In the first half of 2020, I was in the dumps. Not for the obvious reasons (we all had that shared experience). I had constant pain in my right knee (bone on bone) which limited my physical activity. The function of my knee had deteriorated so much I couldn’t bend my knee enough to ride a bike. 

The pain and decrease in function had started in 2019 and was steadily declining. Here’s a picture of my bone on bone knee:

I could walk up to a mile before my knee pain and swelling caused limping. Limping led to hip and low back pain. And when pain is constantly with you, it messes with how you think. 

My knee was unraveling my life.

During this time, I played all manner of mind games. 

I told myself I would do knee replacement…someday. 

I told myself I would clean up my diet to lower inflammation but rationalized away any consistency by the time Friday came around.

I comforted myself with a bit of the old “well, I had a good run” line of thinking.

I researched everything I could find on knee replacement preparation and recovery but never took any action. I went to three orthopedic surgeons for advice. All told me the same thing (never ask your barber if you need a haircut).

In other words, I was a professional excuse maker.

How could I be in a state of pain and reduced function but stay stuck where I was? Why didn’t I take some kind of action? 

What Changed?

I’ve been in Benjamin Hardy’s AMP coaching group since 2019 and he has helped me tremendously. I recommend all of his books.

His book ‘Be Your Future Self Now” is required reading for our group. It was published in 2022 but I had access to these teachings in 2020. As I heard more about “creating my future self” I finally saw the opportunity before me: In order to make the present better, I needed a bigger future. So I started creating my Future Self. 

“Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.”
- Tony Robbins

I put my energy into creating my future self and focused on turning Level 60 (which happens later this year) living a life I designed. 

And guess what…the present started improving.

I redirected all my energies into reducing my pain and fixing my knee without knee replacement. Why? Because my future self included a fully functional me at level 60 who had kept all his original parts. (If you want a free Kindle copy of “Be Your Future Self” now, here is one courtesy of Benjamin Hardy).

And who said the only way to fix bone on bone knees is with a knee replacement? Every problem has more than one solution. Knee replacement was just a solution. I was going to find a better solution.

Change didn’t happen overnight but over the course of months, things slowly started to improve. I had the lighthouse of my future self to keep me hopeful, inspired and progressing. 

In October 2020, a physical therapist, Dr. Gina Giuliano, worked me over and at the end of the workout told me to get on the assault bike. 

I’ll leave out the part where I said “I can’t”, and she said “get on the damn bike” and skip to the best part: I was able to pedal. Not without some discomfort, but I did it.

The Lesson

This article isn’t about how I avoided knee replacement (that’s an article for another day but my knee has continued to improve, still no pain, and physically I’m back to doing the things I love).

This article is about calling out all the excuses I used before I chose a different response. It’s also about excuses that I’ve heard from the Men I talk to and how they have overcome them.

Our biggest battle isn’t always the specific issue we are dealing with. 

Our biggest battle is recognizing we are making excuses. We aren’t fully owning our problem. 

Chances are you are using one or more of the excuses below, just like I was.

Today we are going to cover 20 common excuses and deliver you tangible action steps so you can end procrastinating and start truly living your optimal life.

I’m writing this for my past self and possibly my future self. None of us are immune to procrastinating and making excuses.

I’m also writing this for every Man over 50 who still has a glimmer of hope that he can live his best life ever. I know 56 Men doing it right now. This is your invitation to join us.

Pick A Lane

Those 56 Men are traveling on what I’m calling the Argent Alpha Highway. 

They pulled their car out of the Procrastination Parking Lot and merged onto our highway. Those speed bumps they felt? Excuses they drove over and left behind.

We have Men going 5 mph and 85 mph. Speed doesn’t matter. Direction and trend-line matter. We are trending up and to the right.

We are all moving towards what we call our Future Self. Men who design their Future Self and overcome excuses live a more satisfying life. Men who don’t address their excuses live a default future self.

My goal with this newsletter is to call you to action to grab your figurative jumper cables and get the car called YOU started. Then drive it onto the Argent Alpha Highway (or your version of it).

Here we go…

20 Common Excuses (With Strategies To Overcome Them)

Procrastination often infiltrates our lives through various disguises, hindering the implementation of positive changes. Today we'll explore common excuses, delve into the underlying stories behind them, and offer actionable strategies for overcoming each challenge.

1. The Endless Busyness Excuse

Excuse: "I'm busy" - a phrase echoed by many as a shield against change. The belief that there's no time for a new endeavor becomes a barrier to progress.

Overcoming Strategy: Time Blocking

Allocate dedicated time slots in your schedule for the intended change. Use time-blocking techniques to create a structured routine. For example, if adopting a fitness routine, schedule 30 minutes every morning for a workout. This ensures you prioritize the change amidst your busy schedule. Make deposits in the account called “YOU.”

