Excuses - are lies...

Excuses are lies we tell ourselves to avoid confronting uncomfortable truths. Yet once we fall into their trap, it becomes almost impossible to break free. Instead of addressing the real issue, we merely conceal the symptoms. One of the most important steps in personal growth is to eliminate excuses and face the truth behind them head-on.

Here are some common excuses and what they truly mean:

“I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THAT.”

When you make such a statement, deep down you know it isn’t true. The truth is that the outcome of that action simply isn’t important enough to you. “I don’t have time to exercise in the morning.” “I don’t have time for a serious relationship.” “I don’t have time to start my own business.” Of course you have time — as much as everyone else. Many people manage to do those very things. The difference lies in how they set their priorities. You are not a victim of circumstances. If you don’t like your circumstances — change them.

It’s amusing to watch people who claim they have no time still find time to watch television. If you don’t have time for exercise, you certainly don’t have time for TV either. In reality, this simply means that working out isn’t important enough for those people. It’s easier to blame a lack of time than to admit a lack of willpower.

“I DON’T KNOW HOW TO DO IT.”

The weakest excuse of all. “I don’t know how to build a website.” “I don’t know how to write a book.” “I don’t know how to find a better job.” Are you capable of learning? Or did you stop trying once you learned to crawl, complaining that you didn’t know how to walk? Behind the phrase “I don’t know” hides “I’m not willing to learn.” In other words, you must admit that you are being lazy.

“I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY.”

If you want to buy something, the lack of money does not justify giving up your goal. You can always earn more money or find a way to obtain what you want at a discount. Behind the phrase “I don’t have money” lies “I don’t really want it that much.” Earning money is simply a matter of time. As we already know, a shortage of time or knowledge is no reason to give up. If you wish to buy something expensive, you can make it your top priority and then find the time to learn how to earn enough for it.

Do not let excuses control you. If one of the statements above sounds like you, replace it immediately with the truth that lies beneath. The truth may be unpleasant at first, but once you acknowledge your unwillingness, laziness, or lack of motivation, you open the door to growth. For example, by recognizing your reluctance to learn, you can still decide to do it — despite the difficulties — understanding that you could, in fact, accomplish it if it truly mattered to you.

Our ego prefers to blame external factors beyond our control — lack of time, information, or resources — for our failures. Yet by doing so, we never resolve problems. We must identify the real causes, because only what can be influenced can be improved.

We cannot control the passage of time, but we can set priorities for how we use it. We cannot control all information, but we can choose what to learn and how much effort to devote to it. We cannot control money directly, but we can take more effective measures to increase our income. By focusing on what is within our control, we can attract as much time, knowledge, and resources as we need.

Do not let your ego stand in the way of growth. Find the courage to face the truth — only then can real change begin. Once you admit to laziness, lack of motivation, or insufficient skills, you can start improving. But you cannot directly influence time, information, or money. Eliminate excuses, face the harsh truth, and take your first step toward the direction you truly wish to go.