How many of us are familiar with this scenario? New Year has been and gone, we’ve set our goals and are feeling full of enthusiasm and motivation to achieve something new. We start off strongly, but sooner or later something changes. We find reasons why we can’t do what we set out to do today, maybe we even decide to ditch the goal we were so excited to achieve all together. What happened?
The excuses have started to creep in. Often these excuses come disguised as what seem like genuine, legitimate reasons as to why we can’t do something, yet when we take the time to dig deep enough we often find that they are actually excuses rooted in fear. Fear that we won’t be good enough, fear of failure, fear of change, fear of embarrassment, fear that we won’t be loved and even fear of our own success!
As we discussed in last weeks blog post, the emotions and stories that we attach to something impact every aspect of our lives, because our emotions influence our actions and reactions. How do you think you’ll act if you’re coming from a place of fear? You’ll hesitate, delay and self sabotage. You’ll find an excuse not to go ahead, to keep yourself safe, to stay in your comfort zone.
So, if the excuses that we make are so well disguised as legitimate reasons, how do we differentiate them? I’m about to share one of the many techniques that successful coaches use to identify and eliminate excuses with their clients. A good rule of thumb to start with is that whenever you find yourself using the word “but”, it is a major indicator that you are making an excuse.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common excuses we all make and how to challenge ourselves on them, so that we can be prepared to analyse and shoot them down when they crop up.
But it’s too hard...
Have you tried? If you’ve not, there’s no way you could even know this! If you have tried, is there somebody you can ask for help or advice? Chances are when you’re making this excuse that you’re simply taking on too much too soon. What is a small step you can take to start or continue the momentum towards your goal in a way which is achievable and at a pace which works for you? Do you need to gather knowledge or resources before you dive in head first?
But it’s too risky...
Is it truly too risky? Even some of the highest risk sports are quite safe when done properly and with the correct training and instruction! Most of the time making progress carries with it some level of inherent risk. What is your risk set point? How can you minimise the actual risk? What is the underlying fear? What is the risk if you don’t ever take action towards your goal?
But I don’t have time...
As cheesy as this totally Instagram-able quote is, “you have as many hours in your day as Beyoncé!” is so true! The harsh truth is that people find time for the things that are important to them. What are you spending time on that isn’t important to you or doesn’t add value to your life? What is holding you back from making the time? Even if you can only allot a small amount of time towards your goal, getting there later than you would like has to be better than not getting there at all.
What are some of the excuses you’ve been giving yourself? How are you going to flip your mindset and redirect towards achieving your goals instead of running away from them? Let me know in the comments, and remember, never leave the site of a decision without taking some sort of action. Do something now, however small, which will put you on track towards your goals.
Have a great week,
Cheryl
x
Comments