Excuses, excuses, excuses…. That’s what we all love to give all the time. Could have, should have, would have; consequently, we are stuck in this wonderland where procrastination rules the kingdom. As a result, days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months and nothing fruitful is achieved. Have you ever been in such a situation? Probably, we all have. But who is the culprit here? Is it the situation that went wrong, the circumstances that were not favorable or perhaps is it something, or someone else? Indeed it is YOU, who keeps talking and does not build.
We are trapped in the loop of “pretending to plan and execute” rather than “actually taking action”. This article is a wake-up call for all of us to stop talking and start building. The motive is to give some clarity on what can we do to stop lying to ourselves. Start taking ownership and start delivering results. We will also explore the strategies and tips for transforming ourselves into an action-oriented individual.
Excuses vs. Rationalizations: Decoding the Real Story
Break the Chains of Excuses: Dynamic Ways to Achieve Your Dreams
We all plan good things for ourselves – the next big project, passing the exams, saving enough to buy a house. All these rosy plans look pretty on paper; however, they never come to reality. Where do we fall short? The main factor for our failure during the initial steps of executing a plan is the “fear” that creeps in. “What Ifs” break the deal for us. Since we are wired to think about all the negative things that are bound to happen. Thus, we get scared and we stop on the very first step.
How to break Free from the Analysis-Paralysis Loop?
We have the habit of overanalyzing every situation so that no end-moment surprises can shock us. Therefore, during the process of making a step-by-step plan, carving a to-do list, and writing in detail what needs to be done, the ‘goal’ starts looking unrealistic. Thus, during the process of making a step-by-step plan, carving a to-do list, and writing in detail what needs to be done, the “goal” starts looking to be unrealistic. Too many unknown factors pop into our heads which fogs our ability of critical thinking and eventually, the “action-oriented approach” seems dreamy and it leaves the room.
Why the mental fog kicks in?
- Need for Perfection
- Everything needs to be flawless – this idea is a hoax. We have a notion in our head that until everything looks perfect, we will not proceed further; consequently, the next stage never comes
- Fear of Failure
- Fear is a far bigger emotion than anything. There is no coming back once the fear ghosts enter the plan of action. Paralysis is bound to happen if any untamed doubt enters the mind.
- Lack of Clarity
- No matter whether you address it or not, your heart knows if you are not clear about something. It won’t allow you to take the next step until the doubt is clarified.
- Surprise Elements
- The fear of the unknown is always present. Some fight back and go with the flow. While others can not get past the speed bumps.
- Being Overwhelmed
- In the initial stages of planning, there is a lot that needs attention. This feeling of having too many things untouched can be overwhelming. As a result, a lot of people give in and stop trying.
Despite all the factors that slowly and steadily creep in and result in our failure, we have another one very prominent habit.
Heartfelt Confessions: The Emotional Pitfalls of Boosting to Others
Let us understand with an example:
My name is “A” and I am planning to reduce 20 kgs in the next 3 months. I have made my lists of what to eat, what not to eat, detox drinks to have, etc. In addition, I have purchased a gym membership as well. Let us assume I settled all these things in place on Friday. On Sunday, a friends-get-together is planned. I also went there and met my friends whom I had not met for ages. Conversations start to happen. In between the talks, I slowly slide my “weight loss plan” that I am starting tomorrow and boost in front of them that I am going to be a size zero. My friends supported me and appreciated me. I felt very happy. Since I am happy, anyway I am starting my weight-loss journey, I ate the pizza and had a few drinks.
The above example is a real scenario which has happened to all of us. We commit to something, plan everything meticulously, talk about it in our circle and then forget about it. Do you think in the example above, the person “A”, went to the gym the next day? No. This example is very similar to what we all do. We tend to have the habit of boosting out our next plans publicly to gain the upper hand but then betray ourselves and do not get the job done.
Let me give you a reality check: The longer you stay stuck in the talking phase, the further away from your dreams you become.
Excuses No More: Taking the Action to Ignite Your Path to Greatness
We have to break free from the cycle of talking and lying to ourselves and get some things done. To achieve this, some strategies and tips that could be followed are stated below:
- Taking Ownership
- Blaming others or the circumstances is of no help at all. You need to take things under your control and have some accountability for your words and actions
- Defining the “WHY”
- Get the intent and the reason clear and straight so that no one can shake it down. Find your fuel behind putting in the effort.
- Segregating into small actionable steps
- Make a list of everything that needs to be done. Then, break it down into small steps which could be taken now. Step by step start ticking out the to-do list and start winning.
- Picking up the responsibility
- Nobody is coming to do your things for you. You need to pick the burden and get the work done.
- Flushing out the excuses
- Stating the challenges is obvious. If you want to be extraordinary, take the action.
- Leaving the bag of perfection aside and doing it anyway
- Nothing is going to be perfect. So, decide for yourself, are you the stronger one?
- Taking the first step
- Thinking will make imaginative unknown scenarios come to your mind. So, don’t overthink, just start!
- Take the Action, Analyze and Learn
- Keep analyzing while doing the work. Learning from the mistakes and leading along is the key to sustained success.
Act Now: Your Dreams Won’t Wait – Break Free from Excuses Today!
“Stop Talking, Start Building” is not philosophy, it is a way of life. The latter is a mentality of walking the talk and preaching what is said. In addition, it is a growth-mindset of fostering a culture of ownership, avoiding excuses, and taking action. Remember:
"The best way to predict the future is to create it" - Peter Drucker
Frequently Asked Questions
The results of adopting the habit of action are increased productivity and a change from the mindset of giving excuses to challenging excuses.
Your body is designed to fight back in the situations of uncertainty. As a result, instead of being a slave of your thoughts, control them and keep your undivided focus on your goal.
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