Reasons vs. Excuses
This topic is one that could have a list of sub-categories, but for the sake of bringing attention to it and dare I say “wake up to it” - let’s break down the differences between the two. Because once you do, you’ll be able to call yourself out.
Reasons = conscious choices; high-energy; empowered decision-making
Excuses = low-energy; lame decision making
I mean, I don't think you're going to find these definitions in Webster's dictionary, but there is a difference. Reasons are rooted in conscious choices that are not in alignment with what we want to do and who we want to be. Excuses on the other hand are attached to lower energy, and often fear disguised. You aren't empowered when you make excuses. But I get it, we’ve been making them for a long time.
Why I'm highlighting the difference? So you can start to call yourself out on the excuses you make that are masked as reasons (gasp!). They may or may not sound like: I don't have time, I'm so busy, I'm a mom, and the lame list goes on. If your reasons for doing or not doing something lead you closer to your goals - amazing. But if they don't, my spidy sense says it's an excuse masked as a reason.
Reality is, you’ve created a habit out of it - making excuses that is instead of just simply saying what you really mean. Statements like: That doesn’t work for my schedule, I don’t have the capacity for it right now, That does sound like fun, but I would rather…
Do you see and hear the different. When we come up with excuses it’s usually tied to something else. When we share our reasons it’s tied to US making a decision. That’s empowering. And when we start to consistently make more empowering decisions we start to create a habit out of it.
Today's Theme in Action:
Get consciously aware of when you make an excuse, instead change it to be a reason. If you find the theme of your excuses is because it means doing something hard or something you fear - ask yourself why you don’t take action. And then check out tomorrow’s Daily Dose: Do The Hard Things.
As always, thanks for choosing to be here.
Susan