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Motivation

Give Up Your Dumb Excuses: Here’s Why

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It’s time to put more hooty in your booty. Cancel drinks on Friday night. Forget about your hair coloring appointment with Vince on Saturday.

Your ridiculous excuses for everything in your life are literally killing your success. You have a goal, but you may not be achieving it. Here are some of the excuses I gave myself last week which stopped me from blogging:

  • I need to socialize because I’ve worked hard this week
  • I need to go on a holiday because it’s been a while
  • I need to go on a date because I’m single and yet to find love

Thoughts like these stop us from getting on with the job. We have this mindset that we’ll get to our goal when we have time. The truth is there is always another distraction to replace the previous one. Your excuses are what you use to justify your lack of success.

So let me spell it out for you:

You are the reason you’ve not achieved your goals or the level of success you want. It’s your fault: no one else’s. It’s all bloody you!

Stop blaming and start hustling!

Stop delaying and start on your dream right now!

Stop the need for instant gratification and short-term pleasure and start playing the long game!

I think this post is going to have a lot of exclamation marks, so I apologize in advance. The advice I serve up rarely comes with a bowl of chocolate moose on the side. It’s not what you want to hear, but it’s what you must hear. Actually, it’s too late to apologize (I think there’s a pop song that has those lyrics…Google that).

Here are the dumb excuses you must give up:

1. “I need experience first”

Did Steve Jobs have experience at making computers? Did Mark Zuckerberg study social media for years before starting Facebook? Did JK Rowling have experience publishing books before she wrote Harry Potter? The answer to all of these is no.

Go for hustle and hard work before thinking that you have to experience. Have a go with no experience and you’ll quickly figure out the skills required to be successful. The recruitment world has made us believe the lie that we have to have experience. Half the time the people with experience are the ones who refuse to innovate and think differently.

They’re the ones who want to do things the way they have always been done because their experience tells them to. It feels so safe to maintain the status quo. Guess what? The status quo is what’s holding back the human race from going all out and solving some of the issues like climate change, poverty, disease and safe access to water.

“Grab your “safe” experience nappy and throw it in the bin!”

2. “Someday I will be successful”

And someday never comes. You sit there dreaming of what could happen and what you could do rather than getting started. Your life will pass you by unless you decide that you will live in the present. You need to be successful in the present and be okay with the failure that comes with success.

Someday I’m going to be the next Mark Zuckerberg, but for now, I’m going to concentrate on being Tim Denning! That means I need to wake up from last night’s dream and start: writing, making calls and finding resources to share that will inspire.

3. “Someday I will find love”

Despite what the romance novels tell you, you have to take deliberate action to find “the one.” Chance encounters may happen, but you could be waiting a very long time. Don’t use karma or star signs to help you find love; use action.

Ask someone out even though they may say no. Join a dating app. Be more social. Put yourself in difficult situations like public speaking. That’s how you increase the chance of finding love.

“Sitting at home dreaming about “THE ONE” is going to give you a wet dream that leads to nothing”

4. “Someday I’ll tell that person what I think”

And you could get hit by a car tomorrow. How would you feel if you never got to say that one thing to that special person? What if you died and never got to share all your experience and feelings for those you love?

I’ll answer it for you. You’d be devastated. So why wait? You’ll be surprised that if you’re holding back from telling someone what you think it’s because of fear. Feel the fear and tell them what you think anyway. The worst that can happen is they stop talking to you and then you’re left with billions of other human beings to spend time with.

5. “Someday I’ll be happy”

It’s so much more awesome when you can make the decision to be happy right now. All you need is your brain to believe this. There’s so much to be happy with in your life. Stop focusing on what you don’t have and think about what you already have.

Use things like holidays to make you happy in advance of a dream moment. Set goals in the future and then imagine what it’s going to be like when you achieve them. That’s how you get more happiness right now and give up on this excuse which is holding you back.

6. “Someday I’ll get started”

Could you take the first small step now? Is there a phone call you could make right now? What I’ve learned is that when you make the first small step towards your goals, it becomes addictive. Often, you don’t even need to motivate yourself once you get started.

It’s the not getting started part that is what you need to give up.

7. “Once I finish X task, I’ll then start on my goals”

Another task always magically pops up. You have to prioritize what it is that you want. If you want to be a world famous long distance runner, then it’s time to get down to the track. It may be the case that the reason why you keep having distractions get in your way is because you don’t really want the goal you think you’ve always wanted.

A goal can sound nice when we see other people achieve them and get the results, but when we try the same goal, often the process can be boring, unfulfilling, or not what we want. That’s okay. Rather than torture ourselves for the lack of progress we have made towards our goal, we’re best off giving up on that particular goal and finding one that we can achieve.

