We all love making excuses, don’t we? Excuses are convenient and have a way of making us feel justified and satisfied, but when we allow these excuses to get in the way of our progress, that’s a problem. Even though some excuses may not seem like a big deal, many of them can actually stop you from becoming the best you can be.
For instance, when we constantly come up with a whole lot of excuses to justify our lack of discipline towards doing what needs to be done or find excuses to keep staying in our comfort zone without pushing ourselves, they can become a clog in the wheel of our successes.
When you keep making excuses, you move away from reaching your full potential. You might also miss out on opportunities and stop yourself from developing skills that could help you grow and improve. So, it’s important to avoid making excuses if you want to make the most of your abilities and opportunities.
Having said that, here are 20 common excuses young people in general often make that can hinder them from reaching their full potential.
That’s just the way I am
Many people use this to excuse their bad behaviour, laziness, and indiscipline. It is like finding a way not to take responsibility for their actions. But here’s the interesting part: You can actually change many things about yourself if you want to. The truth is that just because it seems you are getting away with it at the moment does not mean it will always be that way. Often, success and failure are products of changes we make or refuse to make.
I am from a poor background
While it is true that coming from a poor background can be hard and challenging, it is equally important to note that the circumstances at birth do not define your potential or determine your future. As a matter of fact, such challenges can actually serve as strong motivation. Little wonder many successful people we know are relatively from poor backgrounds. Remember, if there is a will, there must be a way.
I am not smart enough
Many young people doubt their own intelligence. Often times, the belief that we are not smart or intelligent enough is the reason we are not. Once you have convinced yourself that you are not intelligent, your brain accepts that as your reality. So the problem may just be your belief. Even if it is true that you may not be as smart as the next person, you can push yourself to change that. Your success doesn’t rely on being the absolute best or smartest. It depends on your willingness to consistently put in the effort and work hard.
I am not sure where to start
Many young people use this as an excuse not to do that thing we have convinced ourselves is difficult. Usually, we only figure out how to do it once we start taking action. Jim Rohn said, “If you truly want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” The key is to start from somewhere and make progress.
I will do it later
I understand that sometimes this may not really be an excuse, but you are being sincere. But it can equally be a way to procrastinate or delay something that needs to be done at the moment, and that’s an excuse. Delaying things usually makes them more difficult later on. I’ve learned that we often end up paying a higher price for not doing things when we should have. If it urgently matters, do it without procrastination.
It is too late to do it
While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times, it’s important to note that it’s rarely too late to make some progress or do something worthwhile. The key is to take action rather than letting the excuse hold you back. Starting late is still better than not starting at all, and you can still make progress with effective planning and determination.
I can’t do it
This is one of the key excuses that stops many from achieving great things. There’s no way you will know if it’s going to work until you give it a try. We actually become better at something as we continue to do it. Success and progress will demand a certain level of effort, perseverance, and dedication. That’s why many choose the easier way by remaining the way they are and cooking up excuses to avoid putting in the effort it demands. However, if others have achieved it, you too can!
This is very helpful information for people of all class