2. The Perpetual Traveler's Dilemma

Excuse: "I'm traveling" - a convenient excuse for those who find themselves frequently on the move. The perception that a change in location hinders the adoption of new habits.

Overcoming Strategy: Portable Habits

Identify habits that can travel with you. For instance, if you're working on better eating habits, research healthy food options at your travel destination and plan your meals in advance. Have a healthy meal before you depart and fast until you get to your destination. Or pack your own healthy food and avoid airport food. Travel doesn’t mean lowering your standards but you have to plan and prepare.

3. Tomorrow Never Comes Syndrome

Excuse: "I'll start next week, next month, next quarter when things settle down" - a procrastinator's anthem. The perpetual belief that the perfect moment for change is just around the corner.

Overcoming Strategy: The Two-Minute Rule

Start with small tasks that take less than two minutes. By tackling quick wins, you build momentum and overcome the inertia of procrastination. Begin with a simple step today, breaking the cycle of perpetual delay. Eat one healthy meal, do 1 push-up, take a walk. Something > Nothing is a mantra of ours!

4. The Fitness Paradox

Excuse: "I'll start once I get in better shape" - an ironic excuse that hinders progress due to an unrealistic pursuit of perfection. The belief that one must be fit to start a fitness journey.

Overcoming Strategy: Micro-Goals

Set achievable, short-term fitness goals. Instead of aiming for an hour-long workout immediately, start with a 15-minute routine. Gradually increase the intensity as your fitness improves. This approach makes the fitness journey accessible from any starting point. Combine Micro-Goals with Micro-Workouts.

5. Carpe Diem Fallacy

Excuse: "Life is short, I want to enjoy it now" - a paradoxical excuse that undermines the potential for enhanced enjoyment through positive change. The belief that making a change will hinder present enjoyment.

Overcoming Strategy: Mindful Planning

Integrate the change into your life mindfully. If you enjoy spontaneous activities, plan moments of joy within the context of your new lifestyle. This way, you're not sacrificing enjoyment but enhancing it through purposeful actions, aligning with the essence of "carpe diem." Reframe what “joy” means to you. Reframe one meal from “fun” to “fuel” for your body by eating high quality, whole foods.

6. The Information Overload Trap

Excuse: "I need more information" - a subtle stalling tactic masked as a quest for knowledge. The belief that more information is needed before taking action.

Overcoming Strategy: Decision Fatigue Reduction

We covered this topic in issue #032. Set a deadline for research and decision-making. Limit the time spent gathering information, and commit to starting based on the knowledge you've acquired. Recognize that decisions can be refined as you progress, avoiding the trap of endless information seeking.

7. Fear of the Unknown

Excuse: "Fear of failure" - a pervasive excuse rooted in the misconception that failure is detrimental. The belief that setbacks are insurmountable obstacles.

Overcoming Strategy: Reframe Failure

Change your perspective on failure. Instead of thinking “win or lose” think “win or learn.” Treat each setback as a learning opportunity. Create a "failure journal" where you document lessons learned and adjustments made, turning failures into stepping stones toward growth. As Napoleon Hill stated “Every failure brings with it the seed of an equivalent success.”

8. The Illusive Better Place

Excuse: "I'll do it when I'm in a better place" - an excuse that perpetuates the cycle of delay. The belief that an ideal mental or emotional state is a prerequisite for change.

Overcoming Strategy: Start Small

Recognize that waiting for the perfect mental or emotional state is a delaying tactic. Start with small, manageable steps. Achieving minor victories builds confidence and propels you toward a better place, making the journey more attainable.

9. Age is Just a Number

Excuse: "The limiting belief of being too old" - a self-imposed barrier that neglects the timeless potential for growth. The belief that age determines capability.

Overcoming Strategy: Embrace Experience

Appreciate the advantages that come with age. Wisdom, experience, and resilience are assets. Use these qualities to your advantage, acknowledging that age should never be a barrier to positive change. Embrace the richness of experience as a driving force.

10. Waiting for the Muse

Excuse: "Waiting for inspiration" - a misconception that inspiration precedes action. The belief that action should only be taken when motivation strikes.

Overcoming Strategy: Create a Routine

Establish a daily routine that includes time for creativity or inspiration. By consistently engaging in activities related to your goals, you increase the likelihood of inspiration striking during those dedicated moments. Create a routine where action precedes inspiration.

11. Overwhelming Perfectionism

Excuse: "I need it to be perfect before I start" - a common excuse that hinders progress due to an unrealistic pursuit of perfection. The belief that perfection is a prerequisite for beginning.

Overcoming Strategy: Set Realistic Milestones

Break down your goal into smaller, achievable milestones. Focus on progress rather than perfection. Celebrate small victories along the way, understanding that perfection is an unrealistic standard. Setting realistic milestones keeps you on a path of continuous improvement. Use our bookending method to help you with this.

