How To Stop Making Excuses And Start Living The Dream!

I wrote How To Stop Making Excuses And Start Living The Dream! I wrote this article because it makes me feel genuinely sad so many people stay stuck.

Do you have big dreams but struggle to get started? It’s easy to let life and fear get in the way. We all have goals we want to achieve. But often, we find ourselves making excuses instead of taking action. I can show you how to start.

I’m Marj Bates, owner of DeclutterBuzz, where I teach people how to get rid of their physical and mental clutter. It’s clutter that keeps you stuck in life. Mental clutter and physical clutter almost always coexist. The first step to break through clutter you have to stop making excuses

Consider this your “get out of hell free card.” It’s time to learn how to identify and overcome excuses, so you can finally achieve your goals and live the life you’ve always wanted.

Excuses vs. Reasons: What’s the Difference?

Do you know the difference between an excuse and a reason? Knowing the difference is the first step to getting unstuck.

• Reasons
  Think of reasons as temporary pauses. They focus on solutions and are often related to external factors. For example: “I can’t finish the presentation right now because my laptop is being repaired.” It’s temporary. It has a solution. I will finish the presentation when I get my laptop back or I could work on a device to finish it.
• Excuses
  Excuses, on the other hand, focus on the problem. They’re a way to avoid responsibility and often come from internal doubts or fears. For example: “I can’t finish the presentation because the dog wrecked my computer!” It focuses on the problem and feels like a dead end.

So, how can you turn excuses into reasons? It starts with reframing your mindset. Focus on finding workarounds and solutions to overcome obstacles. Make the conscious choice not to be a victim of circumstance.

True story- I had this very presentation almost finished when my new puppy danced on the keyboard. He caused some serious computer chaos! I could have used that as an excuse to miss the self-imposed deadline. But I didn’t.

It is my habit to chose to focus on the solution and get the issue resolved – in this case the computer fixed and finish my project. If I can stop making excuses, you can too! There was a time I held the world championship title for the queen of excuse-making!

Choosing Not to Be a Victim

Real-life examples are given in the video presentation

Life throws curveballs. This is information we can be sure of. The key is how you respond to these nuisances. Here are a couple of examples from my life where I chose not to be a victim of circumstance.

Victim or Victor?

Victims can either get bitter or better. The choice is yours. So, what choice are you going to make today? Will you let your circumstances define you, or will you rise above them and pursue your dreams?

The Top Four Excuses We Use (and How to Beat Them)

We all make excuses. But some are more common than others. Here are the top four excuses we use, along with strategies to overcome them.

I Don’t Have Time

We all have the same 24 hours in a day. It’s how we choose to use them that matters. I decided to start my new career while still working my other business almost full-time. How did I do it? I borrowed time from other areas of my life. In my case, it meant sleeping a little less.

I don’t consume a lot of media, I know people that do though and this may be a place to borrow some time from. I refuse to let the algorithms lead and control me so I have learned how to quickly identify rabbit holes and hop away from them as fast as I can.

Here are a few tips for managing your time:

• Prioritize tasks.
• Eliminate time-wasting activities.
• Schedule specific blocks of time for your goals. Without specific blocks of time, your goals are just dreams. Schedule tasks to reach your goals in your calendar and treat them as you would an important appointment because your future is important!

It Means Too Much to Me

Sometimes, we avoid pursuing something because we’re afraid of failing or getting hurt. I had to overcome this excuse after losing my soulmate puppy. The thought of getting another puppy was overwhelming. But I realized that I was letting fear hold me back. I’m so glad I got a new puppy. Look how cute he is!

Waiting for the Perfect Conditions

Are you waiting for the perfect time to start something new? Maybe you’re waiting for retirement, for the kids to leave home, or for some other future date. But what if that perfect time never comes?

I’ve lost count of how many friends have passed away before they had the chance to pursue their dreams. Don’t wait for the perfect conditions. Seize the opportunities now.

Health Conditions Prevent Me

Chronic illnesses can be a real challenge. But they don’t have to define you. There are often workarounds and modifications that can help you work around your limitations. I am living proof of this.

Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan. I definitely am not medically trained, not even close.

Practical Tips for Kicking Excuses to the Curb

Ready to start breaking free from excuses? Here are some practical tips to get you started.

Five Minutes Is Better Than No Minutes

Don’t have a lot of time? That’s okay! Start small and build momentum. Even five minutes of focused work can make a difference. Don’t spend those 5 minutes scrolling social media, The algorithms are designed to hook and reel you in.

Even small increments of time can add up. Fifteen minutes a day equals almost eight hours a month! Think of what you can do with an extra eight hours.

Zigzag to Success

The path to achieving your goals doesn’t have to be a straight line. It’s okay to take detours and make mistakes along the way. The important thing is to keep moving forward.

Modifications for Chronic Illness, ADHD, and Depression

If you’re struggling with chronic illness, ADHD, or depression, remember that you’re not alone. Consult with your doctor and find online communities like DeclutterBuzz for support.

Check out Shannon Schroder’s FBomb group on Facebook. It’s a great group of like-minded people discussing all sorts of things. ADHD is one of those things, but it’s not limited to that.

American Psychiatric Association is another good resource for ADHD.

Progress, Not Perfection

The first attempt at anything is rarely perfect. Don’t let the fear of imperfection hold you back. Focus on making progress, not achieving perfection. My presentation wasn’t perfect, far from it, but I did it anyway!

Flip Your Excuses

Turn “I can’t” into “I can.” Reframe limiting beliefs into empowering statements. Excuses keep you stuck in the past. You have the power to move forward. Progress is slow, but I progress a little bit every single day and you can too.

Transform Your Mindset: From Excuses to Action

Ready to transform your mindset and start taking action? Here’s how.

I Don’t Know How, But I’m Learning

It’s okay to not have all the answers. Embrace a growth mindset and commit to learning new skills.

Not Now, I’ll Do It Later? Schedule It!

Stop postponing tasks and projects. Get out your phone and schedule time for your goals like any other appointment. Treat it as an appointment with yourself. Take things one baby step at a time.

Fill Your Life with Experiences, Not Excuses

Excuses lead to stagnation and dissatisfaction. Pursue your goals and create a fulfilling life. Excuses won’t make you taller, thinner, or more content, they will keep you stuck.

It’s Time to Take Action

Ready to stop making excuses and start living your best life? Visit DeclutterBuzz.com to learn more about overcoming excuses and creating a clutter-free life.

I’m putting together a program that combines two of my favorite programs. I want to help people get unstuck and move forward.

Join the Declutter Buzz Facebook group for support and community. It’s time to break free from excuses and start living the life you deserve!