I’ve spent a lot of my life wrestling with self-sabotage, and I know I’m not alone. One of the biggest signs of self-sabotage is making excuses for why we don’t succeed. I’ve been guilty of this myself, and I’ve seen it in others too, often without them even realizing they’re holding themselves back.
In this post, I want to share my personal journey of recognizing and tackling my two biggest excuses: lack of time and lack of money. At 56 years old, I’m finally learning to shift my mindset, overcome self-sabotage and take control of my life, and I hope my story can inspire you to do the same.
The Trap of Excuses
For years, I made excuses for why I wasn’t where I wanted to be. I’d tell myself I couldn’t succeed because I didn’t have enough time or money. These excuses felt real, but they were just stories I told myself to avoid facing the truth.
I wasn’t alone in this. I’ve heard all sorts of reasons from others about why they couldn’t move forward, and it’s easy to fall into this trap without even noticing. The first step for me was admitting that I was sabotaging myself. That realization hit hard, but it was the wake-up call I needed.
The “Too Busy” Myth
One of my go-to excuses was that I was too busy. I kept myself constantly occupied, thinking it made me productive. In reality, I was avoiding the deeper issues between my ears, like my overall unhappiness and lack of direction. I’d say things like, “I’ve got too much on my plate” or “I can’t fit anything else in,” but those were just avoidance tactics.
The truth is, we all have the same 24 hours in a day. Some people get a lot done, while others, like I was, spin their wheels on unimportant tasks.
Over time, I learned that time isn’t the issue; priorities are. I wasn’t using my time wisely. I’d spend hours on social media or watching TV, convincing myself I didn’t have time for what really mattered. It took years of soul-searching and even some tears to get to a place where I could focus on what truly moves me forward.
Now, I ask myself: Am I spending my time on things that align with my goals? Am I prioritizing my well-being? These questions have helped me become more intentional with my time, and I’m more focused than I’ve been in years.
Breaking the Poverty Mindset
My other big excuse was money, or rather, the lack of it. I grew up in poverty, where there were times my parents couldn’t afford a school uniform or even breakfast. I don’t share this for pity, but to explain where my mindset came from.
Those experiences left me with a deep belief that there’s never enough money. This “poverty mindset” stopped me from taking risks or investing in myself and my business, even when I had the means. I’d cling to every penny, convinced I couldn’t afford to spend it.
Changing this mindset has been tough. It’s hard to unlearn something ingrained since childhood. But I’m starting to shift my thinking. I’m telling myself there’s enough money out there, even if I haven’t always felt it in my own life. I’m learning to ask, “How can I do this without spending much?” or “Can I afford not to invest in myself?”
These questions have opened up new possibilities. For example, I’ve found ways to grow my business and enjoy life without breaking the bank. It’s not about having endless funds; it’s about being resourceful and believing there’s enough to go around.
A New Way of Thinking
At 56, I’m still a work in progress, but I’m making strides. I’ve stopped using “not enough time” as an excuse by focusing on my priorities. I ask myself daily: What do I want, and are my actions taking me there? On the money front, I’m embedding the belief that I have enough for what I need. I’m also realizing I can get a lot done without spending much.
These shifts in thinking are starting to bear fruit. I’m seeing small improvements in my life, which reinforce my new beliefs. As Zig Ziglar once said, I’m working to overcome my “stinking thinking,” and it’s making a difference.
Moving Forward
Tackling these excuses hasn’t been easy, and I don’t have it all figured out. But I’m committed to the challenge because I want to overcome self-sabotage and live a better life. If you’re struggling with similar excuses, I encourage you to take a hard look at them. Ask yourself: Are you prioritizing the right things? Are you letting a scarcity mindset hold you back? Start small, but start. Change your thinking, and you can change your life.
Thanks for reading. If you have questions or want to share your own experiences, feel free to leave a comment. I’m here to help as best I can.
