Have you ever spoken or done something that halted and discouraged you from pursuing your goals?
Excuses and negative self talk are widespread obstacles that prevent most of us from achieving our goals. However, they are not obvious until we become aware of them. And it is only once you become aware of them that you can begin to change them to help you progress.
Here are 20 of the most typical reasons people use to avoid achieving their goals:
1. I’m too old to start.
As long as you are alive and breathing, you have all the resources you need to change your life. All it takes is willpower and desire.
2. I’m not talented enough.
Talent isn't enough to achieve true success. It may help you advance faster, but in the end, all you need is hard effort and devotion to improve.
3. I wasn’t born in the right area.
Your surroundings may have influenced how you were raised, but that doesn't mean you can't choose to change your mindset. You have control over your thoughts and feelings about yourself.
4. I come from a poor background.
Some of the most successful persons arrived with only a few dollars in their pockets. Money may help you get to your goals faster, but the true value is your inner resources and ability to get the job done.
5. I’m not smart enough.
Don't be discouraged if you believe you lack the knowledge to achieve your ambitions. There is a solid reason for your lack of knowledge: you are just getting started! The key to learning is to start someplace and progress.
6. I don’t have the support.
While having support is beneficial, it will not be the reason for your success; it will merely help you get through difficult moments. The most important factors in your route to success and achievement are your drive and motivation.
7. I don’t have enough time to discover what I like.
If you sit down and make a list of all the things you do in a typical day, you’ll begin to realize that you actually have enough time. Figure out what is wasting your time, and replace it with the things that will get you to your goals.
8. My family and friends don’t think I’m capable.
No one, except yourself, can tell you how capable you truly are. Will it matter if your friends and family disappear tomorrow? You are the driving force that connects where you are and where you aspire to be.
9. I don’t know if I will succeed
The greatest mystery of life is not knowing what will happen. Sometimes your path will lead you down roads you never knew existed.
10. I’ve already dedicated myself to a different path.
It is never too late to change paths. Just because you’re on one road doesn’t mean you can’t take a different path and pursue a different journey.
11. I’m just not lucky enough.
We're all lucky all the time. The difference is that you simply do not see the possibilities that present themselves due to a lack of preparedness. Concentrate on preparing for them, and when an opportunity arises, you will naturally become luckier.
12. I didn’t have the right teachers.
There are very few things in this world that you cannot teach yourself. There is free and valuable material available at your fingertips that will provide you with the necessary directions to get started.
13. I’m not destined to succeed.
Everything that ultimately happens in your life is all due, in part, to the decisions you make. If that’s your current belief about yourself then, chances are, you’re right.
14. I’m not motivated enough.
If you lack the motivation to do whatever it is you want to do, you may not desire it passionately enough or see it as something you truly want.
15. I’m too easily distracted by other things.
There will always be more exciting and enjoyable activities available to us. However, the most important thing is to be disciplined and set aside a specific amount of time to assist you progress toward your goals.
16. I’m not educated enough.
Education is not always something you have to learn in school. To get started, no amount of schooling is sufficient. If you are unsure, just take action and learn as you go. Experience will always be the most effective educator.
17. I can’t handle failure.
If you believe that, it is a lie. We are rejected every day of our life, but we don't see them because we refuse to acknowledge them. Learn to detach from outcomes and view the process as a voyage of self-discovery.
18. I will start tomorrow.
There is no such thing as a future; only the now. If you truly have the time to do something now, seize the opportunity and go for it. You will feel much more invigorated and inspired after pushing yourself and making progress.
19. I’m not ready.
You can never be ready to start. If you think that learning more will keep you from ability, you're wrong. You will make mistakes, and simply studying more will deceive you into believing you are making progress, when in reality it is only a deterrent to taking action.
20. I don’t believe I can do it.
As with No. 14, your beliefs direct and guide you toward your objectives. If you truly believe in your ability to succeed, you will notice that everything around you becomes easier. The qualities within you determine the quality of your environment.
Stop making excuses that impede you from realizing your dreams. Go forth, and thrive!
