10 Excuses to Leave Behind in 2014
Start afresh this year by ditching those often-used excuses and approaching life with a more positive and practical attitude
The start of the New Year provides the perfect opportunity to shake the bad habits that plagued you in 2014 (and perhaps even longer than that). Maybe this year you’re determined to be more present in your everyday life and live in the moment, rather than worrying about updating your Facebook/Twitter/Instagram feed every 30 minutes or so. Or perhaps you want to work on getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, rather than the measly amount that you’re used to. Another common habit that you might be keen to kick this year is to stop making excuses to explain your actions, decisions, shortcomings and failures, like you have done in the past.
Unfortunately, while I can’t help you ditch the first two habits (sorry, you’re on your own there), I can offer some helpful advice on how to approach life with a more positive, practical and open-minded attitude, so you can retire your often-used repertoire of go-to excuses once and for all. Read on for 10 excuses many people often use (I know I’m guilty of it), as well as how to deal with them when they crop up in your life.
Unfortunately, while I can’t help you ditch the first two habits (sorry, you’re on your own there), I can offer some helpful advice on how to approach life with a more positive, practical and open-minded attitude, so you can retire your often-used repertoire of go-to excuses once and for all. Read on for 10 excuses many people often use (I know I’m guilty of it), as well as how to deal with them when they crop up in your life.
One simple way to leave this excuse behind in 2014 is to manage your time better and allocate a set amount of time (maybe an hour) each day to tackling the items on your to-do list. For example, you could spend 30 minutes exercising; allocate 15 minutes or so to cleaning one room in your house (focus on a different room each day, so by the weekend, your home should only need a quick once over); and another 15 minutes to calling your folks, family members or friends that you don’t get to see very often. On the food front, an ideal solution is to cook up a week’s worth of nutritious dishes on the weekend so all your meals are prepped in advance.
You could even tackle multiple tasks at once (for example, by using a bluetooth headset or putting your phone on speaker so you can make calls while cooking or cleaning), which will leave you with more time to spend at your leisure. Also think about how you can work these activities in your daily routine (like walking to your bus stop, train station or your kids to school, rather than driving), or utilise pockets of free time during your day (perhaps you could exercise during your lunch break).
You could even tackle multiple tasks at once (for example, by using a bluetooth headset or putting your phone on speaker so you can make calls while cooking or cleaning), which will leave you with more time to spend at your leisure. Also think about how you can work these activities in your daily routine (like walking to your bus stop, train station or your kids to school, rather than driving), or utilise pockets of free time during your day (perhaps you could exercise during your lunch break).
2. “I can’t afford it…”
Have you been putting off going on your dream holiday, renovating your home or even making smaller purchases because you don’t have enough money stashed away in the bank? Rather than being all or nothing, a better way to look at it is to acknowledge that you can’t afford your big trip or renovations right now, and make a commitment to being more savings savvy so that you will be able to in the near future. The first step is to sit down at your computer and type up a weekly budget – trim any unnecessary spending, like your daily cappuccinos or twice-weekly take-out meals. Brainstorm ways you can earn extra cash, too, such as by picking up a second job, or selling unwanted household or wardrobe items online or via newspaper classifieds.
Alternatively, you might choose to compromise by travelling or revamping your home on the cheap, so you can achieve your goal without your bank account taking a major hit. Another option is to head off on a mini break or make minor cosmetic changes to your home, and postpone your extended trip or more extensive renovations until your nest egg is bigger.
Read more: Budget Decorator: 15 Decorating Updates That Won’t Cost a Cent
Have you been putting off going on your dream holiday, renovating your home or even making smaller purchases because you don’t have enough money stashed away in the bank? Rather than being all or nothing, a better way to look at it is to acknowledge that you can’t afford your big trip or renovations right now, and make a commitment to being more savings savvy so that you will be able to in the near future. The first step is to sit down at your computer and type up a weekly budget – trim any unnecessary spending, like your daily cappuccinos or twice-weekly take-out meals. Brainstorm ways you can earn extra cash, too, such as by picking up a second job, or selling unwanted household or wardrobe items online or via newspaper classifieds.
