During my career I have noticed that people – me included – use a very limited range of excuses for not buying, making decisions or taking action of just about any sort

So I thought that I would list them – as a test, remove these excuses from your vocabulary and see what’s left. You will probably find that they are not in fact real, rather imagined; figments of your subconscious mind giving you permission to avoid all risk, excitement and fulfilment

If you have any alternative excuses then please let me know and I will add them to the list – once the excuses are removed the only thing left for us to do is actually take action – it’s not that scary when you get started

1. I can’t afford it…

• Of course you can – you just need to find a way of generating the cash flow.
• It’s not a matter of affordability it’s a matter of doing whatever it takes in order to achieve the income required.

2. I don’t have the time…

• Yes you do – you have the same amount of time as the President of the USA, Richard Branson and Bill Gates.
• It is not the amount of time you have it is the way you choose to invest it that counts

3. My business is special…

• It is “special” but not unique all businesses are basically the same – Sales, Profit and Cash.
• Your Market is the same as everyone else’s too – clients want Value, Service and Quality.

4. I don’t know how…

• Then find out – the lack of knowledge excuse is a classic for procrastination and avoidance of action.
• Find out how – go to events and workshops, just Google the issue and you will find an answer.

5. I have to do everything myself…

• You may choose to do everything but you can always find people to help you.
• If you have a team that are not up to the task – ask yourself who recruited them, trained them, manages them and leads them.

6. I didn’t have a great start in life…

• We all had the same start – and the quicker we take responsibility for our results the better.
• Blaming others is the simplest way of avoiding being truly successful – time to take ownership and get over it.

7. It’s the recession…

• The market dictates sometimes that we need to improve or increase our activity – get better at what we do.
• The “recession” is simply a call to action, a signal that we need to change and learn: not an excuse for quitting.

8. I have been feeling unwell and/or depressed.

• Strange how business ownership and business ambition is the best cure for all
• If you are feeling low check your health, fitness and levels of gratitude and contribution to others – life is good.

9. Too old / young / female / male / gay / straight / disabled / short etc.

• You are not defined by your situation – only by your attitude, ambition and actions.
• No one cares about your physical condition – only you perhaps your Mum – we all have a “condition” remember.

10. I’m scared of…….

• We are all scared of something – it is doing the scary things that get us results.
• Fear is simply made up in our mind Finding Excuses, Avoiding Responsibility – what we chose to overcome will define our results.

PS Reasons are just adult versions of excuses

So stop with the excuses

Give yourself permission to be successful