Ever set a goal with the best intentions, only to watch it slip away? In this episode, we dive deep into the sneaky ways our brains sabotage our success with "reasons" (read: excuses) that keep us stuck in our comfort zones. Learn how to recognize these patterns and push through to actually achieve what you set out to do.
Key Takeaways
The Goal-Setting Loop of Disappointment We've all been there: set the goal, don't do the required activity, miss the result, feel discouraged, and lose faith for next time. This creates a vicious cycle where each failure makes the next attempt even harder. Statistics show that people over 55 are three times more likely to skip New Year's resolutions entirely because of this pattern.
Two Ways Your Brain Gets in Your Way
The Safety Response to Change - When you're planning something new, your brain immediately tries to protect you by questioning the plan, suggesting you need to rethink everything, or convincing you it might not work. This is your brain trying to conserve energy and keep you in your comfort zone, away from perceived danger.
The Emotional Protection Through Excuses - When things don't go according to plan, we generate reasons to feel better about it: "I was sick that week," "The garage door broke," "I'll try harder next time." While these feel like we're being nice to ourselves, we're actually teaching ourselves that falling out of alignment with our commitments is acceptable.
The Real Problem with Reasons
When we give ourselves permission to use reasons for why we didn't follow through, we're not being kind to ourselves—we're being permissive. We're teaching our brains that it's okay to:
Fall out of alignment with what we said we'd do
Stay stuck where we are
Repeat the same patterns of non-completion
The Solution
Acknowledge and redirect your brain. When you catch yourself making excuses or rethinking plans, try this: "Thank you for trying to keep me safe. This isn't actually dangerous, and we're going to be okay. I've got this."
Get creative with obstacles. Instead of accepting reasons why something can't happen, ask yourself:
How can I still get the result?
How can I still do the activity?
How can I make this happen even though life got in my way?
Example: If your morning workout gets derailed, the question isn't "Should I skip it?" but rather "What can I do later today?" or "What alternative workout can I do right now?"
Real-World Example
A friend landed a dream job paying multiple six figures and immediately started questioning whether he deserved it, earned it, or could handle it. Once he recognized his brain was just freaking out about change and trying to keep him "safe," he was able to move past it and thrive.
Action Steps
Notice when your brain starts generating reasons or excuses
Thank it for trying to keep you safe
Reassure yourself that you'll be okay
Find a way to stay in alignment with your commitment anyway
Stop reinforcing the pattern that it's okay to quit when things get hard
Bottom Line
Your reasons for not following through are the exact things getting in your way. Stop fighting change, stop being "nice" to yourself with excuses, and start staying in integrity with what you said you'd do. Whatever badass thing you've planned—it's absolutely worth it.
How to Connect with Camille Diaz
Camille Diaz brings zombiepreneurs back to life! She is a connector, author, coach, speaker, podcaster, and financial professional who loves to empower people with knowledge and resources. Her desire is to see others succeed in business and in life and to help inspired individuals design a path toward happiness, harmony, and financial security.
Connect with Camille on Instagram @CamUnfiltered or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillediaz/
Download Your Free PDF: 6 Millionaire Habits Anyone Can Copy at https://camillediaz.com/habits
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