Making Excuses

I edited and re-edited my article. I had to make sure it was just so. Then I procrastinated on writing the query letter to get my article published. The house needed cleaning, I ran out of stamps, the letter wasn't quite right. Delivering the query letter to the mailbox took another week what with family, meetings and such. I had good excuses why I wasn't actively trying to get published. But, the real reason was that I was afraid I wasn't going to be good enough.

So many times our excuses are just a cover-up for being afraid. Unfortunately since the fear is being covered up we have no way against it. We just go merrily along making more excuses and wondering why our life is still the same.

We need to bring our fears out into the open. Next time you feel yourself start making an excuse, stop. Look behind that excuse and see if a fear is lurking nearby. Say it like it is. Be honest with yourself with the real reason you are making excuses. Look the fear in the face. Only then can you fight it.

-Examine your fear. Is it rational? Is it true that everyone will laugh at you if you try yoga? Most people will be too busy worrying about embarrassing themselves at yoga class.

-If it is rational, what practical steps can you do to minimize your risk? If you start your own business you may fail and lose money. Is there any way to save up money or stay at your job a little while longer before launching a new business?

-Now go for it! Tell yourself you are scared, but you can do it anyway. Take itty bitty steps if you need to, but keep moving forward. Find someone to be accountable to. Tell them what you are going to do and then check in with them once you accomplish the task. Don't let yourself make excuses.

TAKE ACTION

Start looking at where you are making excuses frequently. Do you always make excuses why you can't exercise or why you will do this project later?

1. I frequently make excuses about:

2. What I am really afraid of is:

3. Is this fear rational?

4. If this is rational, what steps can I take to minimize risk?

5. The next three little actions to take will be:

Now take that first action and say goodbye to your excuses!

About The Author

© Beth Dargis 2004

Beth Dargis works with overwhelmed women to create saner, simpler lives. Are you in need of a break? Take the self-care quiz: http://www.encouragingcoach.com/projects-selfcare-quiz.htm

bethd@encouragingcoach.com

---

12 Reflections on Personal Responsibility

Responsibility means being accountable for what we think, say, and... Read More

4 Simple Ways To Get Over Your Need For Acceptance... And Get On With Your Life

Imagine what your life would be like if you could... Read More

Recommendations for the Best Personal Growth Books

I can't stress this enough: You've got to motivate yourself... Read More

Keep the Channel Open

Why do you do what you do? What is your... Read More

Are You Stuck?

You know the feeling.There's something you want to do. You've... Read More

Self Confidence : The Importance of Will-Power

The importance of will-power is recognized by most men, yet... Read More

Are You Lacking Self-Discipline? - Part 1

A man does not live until he begins to discipline... Read More

What Would You Change?

When talking with people about their life, or their job,... Read More

Procrastination Emancipation

It's early January as I sit down to research and... Read More

The Time to Act

Engaging in genuine discipline requires that you develop the ability... Read More

Motivation: 5 Powerful Emotions You Can Use

Experiencing strong emotions is not uncommon. What is uncommon is... Read More

Letting Go Of Our Negativity

Everyone has something, whether it be a habit, or aspect... Read More

Motivation: How to Get Unstuck

Have you ever felt stuck?You know the feeling - you're... Read More

A Reality Practice

Suggested practice to gain freedom from self-limitation.It is suggested that... Read More

Persistence

One of the keys to being successful in anything you... Read More

Tips for Mastering Visualization Techniques

Visualization is creating a mental picture of something. Visualization is... Read More

The Dawn On The Nile Valley Has Secrets To Tell! (3)

Me and Mao Tse-Tung!My first political experience was with Mao... Read More

Gaining Wisdom

Wisdom eludes me. The more I learn, the less I... Read More

Cure Your Burnout!

Do you ever get those Sunday night blues? Dreading the... Read More

The First Step for Getting Better Results

How dramatically we can change our results is largely a... Read More

Ten Sure-Fire Rules To Put Old On Hold By At Least 25 Years

Would you like to feel and function like age 40... Read More

Dont Get Hysterical About The Historical

The tension was palpable in the room as I began... Read More

A Few Simple Things You Must Do If You Want To Be Wealthy

Making money is easy when you move to cause rather... Read More

The Most Courageous People in the World

Who are the most courageous people in the world? Armed... Read More

What Do You Truly Value Most?

Believe it or not, values are in the core of... Read More

That First Step To Massive Success

Do you ever procrastinate? So do I!I had some work... Read More

A Formula For Improved Achievement

Your ability to perform in life is determined by a... Read More

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

It is not just new age hype, studies in the... Read More

Right Action & Right Effort: The Keys to Martial Arts Mastery, Keys 3 &4

In the philosophical teachings that form the base for our... Read More

Money Doesnt Finance Dreams

Are you putting off your dreams until you have money?... Read More

Are You A Visionary

Dreams may seem unimportant in your quest for success. And... Read More

Being Determined - What Good Will That Do?

'Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability... Read More

How to Eat an Elephant

I recently returned from a wonderful vacation in the U.S.... Read More