Excuse Busters - 3 of 22

Most of us have no problem coming up with perfectly valid reasons for not taking action. Our excuses may temporarily make us feel better, yet they do not bring any value to life. Excuses do not pay the bills, they do not solve problems, they just allow us to justify not taking action.

We will look at a long list of excuses, of reasons not to take action, and turn them on their head. For every excuse, a compelling answer is offered to counteract it. The result is a list of powerful reasons for taking action now.

1. What would other people think?

Are you afraid of looking foolish for some reason? Why? You know what you need to do, and you’re committed to doing it. Don’t worry about looking foolish. What will really make you look foolish is if you just sit around making excuses. An honest effort is nothing to be ashamed of. What other people think is their problem, not yours. Let them think what they will. It doesn’t matter. Do what needs to be done. Get on with it.

2. It’s uncomfortable

Sure it is uncomfortable to take action. But what is so great about comfort? Are you committed to comfort or to accomplishment? A cow grazing in a pasture is comfortable. You are capable of much more. You have possibilities to be explored, and to explore them you’ll need to get your hands dirty. But a little discomfort right now is much less painful than the regret you’ll eventually feel if you don’t ever take action. Discomfort can eventually be overcome, but regret will never go away. Get up out of your comfort zone and start making a difference.

3. I’ll never be as good as ____

The only person you should compare yourself against is yourself. Your obligation is to do your very best. Don’t worry about how that compares to someone else. Just do it. Everyone is unique. Everyone has their own special contribution to make. You’ll only discover yours by taking action.  If you decide in advance that you’ll never be as good as so-and-so, then you forgo the opportunity to find your own unique skills. Winners refuse to even acknowledge the competition, by blazing new trails. Comparing yourself to others will only bring you down. Set off in your own unique direction.  Get into action make it happen.

Check back soon for Excuse Buster 4.