The Subtle Art of Self-Deception
Here’s a hard truth most people avoid: your excuses are not facts. They are stories you’ve chosen to believe. They may sound polished, rehearsed, and rationalized. But they are still fiction.
“I’m too busy.”
“I’m not ready.”
“I don’t have the right connections.”
Sound familiar?
These aren’t reasons. They are shields. Convenient little shields we use to protect ourselves from the discomfort that growth demands. Comfort often becomes the perfect environment for mediocrity to thrive.
Average is Easy, But What Does It Cost?
Average asks nothing of you except your silence and inaction. It requires no risk, no courage, and no effort. But here’s the catch. It also gives you no fulfillment.
Staying average isn’t free. It costs you opportunities, potential, influence, and ultimately your legacy. Every time you let an excuse take over, you vote against the person you were meant to become.
So ask yourself honestly. Are your excuses worth the cost?
Greatness Doesn’t Travel the Easy Path
Ask any high performer or impactful leader, and they will tell you the truth. Growth is uncomfortable on purpose. It stretches you, and that stretch is how you become the person capable of leading, creating, and inspiring.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. And progress only shows up when you stop making excuses and start taking responsibility.
Flip the Script and Turn Excuses Into Action
Here's how to call yourself out with compassion and conviction:
Catch it. Notice the moment when you are about to give an excuse. Awareness is always the first step.
Challenge it. Ask yourself, “Is this really true, or is this just fear disguised as logic?”
Counter it. Replace the excuse with a single action step. Even small movement can break the cycle.
Don’t wait for motivation to appear. Motivation usually comes after you start moving, not before.
You were not created to blend in. You were built to rise and lead. Excuses may offer comfort, but they never lead to growth. It’s time to stop lying to yourself, own your potential, and take the next step forward.
What is one excuse you’ve been telling yourself that needs to become your next action?
