Overcoming Excuses: A Powerful Encounter and the Courage to Live Fully

Let’s be honest. Excuses are easy. They often show up looking like logic, timing, or practicality, but underneath, they’re usually driven by fear. Many people assume that overcoming excuses means being completely fearless. In reality, it’s more about learning to take action even when you feel uncomfortable or uncertain.

A recent trip to Puerto Rico reminded me of that truth in the most unexpected way. On a stormy night, stuck in an airport with delays, tornado warnings, and chaos, I met someone who completely shifted my perspective. His name was James, and he was 100% blind. But if you think that limited him, you’d be wrong.

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Overcoming Excuses Starts with Challenging Your Own Narrative

James navigates life without sight, but what struck me most wasn’t his disability. It was his boldness. He travels solo, asks for help when needed, and doesn’t hesitate to try new things. Watching him confidently move through unfamiliar spaces made me pause. If James can live with that kind of courage, what’s really holding the rest of us back?

The first step in overcoming excuses is recognizing the stories we tell ourselves. Maybe it’s, “I’m too busy,” or “I’m not ready yet,” or “I don’t know how.” Those narratives feel safe, but they keep us stuck. When we get honest about our fears and stop letting them dictate our choices, everything shifts.

RELATED: The Perspective Pivot: How a Simple Shift Changes Everything

Why Most Excuses Are Just Disguised Fear

Excuses are often rooted in fear—fear of failure, rejection, or even success. They sound reasonable on the surface, but underneath, they’re designed to protect us from discomfort. But growth only happens outside the comfort zone.

That doesn’t mean you need to throw yourself into every challenge headfirst. It means being willing to do the next right thing, even if it feels awkward or unfamiliar. Small, consistent steps in the direction of your values are often what lead to the most fulfilling outcomes.

The Link Between Ownership and Fulfillment

Overcoming excuses requires ownership. When we stop waiting for the perfect time or circumstances, we reclaim our power. Whether it’s starting the business, writing the book, or having the difficult conversation, progress begins when we take responsibility for our choices.

Fulfillment doesn’t come from ease—it comes from alignment. Living fully means acting in integrity with what matters to you, even when it’s inconvenient. The people who flourish are rarely the ones who had perfect conditions. They’re the ones who decided to show up anyway.

Three Ways to Start Overcoming Excuses Today

If you’re ready to break the cycle and step into more courage, try these simple starting points:

1. Track your “delay language” or your “I can’t” thoughts for a week. Pay attention to patterns and ask yourself what’s really behind them.
2. Do one thing that stretches you—even if it’s small. Send the pitch. Make the call. Say yes to something that scares you a little.
3. Create your Flourishing List for the season. What would your summer look like if you were operating from courage instead of comfort?

Let This Be the Season You Choose Boldly

Meeting James reminded me that we all have limitations, but we also have a choice. We can let those limitations define us, or we can lead from courage and possibility. Overcoming excuses isn’t about perfection. It’s about persistence. It’s about believing that what you want matters and showing up for it.

So, what’s your next bold move?

If you’re ready to stop making excuses and start living with intention, don’t miss my free Flourishing Summer Strategy PDF. It’s packed with practical tools to help you reclaim your time, your energy, and your sense of purpose, so you can thrive, not just get through the season.

Download it here.