Our mind is one of the most magical phenomena ever!

The depth and variety of our thoughts indicate how talented our minds are, making us feel amazing or terrible in seconds. 

Your mind can think in any direction – positive or negative – that almost always directly impacts your mood, actions, and habits. 

Many of us are victims of the negative stories our minds tell us. These stories or excuses chain us to one place, thinking we don’t have it in us to do what we should do to achieve our dreams. 

Have you ever looked at people who have what you want, and thought to yourself, “They can do it because it’s them, and not me”?

These are some of the excuses your mind tells you before you take any BIG SCARY step in life. 

And these are enough to stop you from moving forward and make you stagnant. 

Many people still go forward and do it with fear, but there are thousands of people who firmly believe these excuses and suffer because they can’t take the big next step that will change their lives and help them grow. 

Let’s see what common excuses or mental roadblocks people usually have when they want to achieve a big goal, and of course, how to deal with each. 

Excuses Your Mind Tells You Before Your Next Big Step (And What To Do About Them)

Excuse #1: I can’t do it

One of the most common excuses people make before taking the next big step is “I can’t do it.” This mentality prevents you from achieving your goals and making progress in your life. It’s a negative self-talk that limits your potential and keeps you from trying new things.

The truth is, that everyone feels overwhelmed and uncertain when they start something new. 

I remember how my hands were shaking when I purchased the domain for this blog. Because I was that scared and wondered who would read what I wanted to write. But here you are, reading this. 

So, the key is to push through those feelings and take action anyway. You don’t have to be perfect, or even good, at something when you first start. You just have to be willing to learn and improve over time.

To combat the “I can’t do it” mentality, try reframing your thoughts. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, focus on what you can do. Break down your goal into smaller, more manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way.

Another helpful tactic is to find someone who has already achieved what you want to achieve and learn from them. Ask them for advice, guidance, and support. Having a mentor or role model can give you the confidence and motivation you need to take that next big step. 

If you don’t have access to a mentor right now, you can learn anything from scratch from blogs, video tutorials, and online courses. 

Remember, the only way to truly fail is to never try at all. So, don’t let the “I can’t do it” mentality hold you back from reaching your full potential. 

Excuse #2: I don’t have time

One of the most common excuses your mind tells you before taking the next big step is that you don’t have time.

It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and feel like there are not enough hours in the day. However, the truth is that we all have the same amount of time each day, and it’s up to us to use it wisely.

If you find yourself using this excuse, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate how you’re spending your time. Are you prioritizing the things that matter most to you? Or are you getting bogged down in activities that are not aligned with your goals?

As a wife, mom of two, and a writer, I feel like I am always gasping for time, like a fish pants when it’s out of water. There are tons of things I want to accomplish in my personal and professional life and so limited time. 

One of the biggest lessons I have learned after trying all those productivity hacks under the earth is that it’s all about priorities. Yes, I know it’s cliche. 

But you do the non-negotiable things in your to-do list or your bucket list, no matter what. What you need to analyze is whether this goal is non-negotiable for you or not. Because it is, you will find time. 

Ultimately, the key to overcoming the “I don’t have time” excuse is to be intentional with your time and prioritize the things that matter most to you. By doing so, you’ll be able to take the next big step towards your goals without feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

Excuse #3: They can do it, but not me

It’s easy to look at others who have achieved great things and think they must have some special talent or quality that you lack. You might believe that they were born with a certain level of intelligence, or that they have some innate ability that you just don’t possess.

But the truth is, most successful people aren’t born with some magical gift that sets them apart from the rest of us. They simply worked hard, persevered through challenges, and learned from their mistakes.

If you find yourself thinking that you’re not capable of achieving the same level of success as others, it’s important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. No one is born with all the skills they need to succeed, and even the most accomplished individuals had to work hard to get where they are.

Instead of focusing on what you lack and comparing yourself with others, try to identify the skills and qualities that you do have.

Make a list of your strengths and accomplishments, and use them as a foundation for building the skills you need to achieve your goals. If you look at your strengths, I am sure you can find some line of field you can excel in. 

Excuse #4: I have failed many times

It’s natural to feel discouraged when you’ve failed multiple times. You may start to doubt your abilities and wonder if you’re even capable of achieving your goals.

But the truth is, that failure is a natural part of the learning process. Every successful person has experienced failure at some point in their lives.

One thing I always like to do when I think of my failures is practice gratitude. It always helps me to focus on the things that have gone right for me even when I failed to achieve a particular goal.

For eg, I may not have become a huge writer, but the comments I get on my posts every once in a while remind me that I have touched the hearts of at least a handful of people and that I have made some kind of ripple effect in their life. 

