No More Excuses!

“I don’t really have the time.”

“It is too scary to take the risk!”

“What will people say?”

“I don’t know how to?”

“It could have worked but I had no money”

Ah! Excuses! Well yes, these are the most familiar of excuses that we all are guilty of! Instead of pushing ourselves to achieve our goals, we take the easy route of “making excuses!” Yes!!!!!! an easy, effortless way out! Excuses, people – can be a very dangerous thing, pretty intense – as it holds us back and leaves us stuck in a vicious cycle of deferment and delay.

Have you ever tied to explain why you didn’t, couldn’t, shouldn’t or just wouldn’t do something? In all honesty, I have! (and a lot many times than once!) Fear of failure, worrying about added responsibilities, perceived lack of self belief and confidence, fear of change – the reasons are abundant and varied, paralyzing us and leaving us stranded in a “no man’s land!” Believe me when I say that all of this negative self talk gets us nowhere. Broken dreams, crippled self-esteem, fragmented hope –  the damage is more than you can account for!

FACTS

Persistent excuses have age-long consequences. From a pessimistic outlook towards life to lack of responsibility and self growth, to continuous regrets and “what if” rundown – the damage is vast and the casualty amass!

GOOD NEWS

“Life” is an uphill task, with numerous competitions, challenges, disputes, threats and tests. Yes, it is a constant fight to exist; yes, the roads are tough; yes, it means business and only the fittest survive. But then, guess what? Breaking away from the continuous cycle of blame and excuse is not IMPOSSIBLE! To get the results that you desire, you HAVE to ditch the excuses and here’s how –

1. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

When you accept the responsibility of your life and learn to focus on the things which you can control, you will find it very easy to avoid making excuses when things go downhill. Don’t let your fears run the show! It is your life, make it worthwhile.  Believing that YOU are in control and what matters is your undying faith in yourself and your actions – is the key to your happiness, contentment and success.

“We are going to fight. We are going to be hurt. And in the end, we will stand.”
― Stephen King, The Drawing of the Three

2. FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS

Organize your priorities. Ask yourself – “what is more important to you right now?” Priorities clears up the need for excuse making since it simplifies disagreeing values, making it easy for you to choose your battles. Recognize that sometimes all you can control is your efforts and your attitude! Start with fixing that before you point out faults in others.

“Your need for acceptance can make you invisible in this world. Don’t let anything stand in the way of the light that shines through this form. Risk being seen in all of your glory.” 
– Jim Carrey

3. DON’T BE HARSH TOWARDS YOURSELF

Be gentle with yourself! Instead of crying about the lacking resources, money deficiency, peer pressure – use each opportunity, good or bad , to grow! Remember, failure is an essential part of growing up and plays a crucial role in “life lessons” and adversities, undoubtedly making you better, smarter, stronger, wiser and seasoned.

“Don’t use your past as an excuse, excuse your excuses and take action now!!!” 
― Bernard Kelvin Clive

4. MAINTAIN YOUR FOCUS ON THE LONG TERM GOALS

Break down uncomfortable steps and take each day as it comes, one step at a time. Once you achieve the quicker, short-term goals, it gives you a feeling of accomplishment, which in turn makes you enthusiastic enough to pursue the bigger, distant targets. Don’t jump the gun but don’t lose your focus either. Remember, you can get what you want faster by either working towards it, or by clearing any obstacles that are in the way, little by little, bit by bit.

“Success is not obtained overnight. It comes in installments; you get a little bit today, a little bit tomorrow until the whole package is given out. The day you procrastinate, you lose that day’s success.” 
― Israelmore Ayivor

5. BE CHALLENGE READY

Remember, almost nothing in life comes without a fight! Challenges are an integral part of growth and accepting to deal with them “head on” is how you can win the “life games!” Understanding that excuses are just distractions, devouring your focus off from your crucial life callings and chores can help you achieve the unthinkable heights and the unimaginable pinnacles of glory.

“We may place blame, give reasons, and even have excuses; but in the end, it is an act of cowardice to not follow your dreams.” 
― Steve Maraboli

We all are capable of great things! We all are blessed! All we need now is some self-motivation to follow our dreams and achieve our goals. Next time when you find yourself making an excuse – Take a deep breath and look into a mirror and remind yourself – to focus on making the best of every situation, no matter the outcome. Stop making excuses and nudge yourself a little harder towards your goals. You are as ripe today as you’re ever going to be, and with that understanding comes an enabling choice – you can either overcome your circumstances or you can let circumstances vanquish you. Believe that you can, and you will!

Here’s to turning over a new leaf! Cheers!

Love,