"IF YOU'RE NOT GOING IN A BETTER DIRECTION, STOP! MAKE CHANGES INSTEAD OF GIVING EXCUSES." -Chris Hogan-
We have all been in a situation where we were asked to do something, attend something, or make a life changing decision. We all know the sick feeling we get in our stomachs when we have to make tough decisions that will have an effect on our future or the future of others. Usually that feeling we feel in our gut is fear. Fear hinders us to pursue our dreams and live the life we should be living or want to be living. Fear persuades our decisions. Fear makes us believe that we should not take risks to better ourselves or our families. Every person has a life they would love to live, but fear does not allow us to take on that life. What do we do when we feel fear over a big decision? We make excuses. Excuses that if you think about it are often ridiculous. Excuses that keep us from pursuing a challenge or taking a risk. Excuses will alter your life and your dreams.
Excuses fly from our lips and I am not even sure we realize the excuse we are making. Excuses often start with these phrases:
"Man, that is a great. I would do it if I had the means."
"I was going to, but......."
"I need to get out of this job, but........."
"I would do that if I could.........."
"I would start a business, but........."
I am guilty of using everyone of these introductory phrases to make an excuse. I catch myself doing it almost daily. I did it for two years while I was looking for other options as a career path. I speak with people daily that use these phrases to explain why they can't. It took me 33 years to figure out that we are a society of excuse makers and I fit that mold. Until we realize that they are excuses, we will be stuck in the same stagnant mud puddle. Our society has more resources to make a life than ever before. Excuses should not factor into the pursuit of our goals and dreams. For every excuse there is a solution. We either are scared of the solution or we are not willing to sacrifice something else to reach that solution.
6 EXCUSES HINDERING YOUR GOALS:
1. MAN, THAT IS GREAT. I WOULD DO IT IF I HAD THE MEANS
We all have the means to pursue our dreams. We all have the means of starting a business. We all have the means of making a living doing what we want to do. This excuse makes me crazy. There are people out there who are a hell of a lot smarter than me and they use this line all the time. You have the means, but it is making the effort to market those means and pursue those means to create a life you choose to live. It will not happen overnight and it is going to be a grind to get the ball moving, but we all have the means to move our lives in the direction we choose.
Each one of us has the means to live a life we want to live. Taking the risk to pursue those means is where we fail. Don't make excuses because everyone has the means to pursue the life they choose to live.
2. I WAS GOING TO, BUT.......
Another great excuse that I have used time and time again. We always have a "but" in our excuses. The reality is that if you want something bad enough you will find a way to get it. Think about that item that you "couldn't live without." Maybe it was a new car, house, toy, clothes, etc. You found a way to get that item. Whether you financed it, worked another job, worked overtime, or something else, you found a way to get it done and purchase that item. This excuse is weak, but probably the most common. If you want to succeed, you will find a way to get it done. If you want it, you have to find the means to go and get it. If you do not pursue your goals and dreams chances are high that you will regret it.
3. I NEED TO GET OUT OF THIS JOB, BUT....
This line proves our fear of change and risk. It is often that many people are unhappy in their current careers, but refuse to leave and pursue other avenues. We follow the 'but' with, I have benefits, it is steady, I make okay money, etc. Those are all excuses that justify staying in a job that you despise. Many might say they are valid and worthy, but I argue that you can provide all of those for yourself. You might have to give up something to make it work, but it is always doable. Again, if you want something to work bad enough you will work hard to make it work. If you are unhappy with what you are doing, create a strategic plan to exit that job and pursue your dreams.
4. I WOULD DO THAT IF I COULD....
In Wyoming, I hear this very often. Wyoming is a state that is fueled by natural resources. We are a boom and bust state. When things are booming our economy thrives, but when it is in the bust cycle people lose jobs, benefits, retirement, and more. The unfortunate ones who lost their jobs are trying to find other means to make ends meet. Some are sitting on unemployment. I had a recent conversation with a guy who has been laid off about a year. We were discussing other options that he might pursue to make ends meet. His common response, "I wish I could do that." With the internet there are more opportunities to make money than ever. Some research and effort will make it possible to make a living. We get stuck on the idea that we are good at one thing, and it is uncomfortable to break your comfort zone. Excuses will only hinder your ability to find new and creative ways to make a life for yourself.
5. I WOULD START A BUSINESS, BUT.....
If you start a business and pursue it full time you give up a steady paycheck and that is scary for most of us. We have to take a risk and step out of our comfort zone to make a business work and grow. It is not easy and very risky, but the risk might be worth the reward. How will you know if you never try? We are big dreamers. Everyone wants financial peace, security, and comforts, but many make an excuse as to why they will not pursue it. We want to dream big, but we do not always want to chase that dream fearing we might fail. We often envy the people who took risks and are now very successful. Our society and media often want to punish the rich because of their success. Why? They took a risk and made their dreams come true. We should all follow their lead. The great "American Dream" still exists, but our society has made excuses as to why they cannot pursue it. Humans are full of excuses, but if you want it enough you will find a way to get it done. Excuses are a way to hide our fear and discomfort. Sometimes you will have to sacrifice the things that you think you need in order to pursue your goals.