concerned about your decisions. It’s better to focus on what makes you happy and fulfilled rather than what others expect of you.

#6 “This is who I am, I cannot change.”

Change is inevitable. We learn and grow continually. Unfortunately, this lie traps us in a limiting mindset, and we miss out on opportunities for personal growth. If you’re not happy with a particular aspect of yourself, don’t convince yourself that you can’t change. Instead, focus on what you can do to improve.

#7 “I am too old for this.”

Age is just a number, and shouldn’t determine what you can and can’t do. You’re never too old to start a new career or learn a new skill. Colonel Sanders started KFC at age 62, and Vera Wang designed her first dress at age 40. Age is not a barrier unless you let it be.

#8 “I am not a lucky person.”

Luck doesn’t play a significant role in success. It’s more about the decisions and choices that we make. Successful people make calculated choices, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. They are persistent and work hard to get to where they are.

#9 “I will go after it after I have gotten married.”

Marriage is not the be-all and end-all of life. You can still pursue your goals even after marriage. In fact, being in a happy relationship can boost your productivity and creativity. If you’re using marriage as a crutch, it’s time to reevaluate your priorities and focus on what truly matters.

#10 “I am too busy.”

We all lead busy lives, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make time for what matters. We have to prioritize and plan our time accordingly. If you’re always busy, it means you’re not doing a good job of managing your time. Set achievable targets and make time for self-care to avoid burnout.

Wrapping it up

Excuses are like crutches. They provide temporary relief but do not address the root cause of the issue. We should learn to push past these lies and focus on what we can do to achieve our goals. Remember, success is not a destination; it’s a journey. Be persistent, be patient, and be open to opportunities.