Predictions and Trends 2015

I’m not really much on predictions but there is a trend I’d like to see in 2015: No Excuses.

Far too few people realize the power they hold for their life and their career. Anyone who has read my posts can detect an undertone of belief that we hold personal power to make things happen. This article is no exception.

We can always find a reason not to pursue our dreams, not to take action, and a reason why we stay in our comfort zone. We have incredible influence over our mind and can convince ourselves of just about anything. You know, we’re just “keepin’ it real.” We’re just being responsible, right?

Do any of these sound familiar?

  • “There’s not enough time.”
  • “It’s too late, I should have started earlier.”
  • “But my boss doesn’t like me so they won’t help me”
  • “But it’s not my fault, I can’t help that”
  • “It’s too hard”
  • “I’m too tired.”
  • “I’ll start tomorrow, next week, next month, next year.”
  • “I’m too young.”
  • “I’m too old.”
  • “It’s not meant to be or it would’ve happened by now.”
  • “I don’t have the experience I need.”
  • “It’s too risky.”
  • “I’m too afraid.”
  • “I don’t have the right resources.”
  • “Nobody will support me.”
  • “I’ll do it when the kids are older.”
  • “This isn’t the right time.”

Read them one more time. If you’ve uttered any of these or something similar, pay attention to what you are telling yourself. There is nothing in those words than can stop you from moving forward and living your dream in real-time.

The only thing stopping you — is you.

An excuse is nothing more than our personal justification on why we are living in our current circumstances. It’s what we tell ourselves when we are not pursuing something we want in life.

When it comes to excuses, we are the master of invention. We invent reasons to support our behavior. It’s how we place blame. We certainly can’t blame ourselves so we look to blame someone else or something else.

But if you want something, stop justifying inaction.

We succeed when we stop telling ourselves why we can’t do something and start living a life that shows we can.

Reasons We Make Excuses

Reasons abound and everyone has their own personal reasons but it often boils down to fear.

  • Fear of failure
  • Fear of success
  • Fear of looking silly
  • Fear of embarrassment
  • Fear of responsibility
  • Fear of change or uncertainty
  • Fear of making mistakes
  • Fear of not being confident enough
  • Fear of lack of resources

Fear traps us in our self-imposed boundary called our comfort zone. But you have to go deeper than that. Fear develops because we don’t have a proper understanding of information, resources, experiences, or even perspective. Fear develops when we don’t surround ourselves with the right people who support us.

Excuses Have Consequences

Excuses hold you back and making excuses can lead to these consequences:

  • Lack of growth
  • Regrets
  • Limiting beliefs
  • Unenthusiastic outlook on life
  • Self-imposed walls that keep us in our comfort zone
  • Stifled action and creativity
  • Life stays the same, exactly the same…

Lasting consequences result. It holds you back from recognizing opportunities that come your way. How will you know what you can really do if you don’t challenge yourself to reach new heights?

Don’t let excuses paralyze you and prevent forward movement in your life. Do you know what connects a dream to our current reality? Goals and a plan of action.

The first step to overcoming an excuse it to recognize when you start to make one. Take ownership. Don’t place blame on someone else for your lack of action. I know that it’s not easy. Human nature is a funny thing but it’s crucial if you want to eliminate the above subsequent consequences.

Delve deeper into your excuses because they will teach you a thing or two. They will help you identify some weaknesses and help you focus on areas in which you should pay more attention.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Dwell on the Past, Learn From It

Regrets always set in when we spend too much time on past mistakes or failures. But life lessons are called that for a reason. While our immediate response is to start justifying our actions and look for a place to put the blame, don’t do it. Critically assess those mistakes, understand the lessons learned, and move forward. Mistakes are some of life’s best instructors. Take responsibility and own your actions.

There is power in today. Let today be the day you set the standard for your success in 2015. It’s going to be a fantastic year; I just know it!

Let us know what you think!