EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES. We've all been guilty of making them at some point in our lives. Whether it's to avoid taking responsibility for our actions, justify our mistakes, or simply procrastinate, excuses can hold us back from living our lives to the fullest.
One common excuse that many people use, myself included, is blaming our past for our current circumstances and letting it define who we are today. But what if I told you that you can let go of those excuses and embrace an excuse-free life?
Let’s explore the detrimental effects of using excuses, share some silly examples of common excuses we've all heard or made, and let me provide you practical tips on how to stop with the excuses and live a more fulfilling life.
I was the eldest child with too many responsibilities.
Your friends will agree and say I understand. You were a parent before you turned 8 because you were looking after your siblings and younger cousins. You had to stay home with them while your parents and other adults went out and had fun. Everyone will sympathise with you but look at it another way, it’s like being the "CEO" of your family, with your younger siblings as your employees. Sure, you may have had a lot of responsibilities growing up, but now you have the power to "fire" those responsibilities and redefine your role. You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders forever. Those siblings and cousins can fend for themselves. Take charge of your own life and create a new job description that allows you to pursue your own dreams and desires.
I was the youngest.
Everyone sympathises and says Oh man, you didn’t have a chance in hell of moving forward. Everyone made decisions for you! We won't go onto the middle child syndrome as you've heard it all before!
My ex abused me.
I’ve been there but I refused to let it define who I am today. It’s over and you need to move on. Let’s imagine if your ex was a mosquito, constantly buzzing around your ear. You can choose to swat it away and let it go, or you can keep slapping yourself and letting it continue to annoy you. 
Let me give you another silly example - imagine if your ex was a pair of socks that were too tight and uncomfortable. You wouldn't keep wearing those socks, right? Similarly, you don't have to keep carrying the burden of your abusive ex with you everywhere you go. You can take off those socks, throw them away, and put on a fresh pair that fits you perfectly.
Either way, don't let your ex's actions define your self-worth or hold you back from moving forward. You deserve to walk freely and confidently on your own path.
My Dad told me, I was useless and won’t amount to anything because I couldn't tie my shoelaces at the age of 7. He always compared me to my older brother who was a super academic & athlete.
It's unfortunate that your dad made hurtful comments and comparisons that made you feel like you were not good enough. It's important to remember that those comments are not a reflection of your worth or potential. Tying shoelaces at a certain age or excelling in academics or sports does not determine your value as a person. It's crucial to not internalise these negative words and comparisons, as they can create limiting beliefs about yourself. You are not defined by your dad's opinions or your brother's achievements.
You are your own unique individual with your own strengths, talents, and abilities. It's important to focus on your own journey and not let others' expectations define who you are. Surround yourself with positive influences and believe in your own abilities. You have the power to shape your own future and prove to yourself and others that you are capable of achieving great things, regardless of any past negative comments or comparisons. Your worth and potential are not determined by external factors, but by your own beliefs, efforts, and resilience. Embrace your individuality, celebrate your achievements, and don't let anyone else's words define who you are.
I Can't Pursue My Dreams Because I'm Too Old.
You have no idea, how many times I’ve heard this one. Age is just a number, and it's never too late to pursue your dreams. Using the excuse of being too old to chase after your passions is simply selling yourself short. Take inspiration from the late bloomer success stories, such as Colonel Sanders who founded Kentucky Fried Chicken in his 60s or Grandma Moses who started her painting career in her 70s. Embrace your inner child, dust off that bike, and take a ride of a lifetime. Don't let age be an excuse to limit yourself. You have the power to continue growing, learning, and evolving, no matter how old you are. Go after what sets your soul on fire, no matter how old you are.
I was diagnosed ADHD so I can't be good at anything. My mum says I use this as an excuse.
Being diagnosed with ADHD does not define your worth or limit your potential. While it may present unique challenges, it is important to remember that it does not determine your ability to excel in various areas of life. It's crucial to avoid using the diagnosis as an excuse for not striving to be your best self. Instead of seeing it as a limitation, view it as an opportunity to develop strategies and techniques to manage and overcome any challenges that may arise. Your diagnosis does not define your abilities, skills, or potential for success. It's important to have a growth mindset and believe in your own capabilities.
Your mother's comment about using it as an excuse is a reminder to not let the diagnosis become a crutch that holds you back. With determination, perseverance, and support from loved ones and professionals, you can excel in any area of your choosing. Don't let the diagnosis define you, but rather, embrace it as a part of your unique journey and continue to strive for greatness in your own way. You are more than your diagnosis, and you have the power to overcome any challenges and achieve your dreams.
Instead, embrace your strengths and talents, and work towards your goals with determination and perseverance. Many successful individuals, including entrepreneurs, athletes, and artists, have achieved greatness despite having ADHD. With proper management strategies, support, and self-belief, you can excel in your chosen field and be the best version of yourself.
I come from a poor background so we couldn’t afford to do anything.
Using your background as an excuse for not moving forward or achieving your goals is limiting yourself. Your past circumstances do not have to define who you are today or dictate your future. Yes, coming from a poor background may have presented financial challenges, but it's important to shift your mindset and focus on what you can do today to improve your situation.
