I wasn’t going to write this post today. Actually, I wasn’t going to post at all today because…well, just because. But then I visited Leo Babuta’s blog, Zen Habits, and I got the kick in the butt I needed to write.

Babuta’s post tackled “15 Great Excuses Not to Form the Fitness Habit,” and while he dealt with health, I realized the excuses he listed could apply to any part of life.

Because my focus is inspiring others (and myself) to live their most awesome life, I wanted to tackle some of the excuses I commonly hear (or use) that keeps us from reaching our goals.

Shall we get started?

1)   I have too many ideas and don’t know where to start: Believe it or not, this is a common one. Folks get so overwhelmed by possibilities they don’t even get started. I can relate. I want to travel and write books and make films and do seminars and, and…and sometimes it feels too much. But my advice? Pick one idea at a time and just work your way down the line. Problem solved.

2)   I really want to do __________ but I don’t know how: This one is an easy, fix. You see there’s this thing called Google that can show you how to do just about anything if you just type it in. Try it.

3)   I want to do it, but I’m too busy: If you’ve ever said that, here’s the truth: you don’t really want to do it. People make time for what they want to make time for, and if you’re too busy to pursue your goals, I’d argue you don’t really want to make them happen. We are all granted the same 24 hours each day. Why are some people able to juggle everything to meet their goals, but you can’t? Here’s a hint: They want it more than you.

4)    I’m not smart/talented/pretty/rich/good enough to do it: The “I’m not good enough” excuse is just fear trying to trick you. Get over it or get crushed by it.

5)   No one understands (or supports) my goals: Here’s the thing: they don’t have to. Your goals are your goals, not someone else’s. Unless you’re hurting yourself or someone else, who cares what other people think?  Having a support system is a definite plus, but it’s not a deal breaker. If your people don’t support you, connect with those that do. But don’t let anyone’s lack of support stop you from achieving what you want.

6)   I’m broke, I can’t afford to pursue my goals: Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and being broke is great inspiration. Don’t want to live paycheck to paycheck anymore? Better get that business off the ground. Scared your job will lay you off? Your side-hustle might just be what saves you. Goals are free. While pursuing them may require some cash, with a bit of sacrifice, budgeting, and prioritizing your needs vs. your wants, I bet you can afford to go after what you want.

7)   What if I fail? Fear of failing is one of the common excuses I hear. But here’s the thing: if you don’t even try to make your dreams happen, you’ve already failed. And I’d much rather know that I tried and it didn’t work out, than wonder what could have been.

Have you used excuses to keep you from reaching your goals? Please leave me a comment to share which excuses you’ve used most. 

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