The most common excuses for not getting sh*t done

The ways we get in our own way are numerous and comforting. Its time to question them.

• I don’t have XYZ level of currently unobtainable knowledge. (what can you learn by doing in the meantime to start the journey?)

• I need more money, then I can… (how can you scale the idea to fit the resources you have?)

• I can’t make a mistake with this. (what is it about making mistakes that scares you?)

• I don’t have time. (when was the last time you unjunked your diary, TO DO list, and prioritised what you care about more?)

• I have to wait for this, this, and this so I can then do that, that, and that. (can you rejig the plan so its not quite so dependent on things you have no control over?)

• I really want to do Idea A. But I am going to do less appealing Idea B because Idea A is new and Idea B seems to be popular/effective/what everyone else does. (how do you know Idea A isn’t the start of the next wave? what is the value in directing energy to what’s already being done to death?)

• Success doesn’t come easily to me. (why do you believe you’re undeserved of success?).

• I don’t want to fail. (failure might suck… but what’s worse? failure? or spending your life knowing you never tried?)

• If it doesn’t work, I’m screwed. (don’t put the entire reversal of your fortunes on one idea. how can you build a series of smaller ideas to diversify your risk and help carry you across the line?).

• I’m just waiting on other people to get their shit together, even though there is no sign they are going to do so. (why are you seeking outsider input, really? do you need to collaborate at this point or do you want validation, partnership, someone to hold your hand, an excuse to be close to this other person, something they possess that you covet? how can you get what you are hoping they will supply through other sources?).

• I don’t know what it is like for you, but I have <insert unique set of life constraints> to navigate to get there. (why are you asking for someone else to fight harder for your idea than someone else in conversational settings? if the constraints are really too much, what idea can you pursue instead?)

• I need to think about it some more. (can you do that with a piece of paper and a pen to take the concept from brain fuzz and test if it has legs?)

• I need to finish this obligation that has nothing to do with my idea first. (why? are you telling yourself you need to do your homework before you can play? and if so, is it really a necessity or just a hang up from how you were taught to approach new opportunities?)

• By the time I get around to it, it probably won’t be worth pursuing. (why are you running down the clock to make sure that happens?)

• I’m not like you. I can’t just do stuff. (would you like to change that about yourself? how can your idea help you learn to take action?)

• Person X said I would be better off doing XYZ (will this person be dealing with the consequences of you pursuing an idea that you don’t enjoy as much as the one you’re clinging to? will they be feeding your kids, nursing your what ifs, and be comforting you if you regret this decision later on?)

Tell me, what’s your most common excuse for not getting shit done? Let’s counter it together!