The Stories We Tell Ourselves: How Your Mind Constructs the Perfect Excuse
The human mind is a remarkable space. It is where inspiring creations, fascinating ideas, and captivating visions are born. Yet, it is also where equally ingenious “fairy tales” about ourselves and life are crafted.
Our minds seamlessly weave bouquets of excuses and endless apologies—everything needed to convince us not to do what would truly benefit us.
Even though we know this, we often choose what is familiar, habitual, and safe from change. We understand that doing the same thing day in and day out will never bring a different result, yet we continue to spin this never-ending story.
The Mind’s Favorite “Fairy Tales”
What kinds of stories does our mind tell us to keep us stuck? Here are a few of the most common narratives:
- “Others did it, but I will fail because they have something I don’t.”
You have probably heard the saying, “If at least one person has done it, it means anyone can.” We rarely actually believe this. It feels more natural to think that just because someone else succeeded, it doesn’t mean we can too. Dozens of reasons “why NOT” rush into our heads much faster than that single reason “why YES.” - “They became popular writers only because they don’t have children and have plenty of free time.”
- “They are much younger than me, that’s why they could change careers.”
- “Their education is better, that’s why they got that job.”
- “They had the support of their family, which is why they managed to start a business.”
The ultimate conclusion of all these thoughts is always the same: “They have all of that, and I don’t. Therefore, I can’t. I am lacking something.”
The Illusion of Privileges
The mind takes delight in creating ever-new and more convincing stories about “why NOT.” In doing so, it completely overlooks those who achieved their dreams without any special privileges:
- The people who went back to school and changed careers at 50.
- The entrepreneurs who started a business with zero external support or resources.
- The individuals with severe physical disabilities who achieved their dreams and inspired millions worldwide.
If we just look around, we will find countless stories of immense obstacles being overcome. Your path won’t look the same as theirs, and your experiences won’t be identical. It will be uniquely yours—and you can do it.
The Myth of the Easy Life
The real trouble is that we use the idea that life must ALWAYS be easy and pleasant to justify all forms of inaction. We continue to spend our days wrapped in the comfort of short-term pleasures because we convince ourselves that comfort equals happiness.
Yet life constantly proves that by leaving our so-called “comfort zone,” we pave the way to true and meaningful fulfillment. By letting go of the easy comfort we already have, we lose nothing. On the contrary, we discover so much more.
The path of least resistance often turns out to be the path of least reward. If we want a meaningful reward, it is worth putting in meaningful work.
“Genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work.” — Albert Einstein
Whether Einstein actually said this or not, the sentiment is absolutely right.
- If you want to be a writer, you have to write.
- If you want a successful business, you must invest time and effort.
- If you want a healthy body, you must mind your plate and sweat in the gym.
It simply doesn’t happen any other way. Therefore, instead of listening to the mind’s siren song of ease, it is worth choosing the harder, less comfortable path.
Why “Later” Safely Translates to “Never”
Of course, everything can always be done later. But chances are, you’ve already said that more than once and still haven’t acted.
The probability that a miracle will happen and you will suddenly wake up as a completely different person is incredibly slim. Ask yourself: Why should you be more disciplined, mindful, and stronger tomorrow than you are today?
Where will that strength come from if you don’t start acting right now? Will it mysteriously descend from the sky?
You already have a strong habit of procrastinating, and the likelihood of your future self being any different from who you are today is very low. That is how a multitude of “laters” quietly turn into “nevers.”
The only thing that makes your dreams impossible is that you did nothing for them today.