I used to be a professional at making excuses.
I can’t go for a walk because I’m too fat. I can’t write a book because it’s just too much work. I can’t pursue relationships because I’ll fail. I can’t. I can’t. I can’t.
Every year that went by without taking action, something in my heart died. The spark of hope disappeared from my eyes. Passion withered away. Hope was lost.
For every day that passed and I stayed in the same spot, every dream that filled my mind faded further into the background. My desires became a distant memory, replaced by despair.
But everything didn’t die. Somewhere inside there was a tiny part that still strived to do something with my life.
Eventually the excuses stopped working. I couldn’t use them as a way out anymore. I took the hard way around to get back to where my dreams once started.
I wound up in the hospital for three days, then got sent home barely able to hold me head up on my own. As I recovered, my choices were limited. My excuse of not being able to go for a walk was tossed out by a friend who gently, yet boldly recommended I get up and walk around the parking lot of my apartment complex.
So I did, reluctantly. That walked turned into another walk, which turned into a mile a day, then two miles a day, then a 5K, which eventually led to a 145 lb. weight loss.
Writing a book didn’t come about the way I planned. I took the long way there too. After spending one very long year in a discipleship program to work on healing from my depression, journal entries from that journey are now on the pages for others to read. I ran out of excuses there too.
My weight was an excuse not to pursue relationships with others. My shame was an excuse not to make eye contact with others. The walls built around my heart were an excuse to keep people from hugging me.
Then God got a hold of me and showed me what true love really meant. Because of that I can look people in the eyes, believe in the radiance God has poured out one me, and hug people free of shame.
It’s easy to claim that our excuses are just being realistic about things. But that in itself is an excuse. Excuses are easy. We don’t have to act. We don’t have to move beyond a dream. With excuses, we can sit on the couch and pretend we’re doing something.
With each excuse, with each day that passes without being active, our desires and dreams die.
But there is hope.
Ken Davis writes in his book, Fully Alive: Lighten Up and Live – A Journey that Will Change Your Life,
If you are still breathing, there are still embers burning in your soul. If you are a physical mess but want to change, there are still embers. If you face depression, there are still embers waiting to be fanned by a fresh breeze to a blazing fire. No matter how old you are, no matter your past circumstances or physical condition, you can live fully alive starting today.
Though my passions were dying and my spark was fading, there was still that small ember burning inside. I just needed a little help to flan the fame back up. I needed hope from others. I needed a push.
I had plenty of reasons to live fully alive, I just needed someone to remind me of that.
It’s not too late for you to go forward. It’s not too late to reignite the spark of your passions, no matter what they are.
Today is the day to start living fully alive. Are you ready?
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Sundi Jo is a writer, speaker, and small business owner. She is the author of the free eBook, Step Away from that Diet, sharing tips from her 145 lb. weight loss. You can easily find her writing at the local coffee shop in a pair of jeans and flip-flops.
Website: → Sundi Jo
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Hi, Sundi Jo! Great article! I think the first thing to do is to realize that you have a problem. Then, you create a plan to overcome it. When you lack motivation, excuses win. So what everyone needs is motivation.
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Sundi Jo Reply:
September 24th, 2012 at 7:07 am
You are so right Cristian. I love the spelling of your name by the way.
Sundi Jo invites you to read… Excuses vs. Action
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Cristian Stan Reply:
September 25th, 2012 at 5:32 am
Cristian Stan invites you to read… Best Espresso Machine Reviews
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Fatima Hipolito Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 7:15 pm
Yeah this article you share in here was really inspiring, you share something really important to know..
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Wonderful post!
Oh yes…don’t we all make excuses and do so often! I can well relate to both of those, because I have been guilty myself of not going for my walks, or days when I just don’t feel like writing.
But yes, each one of us needs that much required push…or that shake up that life sometimes gives us, or a reason to get started. Just as you mentioned, somethings happened in your life that made you change, which is common in most of our lives too.
I loved those lines – Though my passions were dying and my spark was fading, there was still that small ember burning inside. I just needed a little help to flan the fame back up. I needed hope from others. I needed a push.- beautiful indeed.
