Making Excuses

2024-08-31 ~ adminlife

How often do you find yourself saying, “I just don’t have the time,” or “I can’t do it because of this or that”? Excuses like these can feel so justified in the moment, but they may be the very things that are holding you back from success. It’s easy to fall into the habit of making excuses, yet this behaviour can subtly sabotage your goals, ambitions, and overall potential.

Before you can start to plan your success goals, there are many things that you need to understand before you can be sure that the goals you set are really the ones you want.

One of those things is to determine if there are any Limiting Beliefs that can stop you from actually achieving those goals.

I have a self-study Limiting Belief Program that you can go through to determine what your Limiting Beliefs are and how you can remove them.

You can read more and register for the program at Limiting Beliefs Program on my Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Start your journey on your path to success by identifying and removing your Limiting Beliefs so that you make the journey a lot easier.

You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life.

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address)

Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Making excuses is not just about delaying actions; it’s about avoiding the responsibility that comes with pursuing success. Whether it’s blaming external circumstances, other people, or even yourself, excuses are a form of self-sabotage. They create a barrier between you and the actions you need to take to move forward.

So why do we make excuses? The reasons are often rooted in fear, uncertainty, or even a lack of confidence. Fear of failure is a significant factor. It’s easier to blame an external factor than to face the possibility of not measuring up. This can lead to a pattern where each setback is met with a new excuse, creating a cycle that prevents progress.

Excuses also provide a sense of immediate comfort. When faced with a daunting task or goal, making an excuse allows us to avoid discomfort. It’s a temporary escape, but this comfort comes at the cost of long-term success. By consistently opting for the easy way out, you miss opportunities to grow, learn, and ultimately achieve your goals.

Another reason for making excuses is the fear of change. Change is uncomfortable, and the unknown can be terrifying. It’s much easier to remain in your comfort zone, even if it means stagnating. Excuses help to maintain the status quo, allowing you to avoid the risk and effort that come with change.

But here’s the harsh truth: the more you make excuses, the more you believe them. Over time, these excuses become ingrained beliefs. You start to believe that you truly can’t succeed because of these external factors, reinforcing a negative mindset that further distances you from your goals.

So, what can be done to break free from this cycle of excuse-making? The first step is awareness. You need to recognize when you’re making excuses and understand the impact they have on your life. Often, excuses are just fears or doubts in disguise. By identifying them, you can start to challenge and overcome them.

Actionable Step: One common pitfall when trying to overcome excuse-making is failing to acknowledge the excuse itself. Start by taking an honest look at your behaviour. Are you avoiding tasks because they are difficult, or because you’re afraid of failing? Once you identify the excuse, confront it directly. Create a simple plan to address the root cause of your excuse. For example, if you find yourself saying, “I don’t have the time,” consider reevaluating your schedule and prioritizing tasks that align with your goals. Even dedicating just 15 minutes a day can make a significant difference over time.

Beyond recognizing excuses, it’s essential to shift your mindset from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. A fixed mindset believes that your abilities are static, and that failure is a reflection of your limitations. A growth mindset, on the other hand, sees failure as an opportunity to learn and improve. By adopting a growth mindset, you can view challenges as opportunities rather than threats, making it easier to take responsibility and stop making excuses.

Moreover, building self-confidence is crucial. Often, excuses stem from a lack of belief in your abilities. Start small, set achievable goals, and celebrate your successes along the way. As you build confidence, you’ll find it easier to tackle larger challenges without resorting to excuses.

Another valuable approach is to surround yourself with supportive and accountable people. These are individuals who will encourage you to push past your excuses and hold you accountable for your actions. When you have a network that believes in your potential, it’s harder to justify excuses.

Finally, it’s important to remind yourself of the bigger picture. Why did you set this goal in the first place? What are the long-term benefits of pushing through the discomfort? Keeping your eyes on the prize can help you stay motivated and focused, even when excuses start to creep in.

Breaking free from the habit of making excuses is challenging, but it’s an essential step toward achieving success. It requires a combination of self-awareness, mindset shifts, and practical strategies to overcome the fears and doubts that fuel excuses. Remember, success is within your reach, but only if you’re willing to take responsibility for your actions and stop letting excuses get in the way.

If you find yourself making excuses often, take a moment to reflect on the underlying reasons. Are you afraid of failure? Do you doubt your abilities? Once you understand the root cause, you can begin to take steps to overcome it. Success is not just about talent or luck; it’s about perseverance and the willingness to push through challenges without resorting to excuses. By committing to this mindset, you pave the way for real, lasting success.

