Running Out Of Excuses

Everyone puts things off. There are good reasons to do so. You have responsibilities, obligations... to use an over-simplified label; you have 'important things'. In your personal worldview, these things prevent you from undertaking the steps, actions, habits that would lead you to what you feel is a better life; a better you.

"If only I had the time and energy!" The thought becomes as common as breathing. Ambitions and projects, small and big are easily cast aside with this one simple trick (Doctors hate it). It intertwines with your belief system and your relationship with yourself. You have a reason you aren't who you want to be. Because you lack the time.

I am not lamenting those who blame their inability to self-actualize on the lack of time. It is probably the best excuse, or rather, explanation, as to why someone can't journey towards their goals. Time/Energy is the main ingredient to fuel the will enforcing itself into reality.

Now... what happens if you become un-blocked? All of a sudden you have the time. All of a sudden you have the energy. At first there is some excitement, some kind of soul spark. But soon, the new circumstances reveal something potentially terrifying.

To be blunt. It's time to pay up. It's time to prove you weren't just looking for an excuse in the past. It's time to live up to what you believe is your potential. As you sit with your own thoughts, now fuelled with extra time and energy, you wonder whether you actually have what it takes. And as you imagine scenarios where you fail to make an effort; you realize you were lying to yourself all these years.

Sorry for the boring and potentially anti-climactic ending. Yep, at the bottom of it, it's just the fear of failing. Or maybe not... more specifically it is the fear of failing to try. Indulging in your vices rather than transcending to the enlightened being you imagined was inside of you. Facing these thoughts head-on can provide beautifully powerful motivation, or paralyze you. It is not easy. Breathe. Start slow. Do your best. It is the effort that counts. The playing field is finally clear; enact your will.