Do You Recognise These Common Excuses?

Everyone makes excuses. Some are perfectly valid; life genuinely does get in the way. But many excuses are a way of avoiding discomfort, protecting ourselves from failure or hiding the fact that we don't really want something as much as we think.

Recognising your favourite excuses is the first step to moving past them.

1. "I don't have time."

What it often means: It's not a priority, or I don't know where my time goes.

Respond honestly: Track your time for a week. You may find more slack than you expected, or confirm that you genuinely need to drop something. Then ask: what's the smallest version I could fit in? Fifteen minutes a day is often enough to start.

2. "I'm not ready."

What it often means: I'm afraid of failing or looking foolish.

Respond honestly: Readiness usually comes from doing, not before doing. What's one small step you could take now, even if you don't feel ready? Our article on the first step explores this.

3. "I'm too old" (or "too young").

What it often means: I'm worried about what others will think, or I'm comparing myself to people who started earlier.

Respond honestly: Many people start new things at every age. Our article on why it's never too late for your dreams has examples.

4. "I'll start on Monday."

What it often means: I don't want to start today.

Respond honestly: Do one tiny thing today. If you're planning to exercise from Monday, take a ten-minute walk now. Starting small today beats starting perfectly later.

5. "I can't afford it."

What it often means: Sometimes true. Sometimes it means I haven't looked for cheaper options, or it isn't a priority.

Respond honestly: Look for free or low-cost versions: library books instead of courses, a local walking group instead of a gym, a day trip instead of a holiday. If money really is the barrier, make a savings plan.

6. "It won't make a difference."

What it often means: I feel helpless or overwhelmed.

Respond honestly: Small actions add up. A single walk won't transform your health, but a habit of walking might. Focus on what's in your control.

7. "Other people are stopping me."

What it often means: Sometimes true. Sometimes it's easier to blame others than take responsibility.

Respond honestly: Separate what others control from what you control. Can you have a conversation, set a boundary or find a workaround? Our article on assertiveness may help.

When an excuse is a reason

Not every excuse is avoidance. Illness, caring responsibilities, financial hardship and exhaustion are real constraints. Being honest with yourself includes recognising genuine limits and being kind to yourself about them.

A useful test: if this obstacle disappeared tomorrow, would I start? If the answer is yes, it's a real reason. If you'd find another excuse, something else is going on.

Maybe you don't want it

Sometimes repeated excuses reveal that a goal isn't really yours. Perhaps it's something you think you should want. It's fine to let go of goals that don't fit. That frees energy for the ones that matter.

Try this

Choose one goal you keep putting off. Write down the excuses you use. For each one, write what it might really mean and one honest response. Then take one small step today.