12. Social Comparison Syndrome

Excuse: "Others are already so far ahead; I'll never catch up" - a demotivating excuse fueled by comparing oneself to others. The belief that one's progress is inadequate compared to others.

Overcoming Strategy: Personal Benchmarking

Create personal benchmarks instead of comparing yourself to others. Set goals based on your progress and achievements. Celebrate milestones that are meaningful to you, irrespective of external comparisons. This approach fosters a sense of individual achievement and progress. Learn how to avoid the gap and stay in the gain.

13. The Comfort Zone Comfort

Excuse: "I'm comfortable where I am" - a justification for avoiding change because of the perceived safety of the current situation. The belief that growth entails unnecessary discomfort.

Overcoming Strategy: Gradual Exposure

Ease into discomfort gradually. If the change involves stepping out of your comfort zone, expose yourself to the new environment or activity in incremental steps. This allows for a smoother transition and increased adaptability. Gradual exposure minimizes the perceived discomfort associated with change.

14. Instant Gratification Temptation

Excuse: "I want quick results" - an excuse that often leads to abandoning long-term goals in search of immediate rewards. The belief that enduring effort should yield instant outcomes.

Overcoming Strategy: Delayed Gratification

Practice delayed gratification by setting rewards for achieving milestones. Instead of seeking immediate results, focus on the long-term benefits and celebrate achievements as they contribute to your ultimate goal. Delayed gratification reinforces the value of sustained effort.

15. Decision Paralysis

Excuse: "I can't decide where to start" - an excuse rooted in feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the change. The belief that the first step requires exhaustive planning.

Overcoming Strategy: Prioritize and Delegate

Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Delegate decisions when appropriate. By breaking down the decision-making process, you reduce overwhelm and create a clearer path forward. Prioritization and delegation simplify the starting point, eliminating the paralysis of excessive planning.

16. Lack of Accountability

Excuse: "I don't have anyone to answer to" - an excuse that arises when there's no external accountability for personal goals. The belief that personal goals can be pursued without external support.

Overcoming Strategy: Accountability Partner

Share your goals with a friend, family member, or mentor who can provide encouragement and hold you accountable. Regular check-ins create a sense of responsibility and motivate you to stay on track. An accountability partner enhances commitment and provides valuable support.

17. The Pessimistic Mindset

Excuse: "It won't work anyway" - a defeatist excuse that stems from a negative mindset. The belief that success is unattainable and efforts are futile.

Overcoming Strategy: Positive Affirmations

Challenge negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Create a list of affirmations related to your goals and repeat them daily. Over time, this practice can shift your mindset towards a more optimistic outlook. Positive affirmations build a foundation for a constructive and hopeful mindset.

18. Technology Distraction

Excuse: "I'll start after this episode/game/notification" - a procrastination excuse often fueled by the allure of digital distractions. The belief that immediate leisure takes precedence over long-term goals.

Overcoming Strategy: Digital Detox

Establish designated periods for focused work without digital distractions. Use apps or tools to block distracting websites during work hours. By creating a technology-free zone, you enhance concentration and productivity. A digital detox ensures that technology serves your goals rather than derails them.

19. Lack of Energy

Excuse: "I'm too tired to start now" - an energy-related excuse that often masks procrastination. The belief that fatigue is a genuine barrier to initiating tasks.

Overcoming Strategy: Energy Management

Distinguish between genuine fatigue and resistance. Prioritize sleep, exercise, and nutrition to maintain energy levels. Incorporate short breaks throughout the day to recharge, ensuring you're energized for important tasks. Energy management addresses the root cause of fatigue, enabling a more sustainable approach to goal pursuit.

20. The Unstructured Schedule

Excuse: "I don't have a set routine" - an excuse rooted in the lack of a structured schedule. The belief that a lack of routine prevents the successful integration of new habits.

Overcoming Strategy: Time Blocking and Prioritization

Implement time blocking for specific activities within your day. Prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency. A well-organized schedule provides a framework for incorporating new habits and reduces decision fatigue. Time blocking, coupled with prioritization, establishes a structured foundation for positive change.

Conclusion: Taking Action Toward Lasting Change

Procrastination loses its grip when met with deliberate, actionable steps. By understanding the excuses we craft, delving into the underlying stories, and implementing these practical strategies, you equip yourself with the tools to overcome specific challenges and embark on a journey of meaningful, lasting change. 

Remember, progress is a series of intentional actions taken consistently over time. Start today and watch the transformation unfold.

The next Argent Alpha Live! event will be held in Phoenix, AZ on March 23 & 24, 2024. This event is only available to Argent Alpha members and will challenge, teach, motivate, stretch and inspire all of the Men over 50 who attend. Attendance is capped at 30 members.

Our last event was September 30th in Minneapolis and was a huge hit with our members. You can watch a video recap of that day here.

Ready to change the trend-line of your life? Apply now.