I think as long as we are alive, we have those embers burning inside of us, and all that they need is a little fanning, a little encouragement, a little motivation to turn into a fire.
Thanks for sharing,
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Sundi Jo Reply:
September 24th, 2012 at 7:06 am
Thanks Harleena. You’re right – as long as we’re alive those embers are burning inside of us.
Sundi Jo invites you to read… Excuses vs. Action
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I heard on the radio this morning that people who always come up with excuses should have one day where they say yes to everything and also stop making excuses. There was a guy who did it and he said it completely changed his life. I normally come up with the most silly excuses you can ever imagine but ironically they work and always to my benefit. Thanks for sharing!
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Sundi Jo Reply:
September 24th, 2012 at 11:00 am
Thanks for stopping by Tim. It’s amazing some of the excuses we can come up with.
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Inspiring post. Yes, everybody needs a push to ignite and bring fuel in your heart. Some say, if a vehicle doesn’t have any fuel, it won’t start. But whenever there’s any fuel, it can bring you to anywhere your hearts desire and go on with your dreams.
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Sundi Jo Reply:
September 24th, 2012 at 11:01 am
You’re right. Sometimes even if there’s enough fuel to coast us down to the gas station, it’s all we need.
Sundi Jo invites you to read… Excuses vs. Action
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The first step is realising that excuses are excuses! So many people accept their excuses as reality, when they’re just something made up in the mind.
Lovely post, very inspiring and heartfelt – fanning the embers inside others is sacred work
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Sundi Jo Reply:
September 24th, 2012 at 11:01 am
“The first step is realizing that excuses are excuses.” Love that statement Jani. Thanks fo stopping by.
Sundi Jo invites you to read… Excuses vs. Action
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This is a great post and really inspiring. I think that people need to stop making excuses and take action. You should find something to motivate you and keep at it, because everyone should keep the fire alive in their lives, so that they have something to look forward to everyday.
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Sundi Jo Reply:
September 27th, 2012 at 5:07 pm
You’re right Eulah. We all need a fire alive in us. What’s your fire?
Sundi Jo invites you to read… You Don’t Have Time For an Organized Life
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Hi Sundi!
i really like this post and it is inspirational blog.i agree with you that we have many excuse to deny the essential work but somewhere in our heart there is a desire to do particular work in which we are interested.so getup and do action.i like your blog.
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Tomorrow is just a different version of today. It’s all well and good saying that you will put something off because you have good intentions to change something, but how many of us actually do? Next time you feel yourself procrastinating and stalling with starting something new, think back to when you last had a similar plan and ask yourself; “If I started back then, I wonder where I would be now”.
Time passes quickly.
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Sundi Jo Reply:
September 27th, 2012 at 5:09 pm
You’re so right Jamie. It’s good to do ask ourselves that, just as long as we don’t use it as a tool to beat ourselves up.
Sundi Jo invites you to read… You Don’t Have Time For an Organized Life
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Hello Sundi
You have dished up the reality practical life in this post. Excuse leads a person towards failure and action always invites success at your door.
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Sundi Jo Reply:
September 27th, 2012 at 5:10 pm
Thanks Nawaz. Isn’t it so much better to know you’re inviting successes to your door?
Sundi Jo invites you to read… You Don’t Have Time For an Organized Life
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Hi, Sundi Jo!I think it is easier to blame the world for misfortunes and issues rather than take action. Taking action means removing yourself from the comfort zone and doing things that you would habitually do. No one is going to do it for you!In the crazy busy world in which we live there are plenty of excuses. The media recently blames many of the fast food restaurants for the world’s obesity. However, restaurants do not place food in anyone’s mouth people do! Many people claim that their obesity makes it difficult to walk yet they use scooters rather than walk.
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Sundi Jo Reply:
September 27th, 2012 at 5:11 pm
You’re right Erda. I used to blame everyone else when I weighed 330 lbs. I was a victim. I had to learn how to change it myself, not wait for others to do it. I hade to take responsibility and stop being a victim.
