Thank you for making excuses!
“I don’t have time to go to the gym.”
“I haven’t started working on my new idea because I am still waiting for the right time.”
“I’m late because my girlfriend was late.”
“Do you think she would have that car if her dad wasn’t so rich?”
“I doubt he would be anything if he didn’t grow up that way.”
“I’m just not ready to take the next step in our relationship because I want to make sure I can financially support us in the future.”
“I don’t have time.”
That’s fine. I love it when I hear these kinds of EXCUSES. It means a lot less competition!
Less competition in business, less competition with friendships/relationships, less competition in life.
I recently had dinner with a friend of mine. We were talking about a business idea she has, & has had for the last couple of years. I hadn’t seen her in a while so I was excited to catch up. We started talking about her idea & when I asked her how it was progressing she hit me with about 17 excuses as to why the idea was still just an idea.
Now, this drives me nuts!
Nobody wants to hear a rant about a great idea over & over. It actually starts to make you look bad, like you’re all talk and no follow through. If you have an idea get out there and put it to action.
You’re probably thinking, that’s easier said than done. Well yea…everything is easier said than done…duh!
Years ago Lauryn had this idea for a blog. She told me about it for about 6 months. I heard about this blog so much that it was driving me insane. It’s not that I didn’t like hearing about it ( in fact, I did and I loved the idea & concept ), I just couldn’t stand listening to her talk about the idea and not taking any action, I didn’t see the point.
Now look where we are?
For years I have heard people in my life, on social media, on TV, everywhere give themselves an excuse. My favorite is the excuse on why someone else is successful while they aren’t. Guess what? That successful person is affected by zero of the opinions of someone with an excuse while the excuse maker has given themselves yet another reason to not take the leap & get to that level. It makes no sense.
My brain just doesn’t work that way. I look at successful people & it motivates me, it inspires me, & drives me to get to that level regardless of where they came from or where I came from.
There’s always a bigger fish PERIOD, end of story. There is someone in the world right now who would do anything to trade places with YOU, anything! Think about that.
I was on Snapchat the other day talking about complaints & excuses. They just don’t work for you in any way. Actually, they work against you. YOU are the person making excuses & complaining. Not the person on the other end at all.
Why hinder yourself? Why not just say fuck it! I am done with excuses, the world really is black & white and you are grey. It’s up to you to decide how you want to live in the world and how you want to live your life.
Do you want to slow yourself down and hurt your progression and chance of success with excuses? Or do you want to take some action and make something happen? I’m a big fan of action.
I wrote this in hopes that you are a person or know a person who makes or is making excuses. Take this opportunity to evaluate how excuses help you or that person in your life. I really can’t think of one way that they do. Remove excuses from your life & you will start to see exponential gains in every aspect of life.
Sit back & really think about the excuses you’re making or have made in your life. For some, this is going to be a tough pill to swallow. For others, it will be a game changer. It’s very easy to come up with a reason not to do something. You will never have trouble there. It’s a lot harder to think of reasons why you should be doing something, and even harder to kick your ass into gear and take some action. I hope this post sheds some light on the destructive power that excuses have on our lives!
You know what they say…
“Excuses are like assholes. Everybody has one, & they all…”
Make sure to check out our latest episode of The Skinny Confidential HIM & HER PODCAST where we’re discussing everything from passion to moving in together to even boob jobs. Yes, boob jobs.
Also, would love to hear any feedback: what do you guys want to hear about next? Relationships, business, books?
– Michael
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Love this! Would love to hear how stay motivated on bad days and still keep going 🙂
http://thehappyvegangirl.com
Thanks Edith!
I think the best way to stay motivated, even on bad days is to focus on the good things. You could be having the worst day of your life but if you choose to focus on the good in your life, no matter how small, you can really alter your perception. We run into trouble when we focus on the bad.
Agreed! It’s crazy how much excuses can totally change our lives and our productivity.
BlondieInTheCity.com
Thanks for the comment Hayley! Yes, excuses really can have terrible effects on our lives.
Michael looking like Christian Bale in the Batcave in these pics! Great post, so true.
I would love to hear Lauryn’s thoughts on being a lady boss. I recently read a quotation from Mindy Kaling about how she feels bad for being assertive even though she’s the boss– I HIGHLY doubt that Lauryn feels that way, but would like to hear about whether being a woman has affected her experiences in negotiating, delegating, tough stuff (bringing down the hammer?) etc etc.
HAHA! Thanks Danielle! I will show this comment to Lauryn!
I really like the increased substance to TSC! This is awesome – would love to see more motivational and success-oriented posts. Enjoying all the book recs as well!
Hey Claire,
I am glad you like the posts! I have some more up my sleeve but I write when the mood hits me. Ya dig? I am really happy to hear you like the book recs!!!!
