My life experience has taught me that having a physical handicap won’t necessarily disable you; however, the habit of excuse-making surely will. All of us, regardless of our circumstances in life, can convince ourselves that we have a good excuse. However, excuses create a self-imposed handicap that is guaranteed to disable your performance and motivation.

So what is the difference between a weak excuse and a valid reason? A reason is an explanation that is based on facts, is reasonable, and is unavoidable. On the other hand, an excuse is an explanation with facts that are mostly false, difficult to verify, and avoidable. Excuses are invented stories that defend behavior, justify mediocre performance, and negate responsibility. When a person rationalizes a situation, it’s been said they are lying to themselves while trying to sound rational. Here are three ideas to help you decrease excuses and increase results.

Blame Makes You Lame: This quote exposes a common myth about excuses. We often mistakenly believe that an excuse will protect us emotionally from embarrassment, uncertainty, and accountability. Actually, excuses do just the opposite, making us feel anxious, inadequate, guilty, and weak. These negative emotions hold us back from realizing our potential, recognizing opportunities, and utilizing our unique talents and skills. Placing blame on external circumstances instead of accepting responsibility for an internal problem will always cripple your success.

Resist Living Others’ Excuses: You don’t have to spend time looking for excuses. Other people will be happy to find them for you. When someone says you don’t have the time or money to achieve your dreams, they are actually saying that they don’t have the time or money to achieve their dreams. Resist letting another’s self-doubt or anxiety quash your desire! Excuses can be contagious, so guard against living another person’s song and dance. Seek out other like-minded people who will hold you accountable and offer solutions, not excuses.

 People who make excuses are typically afraid of success and the responsibility that invariably comes with it. If you want to find the motivation to make progress instead of making excuses, ask yourself this question: What are excuses costing me today and in the future? Look ahead 6 months, 12 months, or 5 years from now, and calculate the price you will pay in terms of missed opportunities, low self-esteem, and, of course, regret. By eliminating the self-limiting mindset of excuse-making, you will experience greater success, have a better self-image, and boost your courage.

Your life and success are too valuable to be derailed by excuses. Spend your energy focused on possibilities which will bring hope, possibility, and inspiration. When you make a decision to decrease your excuses, you will increase your results.