Sundi Jo invites you to read… You Don’t Have Time For an Organized Life
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Interesting and inspiring post.We need to stop making excuses and take action. Motivation is as wonderful thing. I read somewhere that being more positive and saying yes to everything that comes your way brings more sucess, your soul and heart wants the opportunites but you head gets in the way and starts bringing up negative reasons why you can’t or don’t want it!!!!
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Sundi Jo Reply:
September 27th, 2012 at 5:12 pm
We need to be careful in saying yes to everything though, Alexandra. That can quickly close doors to other opportunities. I’m learning I have to say yes to things, even when they seem like good, positive things, so that I can make room for more positive things.
Sundi Jo invites you to read… You Don’t Have Time For an Organized Life
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Very inspirational post. We all need to feed the dying embers occasionally to reignite life’s passion.
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Sundi Jo Reply:
September 27th, 2012 at 5:12 pm
Thanks Dale. I appreciate the comment and encouragement. Image what would happen if we all fed those dying embers.
Sundi Jo invites you to read… You Don’t Have Time For an Organized Life
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There is obstacle in every progress that is called excuse.But these excuses also have energy if we convert them into actions
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Hey Sundijo!
I love this article! The message of hope is always reassuring and beautiful! We all have tough times in our lives, painful circumstances that put us in shells and keep us from seeing the light of day. We all know there is still that little spark within us, but sometimes, the weight is too heavy or the smoke is too thick to rekindle the fire. It takes courage and optimism to get us through that obstacle and emerge as victors! Great work Sundi! You should write more inspirational posts every now and then! Congratulations for your victory and keep going!
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Sundi Jo Reply:
September 28th, 2012 at 9:35 pm
Shane, Thanks for the encouragement. Any type of inspiration you’re looking for? I’ll be happy to write about it if I can relate and share with others.
Sundi Jo invites you to read… The Joy of Insomnia and Hot Flashes
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This is a great encouragement to all people who are used to excuses. This is an eye opener “It’s not too late for you to go forward. It’s not too late to reignite the spark of your passions, no matter what they are.”
Sometimes we are stuck to excuses because we are afraid of something, so we prefer to be secluded. To be able to see the world, we have to let go of our excuses. We just have to stand out and share something unique to the world. It is in finding and manifesting our gifts that we will experience the greatest joy and enthusiasm.
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Sundi Jo Reply:
September 28th, 2012 at 9:37 pm
“We just have to stand out and share something unique to the world. It is in finding and manifesting our gifts that we will experience the greatest joy and enthusiasm.” Love this statement Patricia. Thanks.
Sundi Jo invites you to read… The Joy of Insomnia and Hot Flashes
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Sundi Jo,
I love this post. Great inspiration for people to wake up and start living the lives they’ve been wanting to live.
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I think it so easy to make excuses then actually deal with the problem. When we can finally overcome this we are one step closer to making the necessary action that is needed. Thank you for sharing this- I think many people will able to relate to and learn from this.
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Thank you for sharing this post. This is a great eye opener to those people who do continue to make excuses and do not take any action. You can not use excuses like it is too late, because you can reach your dreams, no matter what age you are, you just the passion and drive.
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Sundi Jo Reply:
October 5th, 2012 at 8:35 am
It’s never too late, you’re right. It’s only too late when we’re dead and gone. Today is the day to take action, even if it’s a small step.
Sundi Jo invites you to read… Faith Like A Child (Your Chance to Win)
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What an inspiring post!! This post reminds me of the reality that we all play with time due to the habit of procrastination. Instead of working upon the task, we try to delay the very process. I got a new lesson after reading this wonderful post. Thanks for the share.
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Admittedly, I’m very much guilty of procrastinating and making excuses that ultimately hinder from living life to the fullest. Thanks for motivating me to take action instead.
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Great post, definitely agree with you on this one! It is always easy to make excuses which is what many people do. I think many people are able to relate to this, thank you for sharing.
