We are all familiar with excuses. No one is immune from this human side of life. Some are hilariously funny but others not so much. Some are harmless and others prevent us from getting things done, living our best life, and reaching for the stars.
Excuses tends to be a serious subject, so let's start with some funny ones I gleaned from Readers Digest.
I can’t do cross country today because I hurt my finger.
My roommate’s excuse for not being able to wash her dishes: “I’m allergic to hot water."
One of my cashiers once called off with a 112-degree fever… needless to say, I congratulated him on his medical miracle for surviving when I saw him next.
I was an hour late for my appointment at the sleep-disorder clinic. My excuse: “I overslept.”
Now that you have had a chance to have a chuckle, let's dive into the topic of excuses.
When it comes to excuses we can be very creative. Think of some excuses you currently use or have used because you didn't want to do something.
We think we are doing ourselves justice by our excuses, at least that's what we tell ourselves. But have you given any thought to the energy you expend while creating and maintaining your excuse(s)? Our excuses can actually take as much, if not more, energy then if we just did what we needed to do. Add the stress and the guilt to these excuses and you can find yourself mentally exhausted.
Why do we do that to ourselves? Because we are human. Notice how I just provided an excuse for excuses? 💖
Excuses are varied and many when it comes to our physical and mental health. We all know that our health matters. It is the foundation of LIFE. Without proper health, we struggle with certain aspects life or our day.
Most of us are aware of what we need to fix, but we use excuses because they allow us to stay in the status quo. Or they allow us to make a half hearted attempt without any clear direction or goals. Immersing ourselves in excuses is easier then change. Right? Or is it?
Think about how much of our daily energy is used to compensate for our health issues? How much of our daily energy is used to come up with viable excuses? How much of our energy do we use to put off what, eventually, our doctors OR our body/mind will demand us to do?
See if any of the excuses below resonate with you or someone you love.
I'll start TOMORROW.
It's too expensive!!!
I want to go it alone. I don't need anyone's help.
I could never ever give up my sweets (swap out your favorite food or beverage).
I have cravings that will NEVER go away, so why bother.
I would rather eat and drink whatever i want now and pay for it later.
It's too much work!
I don't know where to start.
My spouse or friends would not be (or are not) supportive.
I don't have any willpower.
Life is short so I want to eat and drink whatever.
I'm too busy for proper meal prep.
My kids will complain if I serve healthy meals.
I don't think health is that important.
I have a slow metabolism.
I'm big boned.
I'll NEVER be able to do this.
I don't want to fail so I would rather just not start.
I've always had insomnia.
I don't have time to exercise.
Cranky is who I am.
Tomorrow. A mystical land where 99% of all human productivity, motivation, and achievement is stored. ~ Anonymous
But excuses are just that, excuses. They really are just creative reasons tied up in a bow.
If we look at our excuses and really reflect on each one individually we can actually find a way around MOST excuses. Excuses are obstacle(s) which, if we look hard enough, we CAN (in most cases) overcome.
How to Conquer our Excuses
First, identify a goal you would like to reach. It doesn't have to be health related (but it is my favorite).
Secondly, make a list of your excuses you've been telling yourself which has prevented you from starting or reaching your goal.
Thirdly, after you have your list, ask yourself the 3 questions below for each excuse:
Is it fact or is it just how I feel? - Most excuses are about feeling versus fact.
Can I overcome it? Why or why not? - Just remember, you don't necessarily have to accomplish it on your own. That's what professionals are for. Even a support buddy maybe helpful.
if you had to overcome it, what would a possible solution be? - This step does not have to be the final answer or solution but it gets you thinking on what IS possible to get you moving. Maybe the only solution right now is for you to flip the script and make the excuse a positive statement. ex. If your original excuse is, that 'getting healthy is too expensive', maybe you can say 'My health is worth the expense.'.
Fourthly, write down 5 baby steps which will override your excuses and get you moving toward your goal. Take a snapshot of these steps with your phone and set it as your phone wallpaper .
This is a great exercise when your stuck in that never-ending 'excuse' ferris wheel. Reflecting and identifying the source and the solution for excuses is your first step in getting unstuck and creating momentum.
Feel free to download my FREE Conquering Excuses Worksheet to help step you through this exercise. Take your time with this exercise. It doesn't have to be done in one sitting. Spend a few days or a week reflecting and identifying your excuses and working on next steps.
I encourage you not to set New Year resolutions but to look at ONE thing you hope to achieve in 2023. WHY do you want to achieve it? What excuses are you telling yourself that make it seem impossible to achieve? What little steps can I take to move past these excuses?
Once your excuses are gone, you will simply have to settle for being awesome.
Wishing everyone a happy New Year and I hope that it's everything you dreamed it would be.