Another thing I like to do is to look for the lessons I learned from my failures. 

Make a list of your past failures and the lessons you learned from them. This can help you see patterns and identify areas where you need to improve. It can also help you gain perspective and realize that failure is not the end of the world.

Another helpful strategy is to focus on small wins. Break down your goal into smaller, more manageable tasks and celebrate each one as you accomplish it. This can help you build momentum and confidence, which will make it easier to tackle bigger challenges.

Excuse #5: It’s too late now

One of the most common excuses that your mind will tell you before taking the next big step is that it’s too late now.

This excuse is particularly insidious because it can make you feel like you’ve missed your chance, that you’ve wasted too much time, and that there’s no point in trying anymore.

I have always felt that at 35, I am too late in fulfilling my travel desires. But then on a recent trip to Thailand, I saw a 75-year-old man enjoying his vacation there and even doing adventurous activities.

It changed my perspective on this excuse and made me more inspired to keep heading towards my travel goals. 

The truth is, it’s never too late to start something new. No matter how old you are, or how much time you think you’ve wasted, you can always take the next step and move forward.

We live in a world where even a 90-year-old grandma didn’t stop herself from pursuing a master’s degree because of her age. 

Here are a few things you can do to counteract this excuse:

• Focus on the present: Instead of dwelling on the past and what you could have done differently, focus on what you can do right now to move forward. Break down your next step into small, manageable tasks, and start working on them today.
• Reframe your thinking: Instead of thinking about how much time you’ve wasted, think about all the time you have left. You still have the rest of your life ahead of you, and there’s no reason why you can’t make the most of it.
• Get support: Sometimes, it can be helpful to have someone else to talk to about your goals and aspirations. Find a friend, family member, or mentor who can offer you support and encouragement as you take the next step.

I remember a quote I recently read on social media. 

“If you are 37, instead of regretting that you can’t wake up at age 18 again, pretend to yourself that you are 90 and you’ve woken up at age 37 again and that you get to magically, wonderfully have the next 50 years again.”

I think it’s a nice perspective to think in when you feel too old. 

Excuse #6: No one is interested in what I want to say/do

This is a common excuse that can hold you back from taking the next step toward your goals, especially if you want to express your creative talents.

But the truth is, everyone has something valuable to share with the world.

If you’re struggling with this excuse, try to shift your perspective.

Instead of focusing on whether or not people are interested in what you have to say or do, focus on the value that you can provide. 

Think about the skills, knowledge, and experience that you bring to the table, and how you can use those to make a difference in the lives of others.

One way to overcome this excuse is to start small.

Share your ideas with a trusted friend or family member, or join a community or group where you can connect with like-minded individuals. As you gain more confidence and experience, you can start to share your ideas and expertise with a wider audience.

Another way to combat this excuse is to focus on the people who are interested in what you have to say or do. Even if it’s just one person, that’s still a valuable connection that you can build upon. Use their feedback and support to help you grow and improve, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice when you need it.

Even if thousands of people are already talking about what you want to do, there will still be people who will be attracted to your specific energy and not the others. But you get to attract them only if you start. 

Excuse #7: I Am Not Talented Enough

Feeling like you are not talented enough can be a major roadblock when it comes to taking the next big step in your life.

This excuse can be especially damaging because it can lead you to believe that you are simply not capable of achieving your goals. But, it is important to remember that talent is not the only factor that determines success.

Instead of focusing on your perceived lack of talent, try to focus on your strengths and what you can do to improve.

Consider taking classes or workshops to develop new skills or enhance existing ones because practice and hard work can often be more important than natural talent.

It can also be helpful to seek out role models or mentors who have achieved success in your field.

Learning from their experiences and strategies can give you the confidence, inspiration, and personal growth you need to take the next step.

Excuse #8: I don’t know how to start

Starting something new can be intimidating, especially if we don’t know where to begin. However, this is just another excuse that our mind is telling us not to take action, as it feels intimidating.

The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to trying to do something new. It all depends on what you want to achieve and what works best for you.

Here are a few tips to help you stop making excuses for not starting:

• Break it down: If the task at hand seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will make it easier to get started and help you build momentum.
• Research: If you’re not sure where to start, do some research. Look for resources online or talk to people who have done something similar. This will give you a better idea of what you need to do and how to get started.
• Just start: Sometimes, the best way to start is to just start. Don’t overthink it or wait for the perfect moment. Just take the first step and see where it takes you.

Excuse #9: One Last Time…

You’ve been telling yourself you’ll quit that bad habit after “one last time” for weeks.