Once again a brilliant and insightful post from Michael! I get such a drive to write down my goals and start working toward them, one step at a time, after reading a post from him.
Thank you!
Caitlin, thank you for the compliment! Just the comment alone motivates me to keep writing. If I can motivate just one person I am psyched! Good luck.
This is too true! Thanks for pointing it out.
You’re welcome Amanda!
This is a great post, Michael! It is always fun to hear a man’s perspective on things. I also HATE listening to people make excuses about work, life, etc. I hate reading blog posts where successful bloggers write excuses about why they rarely post anymore.. I also reaaaally hate when people men make excuses about why they don’t want to take the next step with their girlfriends. I am all about seizing the moment, not letting life pass you and DOING things instead of waiting around and talking about doing things! Happy Friday!
theritzyglitzy.com
Thank you Virginia! I think it’s important for everyone to realize that excuses have huge negative effects on the excuse maker. All an excuse can do is hold you back.
YES! Thank you for addressing this! All talk and no action is a big pet peeve of mine, JUST DO IT PEOPLE!!!
I love these encouraging, ass kicking posts, keep them coming!
You’re welcome Mollie! I write these posts to try and motivate people. I know they are not for everyone but neither am I. I am glad you like the posts!
This post really resonated with me today. I’ve been talking for ages about making a big career change but I’ve just been letting myself make excuse after excuse. Time to take some real action.. 2016 is the year it’s happening!!
Hi Caroline! Now is the time, time for action! Good luck!!!
Michael AND Lauryn – I love what you guys are doing, and really appreciate the effort from both of you to make this blog – it’s really refreshing to see so many great topics and both male/female perspectives. I would love to see more about the books that you all read – perhaps a modern day book club on the podcast? Keep up the great work!
Hi Anna,
First, thank you for the support! We both really appreciate it. Second, I thought I would mention in case you have not yet had a chance to see, my posts on books! I do a monthly book rec post. If you click above on the realness section and then click the “Him” section you will see them. You may have already seen them. I also Snapchat (michaelbosstick) daily on the books I read.
Daaaamn, this post really struck a nerve with me. I catch myself making excuses ALL THE TIME, for myself, my bf, why I’m not getting ahead at work and I’m sick of it! Such great motivation, thank you for posting
Hi Mindy, I am glad you like the post, get rid of the excuses and take some action!
Thanks for the motivation! Awesome post! 🙂 I was wondering if you and Lauryn limit yourselves to being on your phones/social media. I know it’s part of your business but I feel it becomes a bad habit to constantly check social media which just turns into a very unproductive day lol any tips on how you guys balance that out?
Hi Hattie,
You’re welcome! I do try and limit myself from phones/social media/computers/etc. Even though it’s part of our business I still believe it’s important to take time away from all of that stuff. It’s one of the many reasons that I read mostly physical books instead of electronic. Checking social media/email/etc. throughout the day actually really hinders productivity and focus. A lot of people think it’s important to respond to email right away. This is wrong in my opinion. It is much more important to focus deeply on being productive. I set times in my day where electronics and email are aloud. I find this helps.
I have the following quote as the background of my phone, hung up in my office and by my gym accessories… “If it’s important to you, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse!” It’s kind of cliche but SO TRUE! Love this post and loved the newest podcast!
I’d love to hear how to motivate someone to stop making excuses and pursue their dreams without coming off rude or obnoxious.
Hi Diana, love that quote.
I think when it comes to motivating someone else you should think about providing the advice without attacking the person. If it’s real advice you believe in, provide it bluntly while also letting the person know how you think it will help THEM not you, but THEM. Make sure you are clear. Don’t dance around a subject in order to protect someones feelings. This doesn’t help you or them. It is important they receive the message crystal clear with compassion. Good luck!
YES, all the YES. Michael telling it like it is, yet again. We need to hear this more often. Good message…
I’d love to learn more about your history, Michael, and your business journey. I feel like this type of post would not only be quite interesting, but very informative.
Hi Mel,
I have spoken a bit about my journey in the HIM section as well as on the Podcast and of course (Snapchat). As I write these posts I think I will reveal more and more as I go but I don’t think I will ever do a Michael Bosstick life history post. There have been so many different things along the way that I don’t think a post would satisfy all I have to say but maybe a series like these!
I really enjoyed this post! As someone who works with people one on one who come to me sooooo badly wanting to change their life, but they are full of excuses for changing it, I get it.
It’s interesting, {and I can admit I’m sure I still do it in some areas of my life}, where people are so stuck in a cycle of excuses / stories that they believe are true! It’s fucking crazy. This is where I help people – seeing that this excuse is made up and it’s a lie….a big fat lie.
Love your posts, Michael!
xxoo
Kris
Hi Kris! Thank you for the support!
Michael! This post for me, could not have come at a better time. I’m looking to transition from my current job into my practice. Is there a certain software that you recommend for accounting and record-keeping?… also any tips on writing a successful business plan?