Alternatively, you might choose to compromise by travelling or revamping your home on the cheap, so you can achieve your goal without your bank account taking a major hit. Another option is to head off on a mini break or make minor cosmetic changes to your home, and postpone your extended trip or more extensive renovations until your nest egg is bigger.
Read more: Budget Decorator: 15 Decorating Updates That Won’t Cost a Cent
3. “I might need it … someday”
Do you really need to keep that pair of high-waisted, acid-wash jeans that have been hidden in the depths of your closet since the late ’80s? Or the retro brown and orange fringed lampshade that you replaced a few decades ago but put in your garage for safe-keeping? And what about that avocado masher that you’ve used a total of two times since you bought it five years ago? That would be a resounding no … on all accounts.
Let’s face it; if you haven’t worn or used an item that’s been languishing in a dark, musty cupboard for several years (and you actually forgot it existed until you accidentally stumbled across it), it’s time to throw it out. The same goes for unused pieces of furniture that are collecting dust. Be brutal when culling clutter from your home, and banish the romanticised notion that you may wear or find use for them one day, because chances are you probably won’t…
Read more: The Clutter Conundrum: Why Is It So Hard to Let Go?
Do you really need to keep that pair of high-waisted, acid-wash jeans that have been hidden in the depths of your closet since the late ’80s? Or the retro brown and orange fringed lampshade that you replaced a few decades ago but put in your garage for safe-keeping? And what about that avocado masher that you’ve used a total of two times since you bought it five years ago? That would be a resounding no … on all accounts.
Let’s face it; if you haven’t worn or used an item that’s been languishing in a dark, musty cupboard for several years (and you actually forgot it existed until you accidentally stumbled across it), it’s time to throw it out. The same goes for unused pieces of furniture that are collecting dust. Be brutal when culling clutter from your home, and banish the romanticised notion that you may wear or find use for them one day, because chances are you probably won’t…
Read more: The Clutter Conundrum: Why Is It So Hard to Let Go?
4. “I’m slammed with work…”
Who’s guilty of taking work home with them, staying back late to finish that report, or constantly checking their emails once they’re off the clock? Now, how many family activities, social events or opportunities to chill at home have you missed because of it?
While it may be tempting to plug in at home to continue or get a jump start on work that needs to be completed, it’s important to switch off (both physically and mentally) at knock-off o’clock so you can rest, recharge and recover from the stresses associated with your job. After all, work-related stress can impact your health, well-being and home life, so making your home a work-free zone is one way to win back some work-life balance.
If you must catch up on work after hours, allocate a set amount of time to the task (you might even like to set an alarm), and switch off your mind, computer or smartphone once it’s over.
Who’s guilty of taking work home with them, staying back late to finish that report, or constantly checking their emails once they’re off the clock? Now, how many family activities, social events or opportunities to chill at home have you missed because of it?
While it may be tempting to plug in at home to continue or get a jump start on work that needs to be completed, it’s important to switch off (both physically and mentally) at knock-off o’clock so you can rest, recharge and recover from the stresses associated with your job. After all, work-related stress can impact your health, well-being and home life, so making your home a work-free zone is one way to win back some work-life balance.
If you must catch up on work after hours, allocate a set amount of time to the task (you might even like to set an alarm), and switch off your mind, computer or smartphone once it’s over.
5. “I already do my bit for the environment…”
What do you do to reduce your carbon footprint at home? Do you recycle household waste? Turn off lights and unplug household gadgets when they’re not in use? Limit the length of your showers? While these practices will all make a difference and help you preserve precious resources, there are always other things you can do – no matter how small – to be more environmentally friendly while going about your everyday life.
Some examples include: reading the news online, rather than buying a newspaper; replacing your light globes with energy efficient ones; stocking up on locally grown produce instead of store-bought goods that are transported hundreds (sometimes even thousands) of kilometres before being delivered to your local supermarket; selecting to access your bills and other correspondence online, rather than receiving hardcopies in the mail.