It's like thinking that you can't travel the world because you don't have a private jet like a celebrity. But hey, who said you need a private jet to travel? You can start with a road trip to the nearest town, or even take a virtual tour from the comfort of your own home. Don't let the lack of your younger self hold you back from chasing your dreams. Get creative, think outside the box, and make the most of what you have.
Many successful individuals have overcome challenges and limitations to achieve their dreams. Don't let the idea of being poor hold you back from pursuing your goals. Instead, use your experiences as motivation to work hard, be resourceful, and seek opportunities for growth. Success is not solely measured by wealth but by personal growth, resilience, and determination. After all, it's not the resources you have, but how resourceful you are that matters.
I have lived with this disease most of my life and it stops me from living a full life.
It's easy to fall into the trap of using our health as an excuse to avoid taking action toward our goals. However, it's important to remember that we are not defined by our diseases or physical limitations. While it may be true that certain health conditions can pose challenges, it's crucial to focus on what we can do, rather than what we can't. By finding ways to work with our bodies and adapting our plans accordingly, we can still make progress toward our dreams. So let's ditch the excuse that our disease holds us back, and instead, let's embrace our strength, resilience, and the power of possibility.
After all, who says having a disease means we can't have fun along the way? It's like playing a game of "Simon Says" with our bodies, finding creative ways to move and groove, and laughing at the unexpected twists and turns. Maybe it's a dance party in our living room while using a cane as a dance partner, or a modified workout routine that makes us feel like superhero warriors. Let's remember that humor can be a powerful tool in navigating the challenges that come with health conditions and that laughter can lighten our spirits and brighten our outlook. So, let's lace up our imaginary superhero capes, put on our dancing shoes (or slippers!), and show the world that our health may be a challenge, but it won't stop us from living life to the fullest and chasing our dreams with a smile on our face. Let's rock on, despite the hurdles, and create our unique path towards success, one dance move or superhero pose at a time! 
You have the power to stop using excuses, blame, and baggage as barriers to your progress. By letting go of the past, embracing self-accountability, and taking proactive steps toward our goals, we can move forward with joy and create the life we truly desire. So, let's drop the baggage, kick the excuses to the curb, and start living our lives to the fullest, with a sprinkle of humour along the way. After all, laughter is a powerful tool that can help us navigate challenges with a lighter heart and a brighter outlook. So, "let that shit go" and move on to a life filled with joy, growth, and endless possibilities!
Instead of viewing your past as a limitation, see it as an opportunity to understand your strengths and weaknesses better and find strategies that work for you. Seek support from professionals, develop coping mechanisms, and create a plan that allows you to pursue your passions and achieve your goals.
Remember, excuses are simply barriers that we create in our minds. They may provide temporary relief, but they ultimately hold us back from reaching our full potential.
It's time to let go of the excuses and embrace an excuse-free life. Take ownership of your actions, believe in your abilities, and take steps towards a more fulfilling and empowered life. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:
- Recognize and acknowledge your excuses: The first step towards letting go of excuses is to be aware of them. Take an honest look at the excuses you tend to make and acknowledge them without judgment. Awareness is the key to change.
- Challenge your excuses: Once you have identified your excuses, challenge them. Ask yourself if they are valid or if they are holding you back from achieving your goals. Are they based on facts or are they limiting beliefs? Be honest with yourself and question the validity of your excuses.
- Take responsibility for your actions: Instead of blaming external factors, take responsibility for your actions and choices. Recognize that you have the power to change your circumstances and create the life you desire. Own up to your mistakes and learn from them, rather than making excuses to justify them.
- Reframe your mindset: Shift your mindset from a victim mentality to an empowered mindset. Instead of seeing yourself as a passive recipient of circumstances, see yourself as a proactive creator of your reality. Focus on solutions and possibilities, rather than dwelling on excuses.
- Surround yourself with positive influences: Surround yourself with people who inspire and motivate you to be your best self. Seek out mentors, coaches, or supportive friends who can encourage and challenge you to overcome excuses and achieve your goals.
- Set clear and achievable goals: Set clear and realistic goals that align with your values and aspirations. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps and create a plan to achieve them. Having clear goals can help you stay focused and motivated, and reduce the tendency to make excuses.
- Take action and persevere: Take action towards your goals, even if it's just a small step at a time. Be persistent and persevere, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. Remember that progress is more important than perfection, and that success often requires overcoming obstacles.
Stop letting your baggage, which we know is a huge pile of poop, define who you are. Picture your baggage as a smelly, oversized suitcase full of shit, that you've been lugging around for years. It's heavy, cumbersome, and reeks of negativity. You can choose to keep carrying it around, struggling to drag it with you wherever you go, or you can put it down, take a step back, and watch it explode like a piñata, with all the negative emotions and memories scattering around.
It's time to let that shit go and move forward with a lighter load and a fresher perspective. Don't let your past define who you are or control your future. You have the power to choose your own path and create your own happiness.
Are you ready to let go of the excuses and live a more fulfilling life? The choice is yours.
As a happiness coach, I can help you move forward if you are struggling to let go of the past!
