You are “good enough” at work and “there enough” at home but you are not progressing, you have become disinterested in your job, you aren’t taking your business to the next level or not starting the business you want.
Most of us go to great lengths to avoid feeling uncomfortable. Why aren’t you moving forward? Why aren’t you doing what you want to do? I often hear ‘reasons’ from mentees but after challenging them we often determine they are really ‘excuses’.
Here are a few of the top excuses I’ve heard over the years – any sound familiar?
It’s not the right time. What are you waiting for? There will never be a right time. There is never a good time to get married, quit your job, buy a house, or start a company. Everyone is given the same amount of time in a day, but the manner in which you choose to spend this time is entirely up to you. Now is as good a time as any.
I’m too busy. Guess what; we’re all busy. You are probably too busy to exercise, too busy to meet someone for lunch, and too busy to go on that trip you’ve been talking about for two years. In the end, you will regret all of the opportunities you passed on. If a chance is presented, then change your schedule and make the time. It’s that simple.
I’m afraid. Fear is paralyzing. You never know if you can succeed unless you try. Exercise your risk taking muscles.Feel fear and carry on. Start small: take public transportation to work instead of driving your car, pick up a new sport, go to dinner by yourself, take the opportunity to speak in front of an audience, present an idea to your executive team. Ask your CEO to lunch. Do something that you wouldn’t normally do. Test your comfort zone. Break rules.What’s the worst that can happen? You get fired? That may be the motivation you need to launch your own small business or startup.
I’m lazy. I’ve never had anyone give me this excuse, but for some people it’s an underlying issue. It’s time to stop being so lazy. Nothing is going to fall into your lap. Create opportunity for yourself. I addressed this at a TechCocktail speaker session, “Sex, Gambling, Luck and Growing Your Network”. If you are waiting around to get lucky, it’s not going to happen. Position yourself to be in the right places, develop the right relationships, and explore the right opportunities.
Remember, you are resilient. Stretching your comfort zone may make you feel weak for a moment, but whatever happens, you will come out on top. Fear of being uncomfortable will hold you back. If you don’t attempt to step outside your comfort zone, you will fail by default, so what do you have to lose?