Do You Want Results or Not? The Excuse Trap That Holds You Back

At some point, we’ve all said: “I want results.” Whether it’s getting in shape, eating healthier, learning a new skill, or advancing in a career, the desire for change and progress is there. Yet, more often than not, that same person who claims they want results is the one who never seems to get them. Why is that? 

The answer is simple: excuses. People say they want results, but their actions are constantly sabotaged by excuses. And if you’ve been stuck in the same place for months, or even years, it’s time to ask yourself: Do you really want results, or are you just making excuses?

The Excuse Cycle

Here’s a typical scenario: Someone decides they want to lose weight. They buy new workout gear, maybe even sign up for a gym membership. The first week, they hit the gym, follow a diet plan, and feel great. But then life happens. Work gets busy, the kids need attention, or they get a little sore from a workout. Suddenly, the same person who was gung-ho about results is making excuses for why they can’t stick to their plan.

“I’m too tired after work.”  

“I don’t have time today, but I’ll do it tomorrow.”  

“I’ve been really stressed; I need a break.”  

What’s happening here? These excuses may sound valid at the moment, but over time, they become patterns. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, and before you know it, the results you wanted have slipped away.

The Harsh Reality: Excuses Don't Get Results

It’s a hard pill to swallow, but the truth is, excuses don’t bring results. They bring stagnation. It’s easy to rationalize why we didn’t take action, but in the end, those reasons are just barriers between us and what we want. Excuses allow us to feel comfortable in our discomfort. They justify staying the same, even when we know we need to change.

The people who get results aren’t necessarily the ones who have more time, fewer responsibilities, or less stress. They’re the ones who make it happen despite those things. They recognize that there will always be a reason not to push forward, but they refuse to let those reasons become permanent roadblocks.

Results Demand Sacrifice

If you want results, you have to ask yourself: What are you willing to sacrifice? You can’t have both the comfort of your current routine and the changes you say you want. Results demand effort, consistency, and, yes, sacrifice. 

Want to get fit? You might have to give up late nights watching Netflix so you can get up early to exercise. Want to advance in your career? You might have to sacrifice some of your leisure time to invest in learning and growth. Want to improve your nutrition? That means giving up the convenience of fast food and planning meals in advance. 

Too often, people are attached to their current habits and comfort zones. They say they want results but aren’t willing to let go of what’s holding them back. They want the result without the sacrifice. That’s like wanting to climb a mountain without taking the first step.

The Accountability Problem

Excuses also often stem from a lack of accountability. When there’s no one holding you responsible for your actions, it’s easy to give in to excuses. This is why successful people often have coaches, mentors, or accountability partners—they know that having someone check in with them can make all the difference in staying on track.

If you find yourself constantly making excuses, ask yourself: Who am I accountable to? Who’s calling me out when I don’t follow through? Sometimes, the biggest excuse-maker we need to overcome is ourselves.

Do You Want Results or Not?

It’s time for some tough love. If you say you want results, but your actions don’t align with that, you have to ask yourself: Do you really want results? Or do you just like the idea of getting them? There’s a big difference between wanting something and being willing to do the work necessary to achieve it.

The next time you catch yourself making an excuse, pause. Acknowledge that it’s an excuse, not a valid reason, and ask yourself: “Do I want results or not?” 

If the answer is truly yes, then it’s time to stop letting excuses hold you back. There will always be challenges and obstacles, but those who get results are the ones who push through regardless. They understand that the path to success isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. 

So, ask yourself: Are you making progress, or are you making excuses?

Because at the end of the day, you either get results or you don’t. And if you don’t, there’s only one person to blame: yourself.

No More Excuses. Just Results.

Take a hard look at your goals and your habits. If you’re not getting the results you want, it’s time to eliminate the excuses that are holding you back. Remember, change requires discomfort, but that discomfort is temporary. The results, however, can last a lifetime—if you’re willing to put in the work.

Results are waiting. Are you?