We all want to grow. Whether it’s advancing in business, leading with more confidence or finally launching that passion project, progress is the goal. But what happens when progress stalls, despite the effort? We often tell ourselves it’s because of circumstances, timing or other people.
But is that the truth? Or just a more comfortable version of it? This is where the concept of reasons or excuses comes into play.
There’s a fine line between a reason and an excuse. One leads to action. The other keeps us where we are.
In this article, you’ll learn how to recognize what’s really holding you back, uncover whether it’s a reason or an excuse and take practical steps to get moving again.
The Difference Between a Reason and an Excuse
A reason is a fact-based obstacle: something real and specific that needs a solution. An excuse is a story we tell ourselves to avoid discomfort, risk or responsibility.
- Reason: “I don’t have the skill yet to lead this team.”
- Excuse: “No one on this team listens anyway, so what’s the point?”
The problem isn’t that we make excuses, it’s that we believe them. And the longer we believe them, the more they become part of our identity.
A reason motivates solutions: training, support, or new strategies. An excuse reinforces inaction. Over time, repeated excuses start shaping your identity. You go from someone who can’t right now to someone who never does and that shift happens quietly.
Understanding this distinction gives you power. It helps you pause and ask, “Am I facing a real barrier or am I protecting myself from discomfort?”
Why Excuses Feel Safer Than the Truth
Excuses are protective. They shield our ego. They give us something to blame other than ourselves. And they help us avoid the uncomfortable truth that change takes work.
They also help us avoid failure. If we never fully commit, we never fully risk falling short. But here’s the trade-off: while excuses offer temporary comfort, they rob you of long-term progress. Ask yourself:
- Do I keep blaming time when I haven’t made a clear plan?
- Am I calling it “bad timing” when it’s really fear?
- Have I convinced myself that others have it easier, so I shouldn’t even try?
These thoughts don’t mean you’re lazy. They mean you’re human. But self-awareness means learning to call yourself out, kindly but honestly. And the more honest you get, the easier it is to take the next step.
What Might Really Be Blocking You
If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself not just what’s hard, but what you’re avoiding. Often, the true blocker isn’t the task itself; it’s the emotion underneath.
- Fear of failure disguised as “I just don’t have time.”
- Fear of rejection masked as “This isn’t the right audience.”
- Lack of clarity framed as “I’m still thinking it through.”
Once you name the real block, you can work with it. You can find help. You can reframe the challenge. But you can’t change what you won’t admit.
Common Excuses in Business and Personal Growth
If you’re in leadership, coaching or business, these are some of the most common stories people tell themselves:
- “Now’s not the right time to invest in training.”
- “I need to fix everything else before I can grow.”
- “I’m too busy to work on myself.”
- “Once I hit my next revenue goal, I’ll feel ready.”
These sound reasonable but they delay action. Growth happens when you decide you’re ready, not when things are perfect.
How to Turn Excuses Into Action
The goal isn’t to shame yourself, it’s to move forward. Each of these steps helps you disrupt the excuse loop and take real, achievable action toward your goals.
Write down the story you’re telling yourself.
Every excuse starts with a story. “I’m not ready.” “I don’t have time.” “I need more experience.” Get that story out of your head and onto paper. Don’t filter it, just write it as you believe it. This helps you separate thoughts from truth and starts breaking the spell of old beliefs.
Challenge it with a better question.
Most excuses collapse under a little curiosity. Ask yourself, “Is this actually true, or just a habit of thought?” Reframe the statement and approach it like you would if a client said it to you. You’ll gain clarity and realize the problem might not be as permanent as it feels.
Take one small action.
Excuses thrive in overthinking. Action breaks the cycle. Start small, send one email, schedule one conversation, take one brave step. Momentum doesn’t come from confidence; it comes from movement. Even a small step gives you a confidence boost and begins to rewire your mindset.
Track the patterns that keep showing up.
If you keep saying the same thing, “I’m not ready,” “I’ll start when things calm down,” that’s not a reason; that’s a recurring pattern. Recognizing your go-to excuse helps you call it out faster next time. You become more self-aware and less likely to get derailed by the same fear or story.
Get honest feedback from someone you trust.
You can’t always see your own blind spots. Share your thoughts with a coach. mentor, or someone who won’t sugarcoat it. Outside perspective helps separate facts from fear. You’ll speed up your insight and decision-making because truth from others cuts through fog.
Reframe who you think you are.
We act in alignment with our identity. If you believe you’re not the kind of person who takes risks or shows up boldly, you’ll keep finding reasons to hold back. Shift your self-image: “I’m someone who grows by doing. The moment you shift how you see yourself, you unlock a new level of confidence and consistency.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be honest. The next time you catch yourself hesitating, ask, “Is this a reason to pause or just an excuse to stay safe?”
Growth lives on the other side of that answer. Because the next level of your growth isn’t waiting for better timing. It’s waiting for a better decision.
