Reasons VS Excuses

You may have heard or seen the phrase "You can have excuses or you can have results, but you can't have both." Seems easy enough doesn't it?

What if, however, we have "reasons"? Perfectly sound circumstances that may or may not stand in our way. The definition of a "reason" is - a cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event.

An excuse is defined as "an attempt to lesson blame associated with an action" -synonyms include, justification, to defend, let off, relieve, or reason.

What it comes down to is whether or not we can start something AND see it through to the end. When it comes to making decisions people often spend most of their time in pre-contemplation, and contemplation- or they are thinking about a decision without taking any actions towards change.

Growth is not easy. Birth is a beautiful painful miracle. Making changes can be uncomfortable- any time we do something new we are choosing to go into uncertainty and usually risking failure.

Life happens. We all have doubts and excuses, but we can recognize these for what they are... just obstacles.

Think back to something that you have overcome or accomplished. Maybe you started a new job or learned a new skill. Perhaps you've overcome adversity or something that seemed impossible or detrimental.

Acknowledging these things will reinforce that you can climb mountains and overcome obstacles. Looking back on your accomplishments will help you see the bigger picture- create a vision of what is possible and stop giving doubt and limitations your attention and energy.

Acknowledge your excuses and navigate around them. Acknowledge your doubts and determine that doubt not only doesn't define you, but also doesn't serve you.

The quality of your life can be determined by the quality of the questions you ask.

"Is this what I really want?"

"Am I going to let this obstacle keep me from my success?"

"How can I manage these circumstances?"

"Does this (person/thought/project/etc) serve me?"

There's a saying I use to hear growing up - "Excuses are like assholes... everybody has one." Your circumstances and excuses don't make you any more or less talented or capable than anybody else. The decisions you make despite those excuses will determine the quality of life you have.

Everything is figure -outable. Other people with more excuses and worse circumstances than you still manage to make changes in their lives and you can too.

Ask for help when you need it. Change course when you have to. Be willing to fail repeatedly and decide to keep moving forward or to start over. Just don't go through life as a victim of your circumstances. If you don't like something change it. It starts with a decision and action.

Get your shit together, boss up, and handle it.

Much love and may the force be with you.