Even if we don’t like to admit it, there are quite a lot of excuses we use to cover up failure. Sometimes we just pick the easiest way out because we are often too scared to even try to fulfill our dreams and reach our goals. It’s so much easier to blame our failures on things we think are beyond our control. We also feel more comfortable this way because we don’t have to take responsibility for our actions. If we fail we can easily say that other things are to blame and it’s definitely not our fault that things turned out this way. Here are some of the most common excuses we use to cover up failure:
In my opinion, this is one of the excuses we use to cover up failure that is the most destructive because most of the time, we are correct. We are indeed way too busy to do certain things; we don’t even have enough time to sleep or to eat right, not to mention enough time for the things we need to do in order to climb the hierarchical ladder, for exercising and for playing sports, or even for the things we enjoy. But, you shouldn’t let that prevent you from achieving your goals! Learn to organize your schedule, so you’ll be able to fit in all those things that are really important to you. Don’t make any more excuses! If it’s really that important, I’m sure you’ll manage somehow to find the time for it.
You can do whatever you want to do! Don’t let any more excuses get in the way of achieving your dream! If you work hard enough, you surely will succeed someday. Maybe not right now, but you shouldn’t lose hope! You are as good as you plan to be. Sure, some things are difficult to achieve, but remember, good things come to those who wait (and work hard enough, I might add).
This excuse is most often motivated by fear. Some people like to just create a little cozy and comfy nest, where they feel safe and protected against all bad things that happen outside and I must admit that I am one of them. But, sometimes not taking risks can really affect your well-being. Change is not supposed to feel comfortable, but it’s necessary, so we can move forward. Don’t let anything hold you back! I know that the unknown can be a very scary place sometimes but I think that regretting the things you didn’t do because you were too afraid to even try can be a much scarier thing.
This is another big mistake most people do when they are trying to achieve their dreams. They start comparing themselves to other people. This behavior is in fact dysfunctional because people are different. You are so special in your own little way. I’m sure you have certain skills, talents or abilities that no one else possesses, so don’t be so harsh on yourself and don’t use this as an excuse to cover up failure. Work as hard as you can to fulfill your dreams and don’t let anything get in the way of your happiness!
I know it’s so much easier to say this when you’re facing a failure, so you’ll be able to keep your self-confidence and your self-esteem unharmed. I’m not saying it’s not okay to protect yourself; just don’t lie to yourself every time you hit a bump in the road. Things have ups and downs and the fact that you’ve lost a battle doesn’t mean that you’ve lost the war. Keep trying and don’t give up so easily! The fact that you started to do something in the first place means that it was at a certain point in your life important to you. So, don’t deny that. Assume responsibility for your actions, learn from your mistakes and see what you can do so you’ll avoid failing in the future.
Remember, you set your own limits. You can do just as much as you think you can do. If you dream big and you work hard enough, you’ll be able to do whatever you want. Just don’t be your own worst enemy by always sabotaging yourself! Don’t use this excuse to cover up failure! If you notice that this unpleasant thought has been bothering you lately, try thinking about what you can do in order to push your limits or find different ways that will be able to get you to the finish line. Do you need more support from your loved ones, someone to talk to or even some professional advice?
Do you complain a lot? I know I do, and I’m not so proud to admit it, but it is the truth. I’m definitely trying to work on this aspect of my behavior, because I noticed that I was always complaining so much, that I didn’t even try to reach my objectives. I always felt demotivated and powerless. And then, I realized that I was using them as excuses to cover up my failures and this behavior gave me a feeling of hopelessness too. By always complaining, you’re not going to improve that situation. Instead you could use that energy to find something that could make things right again and try to fix your mistakes.
I’m sure everyone has made some mistakes along the way and everyone has faced failure at certain points in their life. Some simply accepted the things they couldn’t change and moved on, while others found excuses for their behavior in order to protect their self-esteem. Have you ever come up with different excuses to cover up failure? What other excuses do people use to cover up their mistakes? I would love to know what you think so please, share your opinion with us in the comments section!
Sources:
forbes.com