I was talking to someone this weekend about the things that stop us from pursuing our goals and dreams. We were talking about the reasons why we’re often hesitant to take action or really commit to making our dreams a reality. I remember saying that at the end of the day, if we’re looking for a reason not to take action, we’ll always find one.
That’s the thing with excuses; they’re so easy to come by. Whether it’s not having enough time, resources or not knowing where to start, if we’re looking for a reason to maintain the status quo, they’re always pretty easy to find. If we really want to get serious about our goals and do the work necessary to make them a reality, we have to stop looking for excuses.
The thing about excuses is that they aren’t real barriers to taking action. They are simply a justification for why we aren’t doing something about an area of our lives that we know we’re not happy with. While they may make us feel better about our inaction in the short-term, the fact that nothing is changing in our lives just increases our frustration about something that we know we have the power to change.
How do we stop making excuses? We have to get honest with ourselves about why we want to make a change and what the consequences or continuing not to take action are. When we can identify the benefits of taking action as well as the consequences of remaining inactive, we have a better idea of what needs to be done. Yes, taking action might be scary, but how much longer can you sustain things as they are?
Fear is a big reason why we make excuses. How many times have people said “better the devil you know” when asked why they won’t make a change? Unfortunately, familiarity regardless of how uncomfortable it may be, is still a better option that pursuing the unknown. For whatever reason, most of us are opposed to change. We like knowing what to expect, even when the expected result isn’t one that we want.
As we head into the final quarter of 2016, I’m challenging myself and you to stop making excuses for why you can’t do the things you want to do. Instead of looking for reasons why it isn’t possible, shift your focus and look for reasons why it’s not only possible, but worth the time, energy and commitment it will take to make it a reality.
It’s time to stop justifying your lack of action and get serious about your goals! Are you ready? ♥