Our mind is designed to protect us. It is good for painting the image that you think we want to see, without knowing if that is useful or harmful. As we paint the picture, the mind comes up with all kinds of excuses designed to give us a way out. You don’t realize it, but those are ways your thinking sabotages you .
10 ways your thinking sabotages you
It is up to you to decide how important something is and then question the excuses that prevent it. Chances are that when you start to question the excuse, you will realize that there isn’t one standing in your way.
You can overcome your mind’s tendency to make excuses by acknowledging the sabotaging thoughts your mind is trying to tell you. These are some of the most common.
1. It is not possible
It’s like you gave up before you started, which is the mind’s way of trying to protect you from failure. Remember, failure is often a necessary step toward success. Say to yourself, “It is possible.” You may have to research and think creatively, but “where there is a will, there is a way.”
2. I am not able
This excuse is to speak of fear. He’s trying to help you save face. Steven Pressfield said in his book The Art of Work: “The hobbyist believes that he must first overcome his fear, and then he can do his work. The professional knows that this fear can never be overcome. He knows that there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a fearless artist. “Don’t let fear win. Keep saying that you are capable, and you can and do the work to make it so.
3. It’s easier for them because they have money and they know the right people.
Everyone has to start somewhere, and it is often those who start something with very few resources that make the biggest difference. Why? Because when you have to figure things out, you think creatively. And creative thinking leads to innovation.
4. I don’t have the time or the money
This is just one way your thinking sabotages you not to. Time and money are rarely the real reasons that keep you from doing what you want to do. Usually there is some other underlying problem. Find out what the problem is and you will have already won.
5. One day, when …
A day when… the children grow up, the house is paid for, or you get promoted, are common excuses that prevent you from taking the next step. There is never a perfect time to take a risk, so you might as well take the first step today.
6. It just isn’t working
This is a way to give up and a clear way for your mind to sabotage you to stop. Sure, there are times when closing a business or stopping working on an idea is appropriate, but it is very rare that it is because it is not working.
It’s time for a real assessment of the situation, remembering that success usually follows a drop in momentum. Find the real reasons why it is not “working” and then evaluate your next steps.
7. It’s too late
Too late for whom? It is never too late. According to the Kauffman Foundation’s Annual Index of Entrepreneurship, nearly a quarter of all entrepreneurs in 2012 were between the ages of 55 and 64, and that number is on the rise.
So if a 60-year-old man is willing to do whatever it takes to start a business, what is too late for him to start?
8. I need a paycheck
Don’t use your existing job as an excuse to stop doing the things that matter to you. Yes, it is important to put food on the table, but if something resonates with you, you must do it yourself to find the time.
You can accept the status quo, or you can spend a little time every day doing something that feeds your soul. The choice is yours, be sure and choose wisely.
9. It will take too long
There is your thought again sabotaging you . What is too long, really? Sure everyone wants happiness, abundance, and tranquility right now, but all good things are worth the effort and process. Anything worth looking for is worth looking for regardless of when you arrive.
10. I will not have any free time
It’s time to find out what you value the most. Every time you accept something new, it will infringe on your free time. However, if something new is important enough, you realize that giving up your free time is only temporary. If the risk is worth the reward, then it is best to spend your free time making something good happen.
It’s time to take on the excuse-making machine called ‘your mind’. Challenge and regain control. So what excuses will your mind give you?