Read more: 10 Simple Changes to Help You Go Greener in the New Year
What do you do to reduce your carbon footprint at home? Do you recycle household waste? Turn off lights and unplug household gadgets when they’re not in use? Limit the length of your showers? While these practices will all make a difference and help you preserve precious resources, there are always other things you can do – no matter how small – to be more environmentally friendly while going about your everyday life.
Some examples include: reading the news online, rather than buying a newspaper; replacing your light globes with energy efficient ones; stocking up on locally grown produce instead of store-bought goods that are transported hundreds (sometimes even thousands) of kilometres before being delivered to your local supermarket; selecting to access your bills and other correspondence online, rather than receiving hardcopies in the mail.
Read more: 10 Simple Changes to Help You Go Greener in the New Year
6. “I don’t think I’ll like it…”
How do you feel about change? Do you crave it, or are you a creature of habit who’s comfortable with everything the way it is? If you fall into the latter group and often use the above excuse to justify why you don’t like trying new things, think of ways you can make small changes to your life and home, without stepping too far out of your comfort zone … until you’re ready, that is.
How do you feel about change? Do you crave it, or are you a creature of habit who’s comfortable with everything the way it is? If you fall into the latter group and often use the above excuse to justify why you don’t like trying new things, think of ways you can make small changes to your life and home, without stepping too far out of your comfort zone … until you’re ready, that is.
For example, you may wish to revamp your home but are hesitant to commit to an extensive renovation project in fear that you’ll hate the final result. Why not take baby steps then? Instead of making over your dwelling from ceiling to floor, make small cosmetic improvements (like painting a feature wall) or introduce new decor (such as an eye-popping rug or striking throw cushions) that will enliven the look of the space? Changes like these won’t break the bank, and are easy to reverse or replace if you wish to revert to your previous tried-and-tested scheme.
Read more: 10 Achievable Decor Resolutions for the New Year
Read more: 10 Achievable Decor Resolutions for the New Year
7. “I don’t know how to do it…”
Do you have a list of tasks that need to be completed around your home that you constantly put off doing because you have no idea how to get the job done? Rather than practicing the art of avoidance and allowing things to remain unfinished around your home, why not teach yourself new skills so you can tackle the challenge? If you have a relative or friend who is an expert at, or has previously attempted, the jobs on your to-do list, pick their brains for tips and tricks. Or, better yet, ask them to give you instructions or a helping hand with the project.
Do you have a list of tasks that need to be completed around your home that you constantly put off doing because you have no idea how to get the job done? Rather than practicing the art of avoidance and allowing things to remain unfinished around your home, why not teach yourself new skills so you can tackle the challenge? If you have a relative or friend who is an expert at, or has previously attempted, the jobs on your to-do list, pick their brains for tips and tricks. Or, better yet, ask them to give you instructions or a helping hand with the project.
Alternatively, the net (especially websites like Houzz) is an endless source of DIY inspiration and tutorials, so immerse yourself in the information and use it to teach yourself new things, from how to reupholster a chair to painting a bespoke work of art to jazz up your walls.
Read more: 29 DIY Projects That Will Turn You Into a Pro
Read more: 29 DIY Projects That Will Turn You Into a Pro
8. “Now’s just not the right time…”
We’ve all made this excuse (or derivatives of it, like “I’ll do it one day” or “I’ll get to it tomorrow/next month/next year") before, so make it your mission to ditch this line for good this year. As they say, there’s no time like the present, so rather than being wishy-washy in your responses, adopt a go get ’em attitude or YOLO (or “you only live once") approach and commit to plans, start (and complete) tasks, and try to live in the moment.
It’s also helpful to think about why you’ve been putting something off (perhaps the project is too daunting or life is a little too hectic at the moment), and come up with strategies that will make your goal seem more achievable (maybe you could delegate certain tasks to other people or aim to complete a small part of the project every week), as this will help you retire this common excuse once and for all.