This “One last time” is a trap. I have been there many times like many people, and it just keeps you going in the loop, not allowing you to come out of it. 

Because it puts you back in the comfort zone you are trying to get out of. This excuse is common and keeps you from making progress toward your goals, by not letting you take actions you know are beneficial for your personal growth. 

One way to overcome this excuse is to recognize that there will never be a perfect time to make a change.

There will always be one last time, one more excuse, one more reason why you can’t do it. But if you wait for the perfect time, you’ll never take action.

Another way to overcome this excuse is to focus on the benefits of making the change.

Think about how your life will be better once you’ve quit that bad habit or taken that next big step. Visualize yourself succeeding and feeling proud of yourself for overcoming this obstacle.

You are trying to replace that bad habit with a good one because you are aware of the benefits this new habit will bring. Make a list of the reasons why you want to quit your bad habit and the benefits of the new habit you are trying to build, and then read the list whenever you feel like falling into the “one last time” excuse.

It’s also important to have a plan in place for when you feel the urge to give in to this excuse.

 Write down a list of things you can do instead of giving in to the temptation. This could include going for a walk, calling a friend, or doing a relaxing activity like yoga or meditation.

Remember, every time you give in to this excuse, you’re delaying your progress toward your goals. Don’t let “one last time” hold you back. Take action now and start making the changes you want to see in your life.

Excuse #10: I am too tired

Feeling tired is a common excuse that can hold you back from taking the next big step. It’s easy to make excuses when you’re feeling exhausted, but it’s important to recognize that fatigue is often a symptom of a deeper issue.

If you find yourself constantly feeling tired, it may be a sign that you need to make some changes to your lifestyle.

Here are a few things you can do to combat fatigue:

• Get enough sleep: The most obvious solution to feeling tired is to get more sleep. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and try to establish a regular sleep schedule.
• Exercise regularly: Exercise can help boost your energy levels and improve your overall health. Even a short walk or yoga session can make a big difference.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your energy levels stable throughout the day.
• Reduce stress: Stress can take a toll on your body and leave you feeling exhausted. Try to find ways to manage stress, such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can also contribute to fatigue, so make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.

I had always convinced myself that ‘I was too tired to do this or that’, and when I started investing time into my health, I realized how I always had more energy than I knew. 

It helps you to do more in less time and even do the difficult tasks you have been procrastinating. 

Excuse #11: I can’t do without ________

It’s common to feel like you can’t move forward without a certain thing or person in your life even if you know those specific things are toxic for you. 

Maybe you feel like you can’t do without your morning coffee, or the wine after dinner, or the daily cigarette. 

Whatever it is, this excuse can hold you back from taking the next big step in your life.

The truth is, you are capable of doing without that thing or person. Because human beings are extremely adaptive, and we can do without things or people, no matter how hard we feel it would be.

I have always told myself numerous times that I can’t do without sugar – means, desserts, chocolates, etc. I always had to have something sweet. And then I did a 30-day No sugar challenge, and it taught me many lessons. 

The most important lesson was that – yes, it’s hard, but not as “life-altering” as I thought it would be. This challenge gave me the courage that I can do without any material things that I think I can’t live without. 

You have to trust yourself and let yourself give the space to challenge yourself. 

 It may be uncomfortable at first, but it’s important to remember that discomfort is a natural part of becoming the person you aspire to be. You may even find that you are stronger and more resilient than you thought.

Here are some tips to help you overcome the “I can’t do without” excuse:

• Identify the root cause: What is it about that thing or person that makes you feel like you can’t do without them? Is it a physical addiction, or an emotional attachment? Understanding the root cause can help you find alternative solutions.
• Find alternatives: If you feel like you can’t do without your daily dessert, stock up your favorite fruits at home. Fruits work well for sugar cravings. I always have some dates stored in my room to combat the post-lunch cravings.
• Challenge your beliefs: Sometimes we hold onto beliefs that are not true or helpful. Ask yourself if your belief that you can’t do without something is really true, or if it’s just a limiting belief that is holding you back.
• Take small steps: If going without that thing or person feels overwhelming, start by taking small steps. For example, if you feel like you can’t do without your phone, try leaving it in another room for short periods of time.

Excuse #12: I hate being uncomfortable

It’s natural to want to avoid discomfort. And it’s one of the main reasons we stick to procrastination and prevent ourselves from taking actions we know are good. 

After all, it’s not a pleasant feeling. But when it comes to making progress and taking the next step, discomfort is often an unavoidable part of the process.

You may find yourself making excuses like “I hate being uncomfortable” or “I don’t want to put myself through that.”

But have you achieved any meaningful goal in life without going through some kind of discomfort? 