To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 45-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

P.P.P.S. You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life.

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address)

Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Image by Luisella Planeta LOVE PEACE 💛💙 from Pixabay

Knowing When to Quit

2024-08-27 ~ adminlife

The phrase “Never Give Up” carries truth, but it doesn’t apply universally. It’s essential to assess what you might gain by persisting versus what you stand to lose by not making a decisive choice to cut your losses and move on.

One of the most significant losses you can incur is time. Whether it’s a job, relationship, business, or project, allowing an issue to drag on beyond its prime can consume precious time—time you can never get back.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

Making wise decisions requires more than just labeling an issue as good or bad. It’s not about questioning your skills, abilities, or self-worth, nor about feeling trapped by the time and energy you’ve already invested. Instead, it’s about making a clear-eyed assessment and knowing when it’s time to move on.

How Do You “Really” Feel?

Life is full of mixed emotions, and it’s natural to feel differently about things from day to day. However, if you consistently feel negative about a particular issue, it’s crucial to take a closer look and assess the situation.

Clarify the Issue

To make informed decisions, you need to gather reliable information. Start by making a pros and cons list. Write down:

What you feel
When you feel it
What actions you can take

This exercise helps you gain a balanced understanding of the situation, providing clarity on what’s truly happening. While it’s important to give things time, remember that time alone won’t resolve every issue.

Once you have clarity, it’s crucial to make a decision and take action. Nothing changes until you decide to act. Sometimes, quitting is the smartest choice you can make.

Quitting as a Strategic Decision

For some, letting go comes easily. They view quitting as simply changing direction. Others, however, struggle to let go, seeing quitting as a failure—even when it’s clear that things aren’t going to work out.

Knowing when to quit is a valuable skill, and like any skill, it improves with practice.

Life is Short

Savvy quitters understand the true cost of missed opportunities. They recognize that the energy—physical, mental, and emotional—saved by quitting can be redirected into something more deserving of their time and attention.

When done decisively, quitting can significantly improve your chances of future success.

Spending time on things that don’t bring you joy, reduce your stress, or contribute to your happiness is wasted effort. While letting go can be tough, it often serves you well in the long run.

True entrepreneurs have a natural sensitivity to knowing when to quit, and they don’t shy away from making tough decisions. Quitting, for them, is just a positive adjustment on their journey.

Your Options

When facing difficult situations, there are typically three choices:

1. Learn to live with it. While many people do this, most end up regretting it. Accepting something that consistently bothers you is detrimental to your self-esteem.
2. Fix it. This option works well if you have full control over the issue. If you can fix it, do so and move on. But if the situation is out of your hands, fixing it may not be viable.
3. Quit. Move on, leave the issue behind, and start fresh. By quitting, you free yourself from the problem, allowing you to move forward with a renewed perspective and without unnecessary burdens.

Reframe Quitting as a Positive Action

Don’t view quitting as a failure. Sometimes, it’s the best decision you can make for yourself, your loved ones, and the future you deserve. Knowing when to quit is not about giving up—it’s about making room for new opportunities and paving the way for success.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program. If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

Photo by Jackson Simmer on Unsplash

Common Self-Sabotaging Tactics

2024-08-26 ~ adminlife

Do you find yourself repeating behaviours that sabotage your success? Are you ready to put your limiting behaviour to rest in favour of a better outlook and greater fulfillment?

The first step to the success you crave is being able to recognize the limiting beliefs that stand in the way of your success. Once you do, you can banish those beliefs in favour of more empowering ones.

Before you can start to plan your success goals, there are many things that you need to understand before you can be sure that the goals you set are really the ones you want.

One of those things is to determine if there are any Limiting Beliefs that can stop you from actually achieving those goals.

I have a self-study Limiting Belief Program that you can go through to determine what your Limiting Beliefs are and how you can remove them.

You can read more and register for the program at Limiting Beliefs Program on my Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Start your journey on your path to success by identifying and removing your Limiting Beliefs so that you make the journey a lot easier.

Recognize and Replace Self-Sabotaging Tactics

Look for these self-sabotaging tactics in your life, so you can replace them with more productive thoughts that support your success:

Settling for Less

Settling for less than your best causes you to stop short of unleashing your fullest potential. Sometimes you settle for less because you are scared of encountering failure. Other times, you may settle simply because you lack awareness of your own strength.