Not every goal you set out to achieve needs to happen. As long as you find at least one goal that inspires you and makes you happy, then you’ve done well.

8. “Just one more drink and then I’ll get going”

One more drink always becomes another one and another one and so on. Learn to be disciplined and control your drinking.

9. “I don’t have enough money”

So what is enough money? Is there some mysterious amount you have in your bank account that all of a sudden means you can now go out and start work on your goal? Of course not. This idea is total BS. Lack of money can often be one of the biggest motivators. Not having money makes you hungry and makes you want to work hard towards your goals.

As soon as you reach the amount of money you think you need, your target seems to change and all of a sudden you need a new amount of money. This creates an endless line up of excuses that leave you trapped in a vortex.

I knew a guy that had a startup and raised a large sum of money. He took out $1m from the business to buy a house and then all of a sudden he was comfortable. He was no longer uncomfortable and so the success of his business took a backseat.

That business is now hemorrhaging because the hunger and drive have disappeared. You’ll never have enough money so forget about this lame excuse.

10. “The economy is not in good shape”

If you listen to the news, then we are always one step away from disastrous financial times. Thankfully I have also given up on the news. It’s never a good time to do anything. The economy being in bad shape can be a great thing!

Some of the best businesses were started in the worst economic times. When the economy goes bad people sell things for bargain discount prices. The leaders of industry lose their way and can make dumb decisions. While all this disaster is going on, you get the chance at a lucky break.

While everyone’s fighting over the economy and lack of money, you can start your business or take your business to the next level.

“Think of the economy being down as the world’s best distraction. It’s all a matter of perspective”

11. “My partner doesn’t agree with my dream”

Dump he or she and find a new one. That may be what’s been holding you back all of this time. If your partner loves you, then they’ll support you with your goals. Splitting with someone is hard, but so is life. You’ve got to do what feels right and allows you to reach your full potential.

12. “I need a degree first”

Hate to break it to you, but companies are starting to take less notice of degrees more and more, except certain industries like law and medicine. The truth is any of us can go to university, delay the payment and get the piece of paper.

That piece of paper entitles you to absolutely nothing. Go there to learn, but don’t use it as an excuse to why you can’t go after your goals. Most things can be learned online, so university is a luxury for many people.

13. “I’m overweight”

Thanks to modern medicine it’s very easy to lose weight now. Do a fast, go to the gym, eat clean food and most of all: get into action mode. There are still loads of successful people that are overweight so it’s not the end of the world. Again, it’s up to you to take action.

Looks is not everything in life. We’ve been conditioned to think that if we don’t look like all the Instagram models, then we won’t be happy. The thing is that the Instagram models are the ones that are the most unhappy.

They’re chasing a body type that for many is impossible to achieve. Still, losing weight will give you more energy so try it.

14. “I feel tired”

What did you eat the night before? How much did you drink? You’re tired because of your own actions. Get some sleep, take care of your body and you’ll have loads of energy. Being tired is not an excuse. Being tired is for losers!

15. “I just don’t have the time right now”

If Richard Branson knocked on your door and said, “Hey come to my house I want to hang out with you,” would you say no? No freaking way man. So you always have time it just comes down to how important your goals really are.

You can make time for anything that has meaning in your life. Guess what? We all have limited amounts of time. It’s the one currency that we all have equal amounts of every day. The only thing we don’t know is when we’ll die, so that’s why you’ve got to give up these dumb excuses amigo!s

If you want to increase your productivity and learn some more valuable life hacks, then join my private mailing list on timdenning.net

Aussie Blogger with 500M+ views — Writer for CNBC & Business Insider. Inspiring the world through Personal Development and Entrepreneurship You can connect with Tim through his website www.timdenning.com

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Motivation

Why You’re Failing to Achieve Your Goals and How to Fix It Now

Understanding motivation is crucial because it’s the cornerstone of success

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Why motivation is important to success

Feeling stuck? Lost in a sea of goals, but lacking the drive to pursue them? It’s time to shift gears and reignite your motivation! Picture this: From stalled to soaring, your journey awaits.  (more…)

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Motivation

Here’s How Self Motivation Can Be the Bridge Between Your Dreams and Realities

Self-motivation is the ability to motivate yourself without the influence of others

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how to become self motivated

Self-motivation is the ability to motivate yourself without the influence of others.  It is the ability to move forward with your convictions and beliefs despite facing several stumbling blocks on your way. (more…)

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Motivation

8 Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Be More Decisive

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Stop Procrastinating

Tackling Procrastination and Indecisiveness

Hi, Joel Brown here. As the person behind Addicted to Success and Mind Strong, I’m often asked about tackling procrastination and making swift, effective decisions. It’s a common struggle in today’s world, where distractions are endless.