I also wanted to let you know that all your business related posts are very very motivating you and Lauryn are the best!
Hi Tish,
It depends what kind of business you are running and how complicated it is. I think quickbooks is a good place to start any new business. It’s cheap and effective. For writing a successful business plan I recommend the book: How To Write A Great Business Plan by William A. Sahlman. Quick easy and effective book. Thank you for the support we both really appreciate it!
LOVE! This post totally kicked my butt into gear this Friday! Why stop yourself from kicking butt at anything in life?! No more excuses, just action!
Michael is a freaking boss.
I love this. Also I think you guys are so great, loving your snaps and the way you put yourselves out there.
I`d love to hear more about books. However, I am intrigued with everything and I believe the diversity of this blog is so great cause eventhough one topic might not interest me as much I come always back cause there’s always somethin’ goin’ on here! xx
Your such a stud Michael!
Yes, yes, yes – I am so glad you posted this. I recently had a super uncomfortable realization that I was all talk and no action – I had ideas but I was not executing on them, yet I kept thinking I was so busy until I realized I had nothing to prove for it. I actually made a post ranting about it. The thing that you said just now that struck a rad cord was “people would like to trade places with YOU”. One of my favourite M.Cuban quotes is along the lines of “work as if someone is working 24 hours a day to take it from you”. The other was that you love excuses because it gets rid of competition. So true. Excuses are so detrimental and I must admit, getting rid of them truly was invigorating! Thanks for the constant inspo – these posts are great. Cheers, Shannon
PS – RAD PHOTOS!
Heading to the gym now. No excuses!!!
THANK YOU for this post! I absolutely needed to hear this today. I find myself making excuses all the time, and you’re right, excuses really only do hurt YOU. Making excuses tends to make me more stressed over little things, and de-motivates me. Actually putting a plan into action is one of the best feelings! It makes you even more motivated and is seriously such a confidence boost. Thank you for the kick into gear! (And for the success tips!)
Also–I have been loving all the book posts lately! Please keep throwing out recommendations!
Gosh you literally could not be more right on this….excuses are literally for the lazy. Screw lazy. I’m loving everything about this post…and the podcasts! Love love it.
XX,
Ashlin
http://www.onesweetheart.com
I wish more people would think this way! I have found in my career very few people have been held accountable in the past and when they finally are they don’t understand it as their excuses worked in the past. There is a great meme floating around that I think is so true – it is something like most people die at 23 and then die a physical death at 73. I love this as people stop actively putsuing their goals and dreams around that time and then just put in their time and wait for the physical death to catch up (although they may not see it this way). Too many people allow others to talk them out of their dreams until they get to the point where they start talking themselves out of it. To me the meaning of life is to grow, learn, put yourself out of your comfort zone constantly and push yourself to achieve and not settle. I have found that when you stop making excuses it is amazing what you can accomplish. Often success is just beyond your comfort zone.
Great post!! NO EXCUSES….perfect details on how to avoid this from happening.
Great post buddy… “I don’t have time to go to the gym.”If I had a dollar for everytime someone said this 🙂
People really need to stop putting limitations on stuff, and learning to move past fear and anxiety.
Everyone has one shot, one life… you have to learn to make the most of it!
Wise words and great post…
Terry
I fucking love these raw posts from Michael! You two are the best power couple online right now, and I am digging the teamwork. I’ve been making excuses for not finishing my degree fast enough (toddler, working, life’s hard, blah, blah, blah), but I’m trying to get my head out of my ass and actually move forward. Loving this advice!
So once I was trying to pass a car on a two lane highway in rural Texas, and I hadn’t noticed that the speed limit had dropped from 70 to 55. And I was going about 72 trying to get around grandpa quickly. Well of course I got pulled over and my two girlfriends were freaking out. When the officer questioned me as to what my excuse was, I simply said that I didn’t make excuses. Once he went back to his squad car my friends could not believe that I didn’t tell him what had happened. Even the officer came back and said that I was the first person to ever NOT give him some sort of excuse. So I agree with you 100%. If you’re going to make excuses, GTFO.
Love it! More people should think and live like this!
Bookmarking this so that I can come back and read it at any time where I feel I’m making too many excuses and not enough progress 🙂 x
really liked this post, so true! maybe for the next one you can talk about relationships, loved the tips you did a couple months ago. maybe about the ways you think are best to maintain the interest from both persons in a long term relationships cause nowadays not a lot of people seem to care about that. either they change partners or they cheat. xoxo.
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I really like your posts on reading. More posts about books, please! 🙂
This post has KILLED ME – I am definitely one of those people who had to sitback for a solid minute and reexamine my whole life (and the of course write a blog post about it…!). Michael – if I manage to really get my shit together this time I’ll have you to thank – you’re a gem! xoxo