The Excuses We Use to Fail: Four Reasons We Break Our Promises and Don't Become Awesome
Mark Hyland MA
Emergency Response Consultancy & Risk Services | Staff Training | Rescue Standby Service | Risk Assessments.
Introduction:
We all have dreams and aspirations, goals we set for ourselves to become the best version of who we can be. However, more often than not, we find ourselves falling short, making excuses, and ultimately failing to achieve what we set out to do. In this blog post, we will delve into the four common excuses we use to justify our failures: pain, both emotional and physical, forgetfulness, lack of support, and the belief that our goals are stupid. By understanding and addressing these excuses head-on, we can break free from their grip and make significant progress towards realising our full potential.
Excuse #1: Pain - The Barrier We Must Overcome
One of the most prevalent excuses we use to justify our failures is pain, both emotional and physical. Emotional pain often stems from past traumas, fears, or insecurities that hold us back from taking risks or pursuing our dreams. Physical pain, on the other hand, can manifest as a lack of energy, chronic ailments, or disabilities that limit our abilities.
To overcome emotional pain, it's crucial to acknowledge and address our past traumas. Seeking therapy, engaging in self-reflection, and surrounding ourselves with a supportive network can provide the necessary tools to heal and grow. Additionally, developing resilience and a growth mindset can help us navigate the challenges that arise from emotional pain.
When it comes to physical pain, it's important to consult healthcare professionals who can guide us in managing our conditions. Adaptations, such as finding alternative ways to pursue our goals or seeking the assistance of others, can help us work around physical limitations. It's crucial to remember that pain is not an excuse to give up; rather, it is a challenge that can be overcome with determination and creative problem-solving.
Excuse #2: Forgetfulness - Holding Ourselves Accountable
Another excuse we often resort to is forgetfulness. We make promises to ourselves and set goals, only to forget them in the chaos of our daily lives. The lack of a concrete plan or a system to track our progress can contribute to this forgetfulness.
To combat forgetfulness, we need to establish clear and specific goals. Writing them down and creating a roadmap for achieving them can serve as a constant reminder of what we want to accomplish. Utilising tools like calendars, to-do lists, or mobile applications can help us stay organised and accountable.
Moreover, incorporating regular self-reflection into our routine can help us reassess our goals and ensure that we stay focused. By making a habit of reviewing our progress and realigning our actions with our objectives, we minimize the risk of forgetfulness derailing our aspirations.
Excuse #3: Lack of Support - Finding Strength Beyond Ourselves
Often, we blame the lack of support from others for our failures. Whether it's the absence of encouragement, resources, or understanding, feeling unsupported can significantly impede our progress. However, it's essential to recognise that while external support can be valuable, the ultimate responsibility for our success lies within us.
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To address this excuse, we must first communicate our goals and aspirations to those around us. Expressing our desires and needs openly can help others understand the importance of our journey and potentially provide the support we seek. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that not everyone will understand or endorse our ambitions, and that's okay. Seeking out like-minded individuals or joining communities with similar goals can provide the encouragement and camaraderie necessary to overcome the lack of support from our immediate surroundings.
Additionally, developing self-reliance and self-belief is vital in overcoming the absence of external support. Recognising our own worth, celebrating our achievements, and cultivating self-confidence can empower us to push forward despite the lack of external validation. Remember, we have the power to fuel our own motivation and determination, even in the face of skepticism or indifference from others.
Excuse #4: Believing Our Goals Are Stupid - Embracing the Power of Passion
One of the most self-sabotaging excuses we make is believing that our goals are stupid or unworthy of pursuit. This negative self-talk stems from a lack of self-esteem, fear of judgment, or societal pressure to conform.
To overcome this excuse, we need to shift our mindset and embrace the power of passion. Our goals and aspirations are deeply personal, and what may seem insignificant or unimportant to others can hold immense value to us. It's crucial to recognize that our dreams are valid and deserving of our time and effort.
One way to counter this excuse is to surround ourselves with positive influences. Seek out role models and success stories that inspire and motivate you. Engage in activities and hobbies that ignite your passion and remind you of what truly brings you joy. By immersing ourselves in a supportive environment that celebrates individuality and diverse goals, we can overcome the belief that our aspirations are silly or unattainable.
Furthermore, embracing failure as a stepping stone to success is essential. Failure is not a reflection of our worth or the validity of our goals but rather an opportunity for growth and learning. Every setback provides valuable lessons and insights that can propel us forward on our journey towards awesomeness. By reframing failure as a natural part of the process, we can let go of the fear of making mistakes and embrace the potential for growth and achievement.
In essence, excuses are powerful barriers that can prevent us from realising our full potential and becoming the best version of ourselves. The four common excuses we explored – pain, both emotional and physical, forgetfulness, lack of support, and believing our goals are stupid – are deeply ingrained in our psyche. However, by addressing these excuses head-on, we can break free from their grip and move forward on our path to awesomeness.
It's important to remember that pain, whether emotional or physical, does not have to define us or limit our potential. With resilience, self-reflection, and seeking support, we can overcome the challenges that pain presents. Forgetfulness can be combated by setting clear goals, establishing a system for accountability, and incorporating regular self-reflection into our routines.
While external support can be beneficial, we must also cultivate self-reliance and belief in our abilities. Our goals are valid and worthy, and we have the power to fuel our own motivation and determination. Finally, we must reject the belief that our aspirations are stupid or unworthy and embrace our passions wholeheartedly. By surrounding ourselves with positive influences and viewing failure as an opportunity for growth, we can break free from self-doubt and fear of judgment.
In the end, it is up to us to take responsibility for our own journey towards awesomeness. By challenging the excuses we use to justify our failures, we can step into our power, overcome obstacles, and achieve the greatness we are capable of. So let's set aside these excuses, embrace our dreams, and make the commitment to become the best version of ourselves. The path to awesomeness awaits us.