Procrastination often creeps in when we’re bombarded with social media notifications, breaking news, and the hustle of daily life. This leads to a fear-driven indecision, where we’re paralyzed by the thought of failure or judgment.

 

Here’s a video breakdown of how to stop procrastinating and be more decisive if you are more of a visual person:

 

Embracing Speed and Momentum to Stop Procrastination

One of the most impactful lessons in my journey is understanding the role of speed in overcoming procrastination. A mentor of mine, a highly successful individual, always emphasized:

“Success loves speed, and money loves momentum.”

This principle is crucial in combating procrastination. It’s about seizing opportunities quickly, not just for financial gain, but for the invaluable experiences and connections they bring.

 

Understanding Analysis Paralysis: A Key to Overcoming Procrastination

A major hurdle in decision-making is what’s commonly known as analysis paralysis, a significant form of procrastination. It happens when our decision-making process, governed by the prefrontal cortex, gets overwhelmed. To break free from this form of procrastination, try calming techniques like deep breathing. It’s surprising how such simple steps can clear a cluttered mind and help you move past procrastination.

 

The Long-Term Effects of Procrastination and Indecision

Procrastination isn’t just about putting off decisions; it can lead to a reduced sense of life satisfaction over time.

In a conversation I had with Tony Robbins, we discussed how the quality of our lives hinges on the quality of our decisions.

Therefore, overcoming procrastination and indecision is vital for a fulfilling life.

 

My Top Strategies for Beating Procrastination

  1. Seek Guidance from the Experienced: To combat procrastination, connect with people who’ve achieved the goals you’re aiming for. Their experience can be a guiding light when you’re stuck in indecision.
  2. Use Deadlines as Anti-Procrastination Tools: Setting deadlines is a powerful way to break the cycle of procrastination. They create a sense of urgency that pushes you into action.
  3. Accept Imperfection to Move Past Procrastination: Understand that no one is perfect, and that includes you. Accepting this can alleviate the pressure that often leads to procrastination.

 

Identify Your Procrastination Type to Find Solutions

Procrastination manifests in various forms. I’ve developed a quiz (find it at mindstrongacademy.com/quiz) to help you identify your specific type of procrastination. Understanding your personal procrastination style is a crucial step in addressing it effectively.

 

Additional Tips on Making Quality Decisions and Beating Procrastination

When it comes to decision-making, it’s important to not get too bogged down in analyzing pros and cons. While analysis is important, excessive scrutiny can lead to procrastination. Trusting your intuition often plays a crucial role in breaking free from procrastination.

 

Handling Major Life Choices Without Procrastination

For significant decisions in life, whether in your career or personal relationships, procrastination can be particularly challenging.

To address this, break down these big decisions into smaller steps. Assess the potential outcomes realistically to understand that often, the fear of a negative outcome is more intimidating than the actual consequences.

 

Conclusion: Your Journey Away from Procrastination Begins Now

To wrap up, remember that overcoming procrastination and indecision is about understanding your own patterns, seeking wise counsel, setting deadlines, and embracing your imperfections. It’s time to start making those impactful decisions and enjoying the journey of life.

Whether it’s through the Mind Strong Academy or my procrastination quiz, I’m here to guide you on your path to decisive action.

I believe in your ability to conquer procrastination and live a life of purposeful decisions.

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Change Your Mindset

Unlocking Success: Subconscious Reprogramming, Mindset, and Transformative Strategies for Improved Wellbeing and Business Performance

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brittany victoria

What if I told you that the negative thoughts or self-limiting beliefs that you may have, are not actually yours?

In this article, I will discuss subconscious programming and how it can be reprogrammed in a way that allows you to reach your greatest potential. I will also provide tips on how you can integrate this information as a leader within the workplace.

The subconscious mind is shaped before we begin forming our own conscious thoughts, and these conscious thoughts are influenced by the subconscious mind. This means that even the thoughts that you’re consciously having, are merely an extension of that pre-existing conditioning. 

When something becomes deeply ingrained within your mind through repetition, and there are other supporting thoughts that reinforce it, you will identify this information as your truth. These repeated thoughts become beliefs, and your actions will align to support and validate these beliefs.

The Importance of Observing Your Thoughts

If you continuously tell yourself that you aren’t capable or good enough, how likely are you to put in the effort to challenge this narrative? If you’ve always been a procrastinator and tell yourself that you always will be, you’re going to continue procrastinating. If you run into an obstacle and don’t believe you can overcome it, you’re not going to look for solutions or try your best to resolve it.

It’s extremely important for you to become an observer of your thoughts and understand the impacts of how those thoughts can impact your life, relationships, and overall outlook on life.

Here are some questions to help guide you:

– What are your recurring negative thoughts, and how are they impacting your performance and relationships? 


– How have these thoughts held you back from achieving your goals and living the life that you’ve always dreamed of? 