Test your strength constantly by going out of your comfort zone. Face your fears, because more often than not, your fear is the only obstacle between you and ultimate success.

Example:

Imagine an athlete who always settles for participating in local competitions, despite having the potential to compete at national levels. By constantly pushing beyond their comfort zone and facing the fear of failure, they could unlock new heights of achievement.

Expecting Too Much from Others

When you automatically expect help from others, or anticipate that others will bail you out of a tough situation, you are expecting too much. You are only responsible for yourself.

Even if your friends and family have helped you in the past, they may choose to let you fend for yourself this time around. Always be prepared to suffer the consequences of your actions and clean up your own mess. Choose a more sensible path that takes into account that you may journey to your destination alone.

Story:

Consider the entrepreneur who always relied on their partner to handle financial matters. One day, the partner is unavailable, and the entrepreneur is forced to learn and manage finances independently. This newfound competence not only enhances their business acumen but also boosts their confidence.

Feeling Sorry for Yourself

If your current situation causes you to feel like something is missing, change your circumstances. Instead of dwelling on what could have been and focusing on the unfortunate hand you have been dealt, seek to learn from every experience and focus on solutions, instead of problems.

Your success is your responsibility. Hold yourself accountable for your results and allow unfortunate situations to steer you toward success, instead of deterring you from achieving your dreams. By maintaining this mindset, even your worst trial will be far better than remaining on the sidelines of life.

Example:

A professional who was laid off from their job could wallow in self-pity or use the opportunity to acquire new skills and pivot to a more fulfilling career path. The latter approach turns a setback into a stepping stone.

Lack of a Second Plan

If your initial plan gives less than desired results, your only chance at success is your ability to adapt. Everyone needs a Plan B. You may feel like a pessimist by planning for an unfortunate outcome, but this planning is actually proactive. It shows your mind that you are serious about reaching your desired destination.

Ensure your financial security, mental health, and well-being by always planning for the worst while hoping for the best.

Story:

A small business owner who only has one marketing strategy may find themselves in trouble if it fails. However, by having a backup plan, such as an alternative advertising campaign, they can quickly pivot and continue to attract customers.

Conclusion

If you often find yourself engaging in any of these self-sabotaging behaviours that hinder your chances of success, decide that today is going to be a new day. The important thing is that you recognize the thought patterns and behaviours that limit you and head in a new direction that supports your success.

Replace negative thinking with a productive, solution-oriented focus that tells your mind you deserve the success you seek. When you do, your success is inevitable.

To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 45-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

Photo by Yosuke Ota on Unsplash

4 Myths About Motivation

2024-08-21 ~ adminlife

Motivation is powerful, but not entirely necessary. Motivation makes it easier to take action, but you take plenty of actions without the presence of traditional motivation. Without motivation, it’s also easy to procrastinate. Motivation is tricky.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

What exactly is motivation? Is it enthusiasm for an action?

Or is it just a situation where taking an action has become more desirable than not taking action? You might not be excited about doing a report at work, but at some point, the anxiety of not getting it done becomes worse than just doing the work.

What do you think? How do you define motivation?

Consider these motivation myths:

Myth: Motivation is all that matters. Could a 70-year-old woman play in the NBA? Can just anyone make a living as a pop singer? No. Motivation is great, but there are a lot of other things that matter, too. Intelligence, talent, skill, resources, and opportunity are just a few things that also matter.
- In spite of what your mother told you, there are a lot of things you could never do no matter how motivated you are. But it’s okay. She still loves you.
- However, motivation is far from worthless. You’ll have to manage yourself far less if you’re motivated to do something positive that supports your goals and values. A lack of motivation is challenging, however.
Myth: You can’t do anything without motivation. You can’t? Are you excited to go to your job each day? Probably not. Are you thrilled to get out of bed each day? Unlikely. There are plenty of things you can do whether you’re motivated or not. What are some things that you regularly do that you truly don’t want to do?
Myth: You shouldn’t do it if you’re not motivated to do it. Do you think the best athletes in the world only train when they feel like it? Do you think bestselling authors only write when the urge strikes them?
- The most successful people in every field go to work and get busy every day. They don’t wait until they feel like doing it. They just do it in spite of how they happen to feel.
- If you only do the things you really want to do, you might not do much beyond snacking on the couch and binge-watching TV.
- Motivation is great when it’s available, but you’ll have to pick yourself up and do what needs to be done all of the other times.
Myth: Motivation is always available. Motivation isn’t always on-tap. There are days you feel super motivated and some days you’d rather just quit. Everyone deals with this phenomenon.
- It’s hard to predict when you’re going to feel motivated. The best policy is to make a decision to put in the work whether you feel like it or not.

