10 Excuses to Overcome in 2017
Welcome to 2017, a time of year where every website and advertisement screams “New Year, New You.” Did you just roll your eyes too?
You don’t need to completely reinvent yourself in order to have a successful year ahead but you should take time to reflect on what you want to create and try in the new year.
But let’s get real: anytime we think about trying something new, we face a flood of excuses. Our inner voice just loves to throw a wrench in our plans.
You may not even realize what ‘s holding you back so let’s debunk some of the most common excuses that pop up.
Excuse #1: “I don’t have the time.”
We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Whether you’re juggling school, work, volunteering, children, a relationship, or all of the above, YOU are the one who sets your own priorities. You can’t forget about your place in your own equation.
Call it self-care. Call it me-time. Hell, call it “self-love”, but whatever you do, make sure you are full. You can’t pour into other people if your well is empty so go fill ‘er up by doing what you love, even in 15 minutes a day. That, my friend, is anything but selfish.
Excuse #2: “I don’t know where to start.”
One word: Google. But really, you just need to start somewhere. Who said you had to start at step one? Who said you even had to know what step one is? Getting started today is better than someone who has a great plan but never does anything with it.
If you need extra inspiration, there are millions of websites, thousands of books, and hundreds of forms available to you. You can even enlist your local librarian to help. If all else fails, reach out and let’s chat.[LINK TO CONTACT PAGE] I’m like a walking resource guide.
Excuse #3: “Well, it’s not that important.”
Here’s a few things to ask yourself about your idea:
Has it been in your head for a while?
Are you reminded of it through all hours in the day?
Are you afraid someone might take it from you?
Are you afraid someone will create it before you do?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, then it’s important. There’s no “ifs” or “buts”. It IS important, period.
If it wasn’t important, you wouldn’t care, just like how I don’t care about football. Winning plays, impressive statistics, final scores, it’s all white noise to me. But journaling and reading and getting lost in local coffeeshops and bookstores? Now you’ve got my attention. Your ideas should match the passion you have for the things you care most about.
Excuse #4: “It’s too hard.”
C’mon, really? That’s your excuse? You and I both know this is a lame one. Before you turned two years old, you learned to walk and speak a completely new language. I think you can write the first page of that book or bring your watercolor brush to the canvas decades later. I hope this is the easiest excuse to overcome.
Excuse #5: “It’s not a cool project.”
Who gets to define what’s cool or not? Creativity doesn’t have a hot or not list. Every project is worth creating. Try to care less about what the finished project will look like and more about what it feels like in the process of creating it.
Excuse #6: “But I’m broke.”
Trust me, I’ve been there. Like really been there, but I never let it stop me from trying something new or creating something I felt I needed to, and you shouldn’t either. There are two things that always help me get over this excuse: patience and planning.
Let’s use the example of Barre fitness. You know you want to switch up your fitness routine but Barre specific studios = $$$. Instead of whipping out the “I’m broke” excuse, figure out what the cost is, how much wiggle room there is in your finances, and how long it will take for you to reach the cost at your current rate.
Don’t think of it as an all-or-nothing experience either. Instead of an unlimited monthly membership which is a bit out of reach, maybe you could a few times a month to get your feet wet and see if it’s worth it. When you see the worth of something you really want to do, it’ll motivate you to do whatever you can to get it.
Excuse #7: “Girls/boys/other people don’t do that.”
Why have so many conversations turned into “If you look like this / act like this / are in this situation, you can’t do X”? It’s bullshit. Nobody gets to rain on your parade. If you want to try something, do it. Don’t do it for others but do it for you. Don’t let someone else’s excuses for not doing something become YOUR excuses.
When I started aerial fitness, I had someone tell me that “bigger” women can’t do aerial. Cue the eye roll. They clearly knew nothing about aerial. If they did, they’d know that most rigs can hold up to 500 lbs. #YouJustGotServed
Excuse #8: “But I have children / am married / am single.”
Let’s dissect this excuse one by one, shall we?
Children: Build a strong support system that will allow you to take some time off when you need it. Remember what I said earlier about the importance of filling up your own well so you can pour into others? Everyone will be better off.
Married: Congrats, your spouse is probably not dependent on you, meaning you can probably carve out some time to do what you want to do. Maybe your spouse will use that time to find a hobby that they enjoy too. Maybe you’ll find a hobby you can share together.
Single: You have no one holding you back from trying new things. You get to decide where you put your time and money. You may not have someone to go try new things with but you will meet people along the way. Go do the thing.
Excuse #9: “It’s not the right time.”
You and I both know there will never be a “right” time. If you let this excuse take over all of your decisions, you’ll be waiting your whole life. Who wants that? Start somewhere now and don’t be afraid to back-pedal if you need to in order to move forward.
Excuse #10: “It’s not on my to-do list.”
Then put that shit on there. Really, it’s that simple. Pick up your pen and write it down on a sticky note or in your planner. Type it in your Notes app. Whatever you do, don’t forget to make it a priority. When it’s written down in a place you see everyday, you won’t miss it. And you and everyone around you will be better for it.
What are some excuse you need to kick to the curb?