'Reasoning' Our Way to Mediocrity

A great opportunity comes our way BUT we don't have the time available to take advantage of it... OR... the money... OR... the expertise... OR... we're lacking the support from home we feel we'd need... OR... we'd have to move... OR... the dog's been sick and needs us... OR...

You get the picture. There are never a shortage of Reasons for not doing something. Perhaps we're afraid of trying something new or we're afraid of failing. Regardless of the reasons our conditioned mind created for us, the source typically stems from an underlying fear.

Fear of failure
Fear of change
Fear of loss
Fear of alienation
Fear of risk...

The fear creates Reasons as to why we should not consider or attempt something new. Our reasons sound realistic. Our reasons sound true. Our reasons sound logical. They serve one main purpose though, they keep us in our comfort zone. Ultimately, staying in that zone is comfortable and easy, but it prevents us from learning, growing and expanding.

The bottom line, of course, is that if we are not learning and growing we become firmly entrenched in mediocrity. We will be 'okay' but we will not be living an 'amazing' life. Consider that you are 100 years old, looking back on your life. How would you prefer to be describing the life you've lived? Okay... or Amazing? And yet, most people are living their lives hoping for amazing but only doing enough to maintain their current level of 'okay'.

If you find yourself always giving in, without question, to all of the Reasons for not doing or attempting something new, you are choosing the status quo. You are choosing to remain firmly within your comfort zone. Unfortunately, all of the reasons for not doing something won't get you there, only action will. Therefore, you can have Reasons for not choosing action OR you can have the Results gained by pushing through your discomfort and taking action.

Sometimes our reasons are justified, but all too often they are simply a knee-jerk reaction of our brain to the thought of change. If you don't start challenging all of the reasons your brain gives you for not doing something, then you are going to find yourself stuck in the rut of mediocrity. There is no true change without discomfort. Get uncomfortable to make things begin to happen.

When next you find yourself confronted by a list of reasons for not taking action, tell yourself...

I can have Reasons, or I can have Results

And then ask yourself...

What Results are these Reasons keeping me from achieving?

If you are unwilling to let that result go, then you need to see those reasons for what they are - Excuses - and push on through. Few people looking back on their life are satisfied with all of the reasons for not having lived the life they desired. Instead, we are satisfied and gratified to look back and see that we took some chances, pushed and challenged ourselves and lived a life of our choosing. What do you want to look back and see?

About the Author:

Cindy Dachuk is in demand as an Executive/Personal Coach, Trainer and Speaker. having travelled throughout the United Sates and Canada delivering sessions in areas such as: Bragging Rights, Personality-Based Persuasion, Executive Presence and Personal Branding. Her role as a Coach has provided her with the opportunity to work with clients on a one-on-one basis, mentoring them in the development of a personal plan of action. Her book, It's Time Now, is based on her experiences in helping others identify and achieve their life goals. Her newest program, Bragging Rights is now available online, helping individuals learn how to speak up, stand out and move up!

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