Behavioral psychologists say that most people realize only about 40% of their potential. In other words, we could easily double our output and still have plenty left in reserve. It seems like such a waste; doesn't it? What is it that holds us back?

Most of us live in the "Land of Status Quo.” It's where we're safe, secure and comfortable. It's easy. We know what to expect and how to deal with things. We often don't feel the need to go further. If we attempt to leave our familiar surroundings, we often come face-to-face with an unwelcomed reality.

Going forward and leaving our comfort zone forces us to experience some pain or discomfort; even if it's only slightly. Most change requires us to face a little discomfort before we realize any new benefits. So we decide that the best choice is to stay where we are. In other words, the safest thing is to do nothing. The problem is that by not taking action, we are still taking an action.

And we rationalize our behavior to protect our egos. We'll say things like, "It won't work” or "I'm too old/young.” In other words, we create excuses. According to author Doug Mock, there are two categories of excuses - "So what?” and "Blatantly untrue.”

In other words, we have to challenge our excuses. Using Mock's categories, we can simply challenge with "So what?” or "Is it true or untrue?” For example, if your excuse is "I can't do that. I'm too old.” The first challenge would be, "So what?” In other words, does age really matter? Are there other people your age or older that can do it?

The second challenge would be "Is it true (or untrue) that you're too old?” Hundreds of years

ago, life expectancy was close to fifty. So at forty and beyond, you were looking at the short end of the stick. Today, life expectancy is nearing eighty. The truth is that age is relative. There are people in their twenties and thirties that are so stuck in their ways that their spirit is devoid of hope and vitality. There are also countless examples of vibrant adults in their seventies and beyond.

The best way to challenge our excuses is to take full and total responsibility for our actions. George Bernard Shaw said it well over 100 years ago, "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them.”

So are you going to make excuses or create your own circumstances? You have the potential if you want to tap into it. The choice is yours.

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