Even the most confident public performers say that they still get butterflies before a performance. 

So, the next time your mind tries desperately to get out of discomfort, remind yourself why pushing forward is the key to becoming the person you want to be. And moreover, it helps you discover your shortcomings and improve on them and help you reach your full potential. 

So how can you overcome this excuse and push through discomfort? Here are a few tips:

• Acknowledge the discomfort: Instead of trying to ignore or avoid the discomfort, acknowledge it. Recognize that it’s a natural part of the process and that it’s temporary. This can help you shift your perspective and see the discomfort as a sign of progress rather than a roadblock.
• Break it down: If the discomfort feels overwhelming, try breaking down the task into smaller, more manageable steps. And don’t think about the whole staircase, but only the first step – the tiny little step. Maybe it’s creating the username for your YouTube channel, or maybe it’s saying ‘yes’ to that friend group’s outing just for one time. 
• Focus on the benefits: Remember why you’re taking this step in the first place. What are the benefits of pushing through the discomfort? How will you feel once you’ve accomplished your goal? Focusing on the result can help you stay motivated and push through the discomfort.
• Get support: Don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or coach, having someone to talk to can help you work through the discomfort and stay on track.

Excuse #13: I Can Start Later

One of the most common excuses your mind will tell you before taking the next step is that you can start later. You might convince yourself that you don’t have enough time right now, must wait for the right moment, or simply because you are scared to leave your comfort zone (excuse #12).

However, the truth is that there is never a perfect time to start, and waiting for the perfect moment will only delay your progress.

If you keep telling yourself that you can start later, you will never take the first step toward your goal. 

To overcome this excuse, you need to take action now.

Set a date to start right now. 

Create a plan of action and break it down into smaller, manageable steps. This will help you to make progress towards your goal, even if you only have a few minutes each day to work on it.

Remember, starting is the hardest part.

Once you take the first step, the rest will become easier. Don’t let the fear of failure or the need for perfection hold you back. Start now, and you will be one step closer to achieving your dreams.

Here are a few tips to help you overcome the “I can start later” excuse:

• Set a specific date and time to start working on your goal.
• Break your goal down into smaller steps.
• Create a plan of action and stick to it.
• Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back.
• Start small and build momentum over time.

Excuse #14: I Don’t Look Good Enough

You might feel like you’re not thin enough, not pretty enough, or not stylish enough to succeed. But the truth is, these are just excuses that your mind is using to hold you back.

The mind wants comfort and it sticks to any reason it can find to stay within the comfort zone. 

First of all, it’s important to remember that everyone has insecurities.

Even the most confident people have things that they don’t like about themselves. Even the seemingly “perfect-looking” celebrities have insecurities that we can’t spot.  

Thus, you don’t have to let your insecurities stop you from achieving your goals.

Instead, try to focus on the things that you do like about yourself. Maybe you have a great smile, or you’re good at making people laugh. Whatever it is, use it to your advantage.

It’s also important to remember that your appearance doesn’t define you. You are so much more than your looks.

You have gifts that the world hasn’t seen yet and many people need what you have to offer.

You have unique talents, skills, and personality traits that make you who you are. When you focus on these things instead of your appearance, you’ll feel more confident and empowered.

If you’re feeling self-conscious about your appearance, there are things you can do to boost your confidence. For example, you could try a new hairstyle, buy a new outfit that makes you feel great, or start a new exercise routine to improve your physical health.

But remember, these things should be done because they make you feel good, not because you feel like you have to look a certain way to be successful.

Excuse #15: I am worried about what others will think

It’s natural to care about what others think of you, but it’s important to not let that fear hold you back from taking the next big step in your life.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you find yourself worrying about what others will think:

• Remember that everyone is too busy worrying about themselves to be thinking about you. People are often too consumed with their own lives to spend time judging others. Sure, some people judge, but they are just trying to project their own misery and jealousy onto others. And nobody needs to waste time on the opinions of such people.
• Focus on your own goals and aspirations. When you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, the opinions of others become less important.
• Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you. Having a strong support system can help you feel more confident in yourself and your decisions.
• Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. Everyone does.
• Finally, remember that you are the one who has to live with the consequences of your decisions, not others. Don’t let the fear of judgment hold you back from pursuing your dreams and living the life you want.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Life is meant to be lived fully and excuses sometimes get in the way of our dreams and goals. Most of the time, it’s not other people who pull us down, but ourselves. 

Think about how many times you have stood in your way as an obstacle and how you have kept procrastinating on your ambitions because you make an excuse each time you want to take action. 

I hope this post has given you some inspiration to stop procrastinating on your goals and go get what you want. 

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