ADHD - Mastering Excuses - Jim Livingstone

ADHD - Mastering Excuses

 Excuses are the invisible chains that bind us to mediocrity, holding us back from realizing our true potential and achieving our dreams. They are often born out of fear, doubt, and comfort, masquerading as logical reasons that justify our inaction. Breaking free from the grip of excuses is a crucial step toward personal growth and success.

 As Wayne Dyer says -

 “We let our excuses write our life story. Your excuses are not protecting you they are imprisoning you”.

Excuses rob you and your family of the life you desire and deserve.

I have used the excuses that I am running out of time, I'm not good with technology, I’m a social media novice, I'm afraid of starting from scratch, I'm afraid I'll regret it, It's too much work, I get easily distracted, I have other commitments, I don't have enough time, I'm too old to start now, I don't have the right skills, I don't know where to start, I don't have the money or resources, I’ve failed before and, I’m not smart enough to learn the social media skills to help me reach and help more people with ADHD. I have written two books that I haven’t marketed or promoted because of this and other excuses. It has kept me in the building industry I know well, but don’t get any joy from.

I have decided to remove these excuses and fully commit to learning the skills I need to succeed in my new writing career at age 72. Scary? hell yes, crazy maybe. Mastering the excuses was my challenge and here’s what worked for me and can work for you too.

I changed my relationship with my excuses, first by recognising they were not facts, just stories I had invented to justify my lack of progress towards my major life objectives by asking different question, like these:

What are my biggest excuses stopping me from being a successful, author and writer?

I lack book marketing skills

Ask what can I learn and delegate to improve my marketing skills

I am running out of time to learn new skills.

Ask How can I reorganise my priorities?

I lack the financial resources to both market my books and support myself.

Ask how I can generate the resources to do this.

I don’t know where to start.

Ask what small steps I can take to develop a rough, mind map business plan.

I struggle with my newsletter growth and engagement.

Ask how can I find the people and resources to do this better. What skills do I need to learn or outsource and delegate?

I need to generate income to support myself and provide the resources to market my books successfully.

Ask how I can generate the resources to do this?

I lack any quality computer skills

Ask how can I acquire these skills?

I lack YouTube knowledge.

Ask who can help me learn these skills quickly?

I have ADHD and often feel disorganised and unfocused.

Ask can an ADHD coach or CBT help me with this?

I feel these is too much to learn for my ADHD executive functioning mind to deal with.

Ask who can help me devise a working plan to reduce feeling overwhelmed

 Focus on finding solutions and ask what is the smallest step you can take right now?

Overcoming these excuses often requires a combination of mindset shift, strategic planning, and practical resourcefulness. Here’s how I approached each excuse:

1. I'm not good with technology.

 - Start small and practice regularly. Consider taking online tutorials or classes designed for beginners.

 - Reach out for help from friends, family, or online communities where I can ask questions.

2. I’m a social media novice.

 - Follow platforms or influencers that align with my interests to gradually get exposure.

 - Participate in beginner-friendly webinars or courses offering tips and best practices.

3. I'm afraid of starting from scratch.

 - Acknowledge that every expert was once a beginner. Break tasks into manageable steps to feel less overwhelmed.

4. I'm afraid I'll regret it.

 - Weigh the potential benefits against the risks by listing pros and cons.

 - Understand that taking risks is part of growth, and prepare for potential setbacks as learning experiences.

5. It's too much work.

 - Create a plan that includes prioritizing tasks and delegating when possible.

 - Set small goals and celebrate achievements along the way to maintain motivation.

6. I get easily distracted.

 - Create a dedicated workspace and schedule specific times for focused activity.

 - Use time blocks and timer to minimize distractions and build productivity.

7. I have other commitments.

 - Reevaluate my current commitments and prioritize. Consider setting boundaries or delegating where possible.

 - Integrate new activities into my routine slowly to ensure balance.

8. I don't have enough time.

 - Check my daily schedule to identify time-wasting activities that could be deleted.

 - Break goals into small, actionable steps that fit into my current schedule.

9. I'm too old to start now.

 - Remember that learning and personal development are lifelong processes. Many have started new ventures at any age with success.

 I am the perfect age.

 - Connect with communities or groups focused on lifelong learning.

10. I don't have the right skills.

 - Identify which skills are necessary and seek out resources, like online courses, workshops, or mentorship opportunities, to develop them.

11. I don't know where to start.

 - Conduct research on my area of interest and develop a plan outlining the first few steps.

 - Find a mentor or join a group that can provide guidance and support.

12. I don't have the money or resources.

 - Explore free or low-cost resources available online, such as tutorials, forums, and open-source tools.

 - Consider crowdfunding, applying for grants, or seeking community support

13. I've failed before.

 - Reflect on past experiences to identify what went wrong and what could be done differently.

 - Use failure as a learning tool, remembering that perseverance is necessary for ultimate success.

Transform your excuses into stepping stones and watch as the path to your goals and dreams becomes clearer. Remember, the key to success lies not in circumstance but in persistence and adaptability.

Strategies to Overcome Excuses

Here are some ideas to get you thinking about your excuses and how to deal with them.

1. "I don't have enough time."

 Time is one of the most cited reasons for not pursuing dreams. While it is true that our schedules can be hectic, it's essential to evaluate it as a priority issue rather than a time issue. We often spend hours on low-priority or non-urgent activities that could be redirected toward our goals.

2. "I'm too old/young to start."

 Age is often perceived as a barrier, but people succeed at different stages of life. Whether you're in your 20s or 60s, it's never too late or too early to chase your dreams. Experience and enthusiasm can be valuable assets regardless of your age.

3. "I don't have enough resources."

 The belief that we lack the necessary resources, such as money, education, or connections, can impede our progress. However, resourcefulness often trumps resources. Creative solutions and leveraging what you do have can take you further than you imagine.

4. "I'm not talented enough."

 Many people feel that innate talent is required to succeed. However, hard work, perseverance, and learning can outperform talent. Becoming an expert requires dedication, practice, and the willingness to be curious and learn from failure.

5. "I'm afraid of failing."

 Fear of failure is perhaps the most paralysing excuse. However, failure is an inevitable part of the journey to success. It offers valuable lessons and insights that are essential for growth.

Excuses are common but surmountable obstacles. Recognizing them as disguised fears and addressing them through awareness and conscious actions can propel you toward achieving your dreams. Start by changing your mindset, refining your priorities, and embracing every lesson learned on your journey.

DOWNLOAD  LIST OF 100 EXCUSES

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Readers Review

'“After a first read, I am now left with a lot of highlighted passages, a course of action, as well as a ton of new(ly connected) knowledge to use and apply in my daily life. I am certain this was not my last read, and I fully intend on revisiting those chapters repeatedly. I am also very thankful for the shift from ADHD as a hindrance to a chance and a skillset that might even prove beneficial”. 

 Lauren B

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