– What have these thoughts already cost you and what else will they cost you if they don’t change?

Societal conditioning, influenced by a lower level of collective consciousness, has made the experience of debilitating thoughts highly prevalent. It’s not your fault that you have them, but it is your responsibility to change them and choose better ones.

The Subconscious Must Be Reprogrammed 

Reprogramming the subconscious involves positive affirmations, visualization, and consistent repetition to replace negative beliefs with positive ones. You have to become aware of the thoughts that make you feel bad and do not serve your best interest.

What are the growth-oriented thoughts that would you rather have instead? Any time that a debilitating thought crosses your mind, always correct it with new thought that uplifts, encourages and empowers you. Be consistent, be patient and understand that your logical mind will not make this process easy for you at first.

Being Delusional vs. Consciously Creating a Better Reality for Yourself 

By definition, the term delusional means “holding false beliefs or judgments about external reality that are held despite incontrovertible evidence to the contrary”. When you have held onto debilitating beliefs for so long and your previous actions have served as evidence to confirm their truth, it is inevitable that your logical mind will deem your new thoughts as delusional. This is where embracing change tends to become most challenging, as it involves confronting this resistance with unwavering commitment. 

 

What you have to understand is that your former beliefs and former actions do not dictate your future, unless they remain the same. As the old beliefs become obsolete and new beliefs take their place, there will also be new aligned actions that produce different results, and this will serve as evidence to support your new truth. That being said, the most delusional thing that anyone can do is elect to keep an unfavorable mindset that was programmed for them by external factors and willingly relinquish their own personal power as a result of it.

Success is Fundamentally Rooted in the Mindset

How we show up for ourselves and others, communicate with employees, and perform in business are deeply connected to our mindset and everything that has shaped it. Let’s delve into these interconnected aspects and explore five transformative tips that will catalyze positive change in the workplace. 

 

A growth-oriented mindset encourages resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace challenges. On the other hand, a fixed mindset hinders progress and limits potential.

Tip 1: Embrace a Growth Mindset

  • Establish the belief that abilities can be developed.
  • View challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement.
  • Cultivate a positive attitude toward continuous growth and development.

Unpacking Trauma and Navigating the Impact

Unresolved trauma can cast a long shadow over our personal and professional lives. It shapes our reactions, influences decision-making, and impacts our interactions with others. Acknowledging and addressing trauma is essential for creating a healthier, more productive work environment.

 

Tip 2: Prioritize Trauma-Informed Leadership

  • Cultivate empathy and understanding for individual experiences.
  • Provide a safe space for open communication about trauma.
  • Implement support systems and resources for employees dealing with trauma.

 

Elevate Relationships and Sales Performance

To enhance relationships, communication, and sales performance, a holistic approach that intertwines mindset and trauma-informed practices is key.

 

Tip 3: Implement Empathy-Driven Communication

  • Train teams in active listening and empathetic communication.
  • Create an environment where open dialogue is encouraged.
  • Recognize and validate diverse perspectives, creating a culture of inclusivity.

Tip 4: Invest in Professional Development

  • Offer continuous learning opportunities for employees.
  • Develop leadership skills to enhance communication and relationship-building.
  • Prioritize sales training programs that align with evolving market dynamics.

Tip 5: Maintain a Positive Work Culture

  • Create a workplace where employees feel valued and appreciated.
  • Implement recognition programs to celebrate achievements.
  • Encourage a balance between professional and personal well-being.

By embracing a growth mindset, acknowledging and addressing trauma, and implementing empathetic, integrated strategies, individuals and organizations can create a transformative ripple effect. In this interconnected web of personal and professional growth, how we show up truly matters, influencing the outcomes we achieve and the impact we leave on those around us.

 

Enjoy the Journey 

As you embark on the empowering journey of subconscious reprogramming, remember that change takes time, and self-compassion is your greatest ally. Surround yourself with positive influences, whether it be supportive friends, inspirational books, or mindfulness practices. Seek guidance from mentors who have walked a similar path and found success in reshaping their mindset. Embrace the discomfort that may arise during this process, for it signifies the shedding of old layers to make way for the new. Reflect on your progress regularly, celebrating even the smallest victories, and be patient with yourself as you navigate the intricacies of transformation. 

In the spirit of rewriting your narrative, I encourage you to take the first step today. Commit to a daily practice of positive affirmations, visualize your desired reality, and consistently challenge self-limiting beliefs. If you would like support along the way, consider joining like-minded communities, Facebook groups, and curate your social media to reflect these new changes you want to embody.

Remember, thoughts become actions, and actions reinforce beliefs. It’s never too late to embark on an empowering journey to reprogram your mind, and achieve the life you have always dreamed of!

For more tips and strategies on how to improve your mindset, follow me at @bigdivineenergy.

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