Welcome to Day 7 of the 2nd Starting to Untangle Draining Habits 7-day Challenge.
Over 7 days, we are bringing awareness to different habits that cause undue stress, suffering or anxiety in our lives. At the end of each post, we share with you one simple step you can take to start to untangle the draining habit.
So far we have brought awareness to control, approval addiction, comparison, complaining, making assumptions and perfectionism.
Today we are going to focus on the habit of excuses.
So let’s get started…
Draining Habit #7: Excuses
Excuses appear real and they are to the ego. They are a long list of explanations and defenses we create to protect us from vulnerability or being truly seen. In his book Excuses Begone!, Dr Wayne Dyer discussed 18 of the top excuses he came across. The excuses were –
- “It will be difficult”
- “It’s going to be risky”
- “It will take a long time”
- “There will be family drama”
- “I don’t deserve it”
- “It’s not in my nature”
- “I can’t afford it”
- “No one will help me”
- “It has never happened before”
- “I’m not strong enough”
- “I’m not smart enough”
- “I’m too old (or not old enough)”
- “The rules won’t let me”
- “It’s too big”
- “I don’t have the energy”
- “It’s my personal history”
- “I’m too busy”, and
- “I’m too scared”.
Challenge: Starting to Untangle Excuses –
At some stage today, invest time to reflect on the 18 excuses above. Some questions, you may like to use to reflect include –
- Which excuses of the 18 are holding you back?
- Is the excuse true?
- Where did the excuse come from?
- What’s the payoff?
- What would your life look like if you couldn’t use these excuses?
- Can you create a rational reason to change?
- Can you access universal cooperation in shedding old habits?
- How can you continuously reinforce your new way of being?
As you are reflecting, make sure you remember your self-compassion. Feel free to share your progress in the comments section below or on our Facebook page here. If you liked this series, feel free to share it with your colleagues, family and friends.
If you are ready to take yourself on the adventure of getting to know yourself (your true self), why not join the Toolkit? A place where I share tools, inspiration and ideas to live a courageous and openhearted life.
Reference –
Dyer, W. (2009). Excuses Begone!: How to Change Lifelong, Self-Defeating Thinking Habits.
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