Every decision has a cost. However, motivation makes it much easier to pay that cost. If you’re just dying to go to Paris, the cost of the plane ticket is easier to bear than if you’re not excited about the trip.

Motivation can be in short supply at times. It’s up to you to motivate yourself during those times. Imagine how great you’ll feel when the task is complete. Imagine the pain of not getting it done. And sometimes, it’s necessary to just put your head down and do what needs to be done.

You can’t spend your life waiting for the perfect circumstances and the perfect attitude. That’s a recipe for mediocrity.

You have a great advantage if you can work while everyone else is waiting for inspiration to strike. Take advantage of motivation when it’s available but avoid waiting for it. You’ll find that success in anything you want is easier to reach.

Motivation is not always present during the day, but knowing what motivates you and when you are at your motivation peak, can help you to overcome those times when you just want to give up.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program. Don’t forget, if you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Banish These Self-Destructive Beliefs from Your Life

2024-08-20 ~ adminlife

The Power of Beliefs

Your beliefs about yourself, the world, and your life wield a profound influence over your daily existence. Unfortunately, certain beliefs can be detrimental to achieving a successful and fulfilling life. However, by identifying these self-sabotaging thoughts, you can work towards eliminating them permanently.

Before you can start to plan your success goals, there are many things that you need to understand before you can be sure that the goals you set are really the ones you want.

One of those things is to determine if there are any Limiting Beliefs that can stop you from actually achieving those goals.

I have a self-study Limiting Belief Program that you can go through to determine what your Limiting Beliefs are and how you can remove them.

You can read more and register for the program at Limiting Beliefs Program on my Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Start your journey on your path to success by identifying and removing your Limiting Beliefs so that you make the journey a lot easier.

Below is a list of harmful thoughts that may be familiar to you. If any resonate, commit to recognizing these patterns and replacing negative, irrational thoughts with more positive, realistic ones.

“I Will Never Have the Life I Want”

Believing this statement impedes progress and discourages any effort toward achieving your desires. This mindset effectively absolves you from striving for what you want.

Replace it with a more positive concept: “I work each day toward getting the life that I want to have and here is how I can do it.”

“It Is Just Like My Mother Said; I Will Not Amount to Anything”

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have supportive parents. Some may have experienced demeaning statements or a lack of recognition of their potential.

Release these long-standing, self-deprecating beliefs: Free yourself from remaining loyal to your parent’s sentiments about you. Instead, create your own truth through the actions you take each day to live your best life.

“I Am Not Attractive Enough to Get the Partner I Want”

This notion can be easily disputed by observing the diversity of couples around you. Not everyone meets conventional beauty standards.

Acknowledge your unique strengths: Take an honest look at yourself and notice your strengths – perhaps beautiful green eyes or a small waist. If there are characteristics you wish to change, commit to doing so through lifestyle adjustments. Remember, everyone can find a partner as long as they remain open to the possibility.

“My Life Is Like This Because That Is Just the Way It Is. I Cannot Do Anything About It”

This fatalistic mindset condemns you to a lackluster life, passively waiting for change. Instead, take proactive steps to create the life you desire.

Identify the power you have to create the life you want: Utilize this power to construct the life you seek, step by step, day by day.

“I Am Not Smart Enough to Get the Job I Want”

Such thinking only serves to convince you that you cannot achieve your desired career. Intelligence is not the sole determinant of career success.

Commit to taking necessary steps: Recognize that you do not need to be the “sharpest tool in the shed” to land a fulfilling job. Take steps to acquire the skills and knowledge required for the career you seek.

“Money Problems Keep Plaguing Me. My Finances Are Out of My Control”

This belief can have devastating long-term effects. It is crucial to recognize that you are fully responsible for your financial situation.

Examine your financial practices: Seek assistance from a budget counsellor to help manage your bills and create a budget. This will ensure you save over the years, regardless of your income.

Conclusion

By discarding these old, destructive beliefs and replacing them with new, positive, and realistic ways of thinking, you can pave the way for a successful life. Remember, the journey to success begins with a single step, and the right mindset can make all the difference.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

Photo by Virginia Berbece on Unsplash