Excuses are the bedrock of comfort, providing us with the illusion of protection from the discomfort of uncertainty and the fear of failure. We convince ourselves that there are a million reasons why we cannot be the highest expression of ourselves, and we become comfortable in our mediocrity. But the truth is, living up to our fullest potential requires us to break the cycle of excuses and push ourselves beyond our comfort zones.
The question is, has anyone ever lived up to their fullest potential without breaking the cycle of excuses? The answer is likely no. Every person who has achieved greatness has had to overcome obstacles, push through discomfort, and break out of their comfort zones. They had to take risks and face their fears head-on.
We often think that successful people were born with some innate talent or gift that we do not possess. However, the truth is that success is not about talent alone. It is about the willingness to work hard, learn from failure, and persevere through difficult times.
Breaking the cycle of excuses requires a shift in mindset. Instead of focusing on the million reasons why we cannot achieve our goals, we must focus on the few reasons why we can. We must learn to see obstacles as opportunities and failures as stepping stones. We must take ownership of our lives and stop blaming others for our circumstances.
A few years ago, I had a clear goal to complete my graduate studies abroad. I thought I should include one of my excellent colleagues in this purpose-driven venture and asked for their support. Their response was not what I expected. They said, “If it was so easy, why do we still have many First Class graduates as Graduate Assistants (GA) in the department? The best bet is to become a GA and hopefully, the University would sponsor your graduate studies.”
This response was well-articulated and thoughtful, and it made sense given the norms in my country of origin. However, it was also another cycle of an excuse to not become the highest expression of oneself. I had a choice to make. I could accept this response and settle for the status quo, or I could break the cycle of excuses and pursue my dream.
I decided to break the cycle. I applied for a prestigious scholarship that funded my graduate program abroad and went on to win multiple awards. Today, I am working in a leading pharmaceutical industry, and I know that the best is yet to come.
Breaking the cycle of excuses requires courage, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. It also requires a shift in perspective, where we focus on the possibilities rather than the limitations. When we embrace this mindset, we open ourselves up to a world of opportunities and possibilities.
Of course, this is easier said than done. It takes a lot of work to break the cycle of excuses and become the highest expression of oneself. It requires self-reflection, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn and grow. It also requires the support of others, who can encourage and guide us along the way.
But the rewards are worth it. When we break the cycle of excuses and become the highest expression of ourselves, we experience a sense of fulfillment and purpose that cannot be found in mediocrity. We inspire others to do the same and create a ripple effect that can change the world.
So if you find yourself stuck in the cycle of excuses, remember that you have the power to break free. You have the power to choose a different path, embrace your true potential, and live a life of purpose and impact.
In conclusion, the cycle of excuses can hold us back from achieving our fullest potential. It is easy to become comfortable in our mediocrity, but true growth and success require us to break out of our comfort zones and take risks.
Chukwunonso Nwabufo
Live. Powerful. Impactful
