How Much Do Excuses Really Cost?

Excuses don't just delay dreams—they drain destiny. 

Every time we choose an excuse over action, we’re paying in missed opportunities, lost confidence, stalled growth, and impact that never happens. 

We actually have no idea how much they cost.

And guess what? There is no way to quantify how much excuses cost.

The Ugly Truth About Excuses

Let’s call it what it is: if you live by your excuses, you will die by your excuses—dreams, potential, and all.

Excuses don’t age well. They never get prettier with time.

Let me tell you, The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone is one to read—it’s hitting hard. It exposes how often we hand ourselves a “get-out-of-growth-free” card.

Everywhere we go, people of all ages are doing this. From kids to adults, we’ve become fluent in the language of excuses.

Learn to Recognize an Excuse

If you’re like me, you might surprise yourself by how often you let yourself off the hook.

Excuses sound like:

• “This is normal.”

• “I’ve already worked hard” 

• “I can’t eat healthy, I’m too busy.”

• “It’s a tough industry.”

• “I’m too young / too old.”

• “I don’t know.”

• “It’s hot/it’s cold.”

• “I’m waiting on someone else to do...”

  
  

Sound familiar?

Excuses Rob You of Power

Every excuse is a step away from responsibility. 

When we say, “I don’t know,” we stop the search for answers before it even begins. Modify it by adding, “I’ll research and find out!” 

When we say, “It’s not my fault,” we hand our power to change the situation over to someone else.

Excuses give permission for mediocrity to stay.

See the Blind Spots

Ever walk into a business or space and think, “Wow, this place has so much untapped potential?" Now flip that around. 

Could someone say that about me or you? Could someone look over at our lives and be thinking: “It’s so obvious. Why don’t they do...?”

How do we uncover our own blind spots?

• Be brutally honest with ourselves.

• Take unreasonable levels of responsibility.

• Surround ourselves with people who don’t flatter us.

  
  

If everyone thinks you’re amazing, you’re absolutely in a danger zone. 

You’re in danger of believing that you have it figured out, that you have time to take a break, to stop improving. 

Now is not the time to take a break! 

Comfort breeds complacency.

Wake Up to the Noise

We are desensitized to the sound of excuses. That’s a problem.

Excuses are everywhere.

Just take these: 

• “I didn’t sleep well.” 

• “I’m not feeling it today.”

• “The time changed.”

Excuses have become three things: Normal. Accepted. Expected.

Excuses should make us uncomfortable. It’s beautiful potential dying. It’s someone’s future (maybe yours) dying. It’s your family’s security at stake. 

Commit to Living Excuse-Free, NOW!

Start today. Pay attention. 

What excuses do you give yourself? What excuses do you accept from others?

Stop. Right. Now.

We have a duty—a moral obligation—to show up, step up, and lead. 

It’s not about me. It’s not about you. It’s about service. Excuses have no place in the purpose God’s given us. Romans 12:11 reminds us, "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."

We are called to stay fired up—to reject laziness and apathy—so we can fully step into the Kingdom work He’s entrusted to us.

Excuses don’t belong in that story.