We’ve all made this excuse (or derivatives of it, like “I’ll do it one day” or “I’ll get to it tomorrow/next month/next year") before, so make it your mission to ditch this line for good this year. As they say, there’s no time like the present, so rather than being wishy-washy in your responses, adopt a go get ’em attitude or YOLO (or “you only live once") approach and commit to plans, start (and complete) tasks, and try to live in the moment.
It’s also helpful to think about why you’ve been putting something off (perhaps the project is too daunting or life is a little too hectic at the moment), and come up with strategies that will make your goal seem more achievable (maybe you could delegate certain tasks to other people or aim to complete a small part of the project every week), as this will help you retire this common excuse once and for all.
9. “I’m hesitant to try that look because I don’t like following trends…”
Not a fan of trends? Don’t worry, while we can appreciate them, we’re not always enamoured with them either. However, that’s not to say you should turn your back on up-and-coming looks completely. Rather than copying the trend in your home, why not draw inspiration from it and adapt it to suit your tastes and lifestyle instead? Think of ways you can make it appear less trendy and more timeless in style, too.
Case in point? Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2015, Marsala. While the rich, red-brown hue has had mixed reviews, there are numerous ways you can make it work in your scheme, even if you’re not a huge fan of the exact colour. Maybe you could decorate your space with a hue that’s a little softer or darker than the original shade and may suit your style more. Or you may prefer a variant that’s more red in colour, like the tone of the striking island in this country kitchen.
Not a fan of trends? Don’t worry, while we can appreciate them, we’re not always enamoured with them either. However, that’s not to say you should turn your back on up-and-coming looks completely. Rather than copying the trend in your home, why not draw inspiration from it and adapt it to suit your tastes and lifestyle instead? Think of ways you can make it appear less trendy and more timeless in style, too.
Case in point? Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2015, Marsala. While the rich, red-brown hue has had mixed reviews, there are numerous ways you can make it work in your scheme, even if you’re not a huge fan of the exact colour. Maybe you could decorate your space with a hue that’s a little softer or darker than the original shade and may suit your style more. Or you may prefer a variant that’s more red in colour, like the tone of the striking island in this country kitchen.
10. “I don’t know where to start…”
Undertaking certain home improvement projects, whether big or small, can be daunting as they may involve lots of different elements, which makes it hard to know where to begin. The fact that the task might also be complicated or take a while to complete doesn’t exactly help things along either. Enter this common excuse that we often use to justify why we haven’t started a job.
A simple solution is to break the projects on your to-do list up into smaller, more manageable tasks so the process feels less overwhelming. If you’re working to a deadline, set target dates for each part of the project; otherwise, go about it at your leisure.
Undertaking certain home improvement projects, whether big or small, can be daunting as they may involve lots of different elements, which makes it hard to know where to begin. The fact that the task might also be complicated or take a while to complete doesn’t exactly help things along either. Enter this common excuse that we often use to justify why we haven’t started a job.
A simple solution is to break the projects on your to-do list up into smaller, more manageable tasks so the process feels less overwhelming. If you’re working to a deadline, set target dates for each part of the project; otherwise, go about it at your leisure.
TELL US
What excuses will you be showing the door to this year? We’d love to know, so share your thoughts in the Comments section. Plus, tell us if there are any others you’d like to add to our list!
MORE
Your Year Ahead: Home Horoscopes
8 Home Resolutions That Will Change Your Life for the Better
10 Achievable Decor Resolutions for the New Year
What excuses will you be showing the door to this year? We’d love to know, so share your thoughts in the Comments section. Plus, tell us if there are any others you’d like to add to our list!
MORE
Your Year Ahead: Home Horoscopes
8 Home Resolutions That Will Change Your Life for the Better
10 Achievable Decor Resolutions for the New Year
Okay, so we could go on and on listing all the activities and tasks we never seem to have time to tackle, but we’ve limited it to the usual suspects, which are: exercising; cleaning; connecting with family members; and eating more healthily. While we all lead busy lives, it’s important to make time to do these things as they’ll help improve your health and well-being, living environment, home life and relationships with your loved ones.