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Time management is not my cup of tea so I often find myself struggling to meet deadlines which can be exhausting. I urgently need to put things in perspective and take concrete actions to motivate myself to go further. Thanks for the insightful share.
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Warm wishes from one more master of excuses!Yes, I used to make tens of excuses every day in the past too – I have no time for exercises, I am not creative enough for blogging. But now I am doing much better. Thank you for this inspiring post.
I must admit, however, that saying “yes” to everything is another extreme that should be avoided by all means.
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You light up other people’s lives with your blog posts, thank you for inspiring us to stay strong and embrace life with a gleeful and determined spirit!
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Sundi Jo Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Thank you so much Veronca. I really appreciate that encouragement. A gleeful spirit – never heard that before. Love it!
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Many people provide an excuse for not being able to achieve their goals. What they don’t know is that they let these excuses hinder their success! It is good to identify problems but it is bad to linger on it and let it always be an obstacle to achieve greatness. Problems are meant to be solved. It is important to take action so as there will be no room for any more excuses.
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You’re right Stacey. I’ve been so guilty of just lingering on the excuses, that I’ve wasted so much time that could be spent on turning those excuses into action.
Sundi Jo invites you to read… Can You Help Me Get to Moldova by Midnight?
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Congratulations for surpassing some of life’s biggest hurdles. Keep writing! You inspire many people with your gift of embracing life with an open and light heart
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Yes, I definitely think that making excuses will prevent you from doing anything worthwhile in your life. Sometimes it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and taking a leap of faith. “No one looks back on their life and remembers the nights they had plenty of sleep.”
Thanks for the inspirational share.
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Sundi Jo Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Thanks Emilia for stopping by and commenting. I’m glad the post could encourage you.
Sundi Jo invites you to read… Lessons From Shopping
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Great Post!
Even if we know that we do have a problem,we can create a lot of excuses if we are not motivated enough to do it. Finding the right purpose is a great motivation to move forward to our goal.
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Sundi Jo Reply:
October 22nd, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Thanks Jackie. Motivation is huge in making goals happen. Sometimes one the days when we don’t feel so motivated, we have to get up and do it anyway. Oh how I’m preaching this to myself.
Sundi Jo invites you to read… A Letter to my Dad
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Taking action instead of merely procrastinating and making excuses can bring us places, it’s funny how most of make use of alibis to justify our misdoings and to delay tasks further. Thanks for this motivating share. Great Job!
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Sundi Jo Reply:
October 24th, 2012 at 6:47 pm
Thanks Carla. There are days I’m a very good justifier.
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Some people fail because they find it hard to accept their own mistakes and misfortunes. THese becomes excuses which doesn’t help at all. Why not just give a solid performance and take action whenever problems arise?
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I love a good “turn around” story. Especially if it contains the eradication of excuses and the rise of action.
Its a real simple formula for changing just about anything. I think if we all did this, life would improve dramatically for many. Great post!
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Giving excuses most of the time is unreasonable. Motivation is what your need to overcome your fears and take the confidence you deserve. Take an action rather than excuses. If you grab the action, you do something. If you take excuses, you do nothing but escaping from the situation. Nice post! Worth the reading. Thanks
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Nice post sundijo.
It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.If you excuses the people then they can do the same mistake again and again but when you take the action there is a chance they stop do to the same mistake.
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Sundi Jo Reply:
December 3rd, 2012 at 8:34 am
Thank you for your comment! I appreciate the encouragement. I hope all goes well with taking action.
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Willpower is the catalyst for change in many individuals, working in the sober living and drug rehab industry you see both side of the spectrum. Individuals who have the passion, drive, motivation to continually strive towards advancement regardless of their situation often are most rewarded. In contrast individuals that are looking for excuses often lack the willpower needed for change and are content in their daily habits.
Great article to get people motivated. Thanks!
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I have been taught that if you aren’t good at something, then you just have more room for improvement. Granted a legitimate excuse from time to time is acceptable. However, when individuals stop taking accountability for their actions an come up with continually excuses, that sets me off.
You never know what could be a catalyst for change, just change for the better and enjoy.
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