Excuses vs. Obstacles: Are You Stopping Yourself or Being Tested?

We all have dreams and goals we want to accomplish. But as we walk the path toward success, we often encounter two things: excuses and obstacles. The difference between them can determine whether we rise to the challenge or stay stuck in the same place. Let’s break it down and discover how you can overcome what’s holding you back.

Excuses: The Self-Made Roadblocks

Excuses are the reasons we tell ourselves for why we can’t do something. They are often rooted in fear, doubt, or a lack of confidence. Here are some common ones:

• “I don’t have enough time.”

• “I’m not talented enough.”

• “I’ll start when things are perfect.”

• “What if I fail?”

The truth is, excuses are self-imposed limitations. They are not actual barriers but rather a mindset that keeps us from even trying. When we give in to excuses, we surrender our power to external circumstances instead of taking control of our actions.

"He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else." 

– Benjamin Franklin

 

Obstacles: The Tests of Determination

Obstacles, on the other hand, are real challenges that can slow us down, but they don’t have to stop us. Unlike excuses, obstacles are external barriers that require effort, strategy, and persistence to overcome. These might include:

• Lack of resources or finances

• Unexpected life challenges

• Limited knowledge or skills

• Rejections and failures

Obstacles are not meant to defeat us; they are meant to refine us. They test how badly we want something and push us to grow in ways we never imagined. The key is to find solutions, adapt, and keep moving forward.

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see 

when you take your eyes off your goal." – Henry Ford

 

How to Stop Making Excuses and Overcome Obstacles

1. Identify Your Excuses – Be honest with yourself. Are you avoiding action because of fear or self-doubt?

2. Shift Your Mindset – Instead of saying, “I can’t,” ask, “How can I?” This small change opens the door to solutions.

3. Take Small Steps – You don’t have to conquer your goal overnight. Break it down into smaller, achievable steps.

4. Seek Help and Learn – If lack of knowledge is an obstacle, commit to learning. If finances are tight, explore alternative resources.

5. Stay Persistent – Obstacles are temporary. The only way they become permanent is if you give up.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: 

it is the courage to continue that counts." 

– Winston Churchill

 

Your Goals Are Worth the Fight

Excuses and obstacles may look similar, but their impact on your journey is vastly different. Excuses keep you stagnant; obstacles challenge you to grow. The good news? You have the power to choose. Decide today to push past your excuses and tackle every obstacle head-on.

Your dreams are waiting—will you rise to the challenge?

           New Image University
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