3 Excuses for Not Pursuing a Goal: Is Your Excuse Included?
One day while delaying my jog, I remembered Nike's tagline for
exercise: "Just Do It!" I thought, just get up and go. Later I realized
that delaying occurs not only in exercising: we also delay starting
projects, completing work, even pursuing our dreams or goals. We make
various excuses to justify why we are not moving towards our goals
without really considering the validity of the excuses. Three of the
common excuses include: not enough time, not sure it will be worth it,
and have not done it before.
Not Enough Time
Not having the time is probably the most socially acceptable excuse. We are all overworked and over stressed. If you mention not having any free time, most would immediately empathize. Yet, is this valid or even true? I used this excuse once and was immediately told, "You make time for what is important." After consideration, I realized the statement was right. Therefore, until the goal became more important, I would not allocate the time to pursue it.
How much time do you spend watching television, checking Facebook or Twitter, or surfing the Internet (I call these "time black holes")? Unless these activities are a function of your job, some or all of the time spent on the activities could be reassigned to making progress on your goal.
Treat your time as you may treat your paycheck. Allocate the time needed first to work and family then schedule time to pursue your goal. Be sure not to reschedule. If your day is already full, with no time attributed to black holes, you may have to create time. For example, a single mother working full-time who wanted to pursue her doctorate degree woke up an hour earlier each weekday to complete her assignments.
Not Sure It Will Be Worth It
Many want to feel that the time and energy spent will pay off in the end. Part of this could be considered as opportunity costs (in time and possibly money). Initial research is advisable. For example, there is no sense obtaining a certification in basket weaving if there are no jobs. Yet, after the initial research, many may spend a large amount of additional time and effort asking others if it is worth it (seeking professional advice is always a good idea). Firstly, consider how far one would be in reaching the goal if the time spent asking others just to feel better was spent on pursuing the dream. Secondly, just because it did or did not work for John, does not mean it will not work for you. You may have a unique talent or a twist that will propel you above and beyond all of the others.
Conduct the initial research. Seek professional advice. Identify the pros and cons. Then make your decision. If the goal is not worth it, let it go and move on to the next one.
Have Not Done It Before
Many of us are nervous about newness. I remember wanting to take a spin class for months before I actually signed up. Now it is a weekly activity. I am not unique in this apprehension. Unless you have been involved in the activity for years, it will be new to you. One of the ways to address this excuse is to determine what you need to learn to be proficient in the activity or to "grow into" a role. Find out what is needed to be successful. This may include seeking advice from individuals who have experience or who are involved in the area of your goal. Once you have an understanding of what you need to do, accept that the nervousness will come and proceed in spite of it.
I once heard that we could justify anything to ourselves. The three excuses mentioned in this article are only a few. As we consider the excuses, also think about the dream or goal that is not being pursued. What will happen to your dream?
Not Enough Time
Not having the time is probably the most socially acceptable excuse. We are all overworked and over stressed. If you mention not having any free time, most would immediately empathize. Yet, is this valid or even true? I used this excuse once and was immediately told, "You make time for what is important." After consideration, I realized the statement was right. Therefore, until the goal became more important, I would not allocate the time to pursue it.
How much time do you spend watching television, checking Facebook or Twitter, or surfing the Internet (I call these "time black holes")? Unless these activities are a function of your job, some or all of the time spent on the activities could be reassigned to making progress on your goal.
Treat your time as you may treat your paycheck. Allocate the time needed first to work and family then schedule time to pursue your goal. Be sure not to reschedule. If your day is already full, with no time attributed to black holes, you may have to create time. For example, a single mother working full-time who wanted to pursue her doctorate degree woke up an hour earlier each weekday to complete her assignments.
Not Sure It Will Be Worth It
Many want to feel that the time and energy spent will pay off in the end. Part of this could be considered as opportunity costs (in time and possibly money). Initial research is advisable. For example, there is no sense obtaining a certification in basket weaving if there are no jobs. Yet, after the initial research, many may spend a large amount of additional time and effort asking others if it is worth it (seeking professional advice is always a good idea). Firstly, consider how far one would be in reaching the goal if the time spent asking others just to feel better was spent on pursuing the dream. Secondly, just because it did or did not work for John, does not mean it will not work for you. You may have a unique talent or a twist that will propel you above and beyond all of the others.
Conduct the initial research. Seek professional advice. Identify the pros and cons. Then make your decision. If the goal is not worth it, let it go and move on to the next one.
Have Not Done It Before
Many of us are nervous about newness. I remember wanting to take a spin class for months before I actually signed up. Now it is a weekly activity. I am not unique in this apprehension. Unless you have been involved in the activity for years, it will be new to you. One of the ways to address this excuse is to determine what you need to learn to be proficient in the activity or to "grow into" a role. Find out what is needed to be successful. This may include seeking advice from individuals who have experience or who are involved in the area of your goal. Once you have an understanding of what you need to do, accept that the nervousness will come and proceed in spite of it.
I once heard that we could justify anything to ourselves. The three excuses mentioned in this article are only a few. As we consider the excuses, also think about the dream or goal that is not being pursued. What will happen to your dream?
Do you have reasons you use to justify not pursing your goals? Leave a comment. I am sure you are not alone.
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