If you find yourself constantly blaming external factors for your lack of progress or success, you might be suffering from a common ailment known as excusitis.
Excusitis is a term coined by Dr. David J. Schwartz in his book “The Magic of Thinking Big.” It refers to this self-defeating habit of making excuses for not taking action or achieving goals. People suffering from excusitis tend to find reasons or justifications for their lack of progress or success, often blaming external factors rather than taking responsibility for their own actions.
Excusitis can be easily diagnosed by observing certain behavioural patterns and mindset indicators.
Be brave and check these common signs that may indicate that you have excusitis:
- Habitual blaming: Do you tend to blame others, circumstances, or luck for your failures instead of looking inward and taking responsibility?
- Fear of failure: Do you avoid taking risks or trying new things due to a fear of making mistakes or facing rejection?
- Procrastination: Do you frequently delay or put off important tasks, citing reasons such as lack of time, resources, or skills, instead of taking immediate action.
- Lack of commitment: Do you often lack a strong commitment to your goals? Do you start projects enthusiastically but quickly lose motivation and abandon them when faced with challenges?
Good news… excusitis can be cured.
Here are some simple actions you can take:
- Develop self-awareness. Take some time to reflect on your thoughts and behaviours. Pay attention to when you are making excuses and try to understand why. Keeping a journal can be helpful for this.
- Take ownership and responsibility for your actions and outcomes. Instead of blaming external factors, focus on what you can control and the choices you make. Recognize that you have the power to change your situation.
- Set clear and realistic goals for yourself. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed. Having a plan in place gives you something concrete to work towards.
- Address your fears. Understand that fear of failure is often at the root of excusitis. Take steps to manage your fears and view setbacks as learning opportunities rather than reasons to give up. Embrace a growth mindset and believe in your ability to overcome challenges.
- Seek accountability and support. Find someone who can hold you accountable for your actions and provide support and guidance. This could be a coach, mentor, or even a trusted friend. Having someone to check in with and provide feedback can help you stay motivated and committed to your goals.
Remember, it’s all about being aware of your excuses, taking responsibility, setting goals, addressing your fears, and seeking support. With determination and consistent effort, you can break free from excusitis and achieve your awesome goals.
Get in touch if you would like to talk about curing your excusitis.
Reference and suggested reading:
- The Magic of Thinking Big – Dr. David J. Schwartz