Let’s be real: we’ve all made excuses for things we really wanted to do.
Sometimes they sound like “I’m too tired,” or “It’s not the right time.” Other times, they wear the disguise of logic — “I need to save more money,” or “I should probably get better at this first.”
But if we’re honest, most of the time, excuses come from fear.
Fear of being seen starting small. Fear of not doing it perfectly. Fear of judgment.
And in the name of “being realistic,” we end up putting off the very things that would bring us more joy, purpose, and confidence.
So this article isn’t about shaming you for making excuses — it’s about helping you spot them, reframe them, and move through them with compassion and clarity.
Because the life you want? It’s on the other side of excuse-free action. And the sooner you start moving toward it — even in the smallest steps — the more empowered you’ll feel.
Before We Begin: What Excuses Are Really Doing
Here’s the thing about excuses: they’re not just delays. They’re protective mechanisms.
When your brain says “not now,” or “what if I fail?”, what it’s really doing is trying to keep you safe. Safe from discomfort. Safe from risk.
But that kind of safety keeps you stuck.
Excuses slow your progress, build self-doubt, and chip away at the trust you have in yourself. Over time, they can turn your dreams into regrets.
The good news? You can absolutely unlearn this habit — by becoming aware of it and gently choosing new patterns.
This isn’t about becoming a productivity robot or never feeling fear again. It’s about reclaiming your agency. And showing up even when your brain would rather keep you hiding.
Let’s walk through how to do that — one gentle, real-world step at a time.
1️⃣ Name the Excuses You Keep Telling Yourself
The first move is simple: get honest.
What are the excuses you’ve been leaning on lately? Write them down — no filter.
It could be things like:
- “I don’t know enough yet.”
- “Other people are already doing it better.”
- “I’ll start when I’m more confident.”
When you put those thoughts on paper, they lose their power. They’re not invisible anymore — they’re patterns you can work with.
Now, try challenging each one. For example:
Excuse: “I don’t know enough.”
Reframe: “No one starts out knowing everything. I can learn as I go.”
That shift alone can unlock your next move.
2️⃣ Stop Waiting for the “Right” Time
This is a big one — and maybe the sneakiest excuse of all.
There’s no perfect time to start. Not next Monday, not after your birthday, not when Mercury’s out of retrograde.
Waiting for the ideal moment is a comfort trap. It feels productive, but it’s really just avoidance dressed up as planning.
Start now — imperfectly. Begin before you’re “ready.” Let it be a bit messy.
Because the right time isn’t a date on your calendar — it’s a decision in your day.
3️⃣ Focus on What’s Actually in Your Control
Excuses often fixate on what we can’t do.
No time. No equipment. No support.
But instead of stopping there, ask: what can I do today?
Don’t have an hour to exercise? Move for ten minutes.
Can’t afford the course? Find free resources online.
Too tired to write a chapter? Scribble one paragraph.
Shift your attention from limitation to possibility. Your creativity expands when you stop waiting for ideal conditions and start using what’s already in your hands.
4️⃣ Learn to Get Cozy with Discomfort
Discomfort isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong — it’s often a sign you’re growing.
Trying something new will feel awkward at first. You might overthink. You might want to hide.
But here’s the truth: your comfort zone never built your dream life.
Growth requires discomfort. The goal isn’t to avoid it — it’s to become someone who can move through it gently and consistently.
Every time you feel resistance and still take action, you expand your tolerance for growth.
5️⃣ Interrupt Yourself in Real Time
Excuses can become so automatic, we don’t even notice them.
Start listening for your internal “I’ll do it later” moments. Then, pause. Ask yourself:
- “Is this really true?”
- “What’s the smallest step I can take right now?”
- “Am I avoiding action or protecting myself from discomfort?”
This self-awareness builds power. It’s not about forcing yourself — it’s about gently disrupting the old loop so you can choose a new response.
6️⃣ Strengthen Your “Why”
Your excuses feel strong when your why feels weak.
Reconnect with the deeper reason you want to do this thing — not the surface-level outcome, but the real emotional driver.
Don’t just say “I want to start a business.”
Say: “I want to feel independent and create something meaningful with my time.”
Don’t just say “I want to work out.”
Say: “I want to have the energy to travel, laugh, and live longer with the people I love.”
When your “why” is strong, your excuses feel small.
7️⃣ Break It Down Into Tiny Steps
Overwhelm feeds excuses.
When something feels too big, we freeze. So the key is to zoom in and shrink the task.
Want to declutter your house? Start with one drawer.
Want to start a blog? Open a blank doc and write your first idea.
Don’t underestimate the momentum of a micro-step. Each one chips away at avoidance and builds belief.
Consistency beats intensity — especially when excuses are involved.
8️⃣ Talk to Yourself with Compassion, Not Criticism
You won’t shame your way out of excuses.
If you beat yourself up every time you hesitate, you’ll just double down on guilt — and stay stuck.
Instead, speak to yourself like someone you love.
Say, “It’s okay to feel afraid. I’m still choosing to try.”
Say, “I’ve been avoiding this, but I’m allowed to start fresh.”
This mix of honesty and grace creates a safe space for change to actually happen.
9️⃣ Stop Waiting for Someone Else to Approve
You don’t need a permission slip to chase what matters to you.
You don’t need to wait for someone to say “You’re good enough now.”
You don’t need to wait for the internet to applaud your first post.
You don’t need to be chosen — you get to choose yourself.
If you’re here, curious and wanting more from your life, that’s your green light.
No more waiting. Begin anyway.
🔟 Own the Power You Already Have
Every time you act instead of avoid, you’re rewriting your story.
You’re reminding yourself: “I’m capable. I’m in charge. I can make new choices.”
This isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about remembering who you already are — beneath the fear, the hesitation, the delays.
Excuses don’t define you. Your action does.
So own that. And let it guide your next step forward.
You Can Start Today — Even Small Is Enough
Let this be your reminder:
You don’t have to fix everything overnight.
You don’t have to be fearless or flawless.
You just have to stop letting the same old excuses run your life.
Even a five-minute action can shift your entire energy.
So pick one thing. One micro-move. And do it.
You’ll be amazed at how momentum — and confidence — begins to build from there.
You’ve got this. Truly.