avatarJosh Spector

Summary

The article addresses common excuses for not pursuing one's goals, such as fear, discomfort, the possibility of failure, and lack of knowledge, and argues that these are not valid reasons to avoid taking action.

Abstract

The article "Think You Can’t Do Something? Read This." is a motivational piece that confronts the reader's self-imposed limitations. It outlines typical excuses people use to justify not attempting something they want to do, including fear, worry, insecurity, and a lack of knowledge. The author asserts that fear is a poor reason to hold back since it's a natural part of life and can serve as a guide. Discomfort is also addressed as an inevitable part of the journey toward achievement, not a barrier. The uncertainty of success is acknowledged, but the guarantee of failure through inaction is emphasized. Lastly, the article refutes the excuse of not knowing how to do something, stating that learning is always possible. The author concludes by encouraging readers to take action, as reading the post alone won't bring about change.

Opinions

  • Fear should not prevent action; it can be a sign to move forward.
  • Discomfort is a precursor to success, not an obstacle.
  • The possibility of failure should not deter attempts, as nothing is certain, and even successful endeavors start with uncertainty.
  • The claim of not knowing how to do something is seen as a lack of patience or determination to learn.
  • Reading motivational content is not enough; action is required to achieve goals.
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Think You Can’t Do Something? Read This.

There’s no excuse for these excuses.

This isn’t a pep talk.

You want to do something in your life, but convinced yourself you can’t for one (or more) of these reasons:

You’re scared. You’re worried. You’re insecure. You’re clueless.

But you’re wrong.

You don’t need a pep talk to overcome these issues, you need some truth about your excuses.

You think you can’t do it because you’re afraid, but you’re WRONG.

Fear can’t stop you from doing something unless you let it.

You’re worried one thing might happen, but there are a million other things just as likely to happen instead.

The odds are something other than what you fear will happen.

The odds are on your side — remember that.

And like Seth Godin says, your fear is a compass. Go toward it.

You think you can’t do it because it makes you uncomfortable, but you’re WRONG.

Discomfort doesn’t prevent accomplishment — it precedes it.

How much discomfort have you survived in order to get that which currently makes you happy?

Has dealing with your family always been comfortable?

Did your career start in an easy place?

Does your art come easy?

Discomfort isn’t optional. It’s a prerequisite.

And it’s not a valid excuse.

You think you can’t do it because it might not work, but you’re WRONG.

Nothing’s guaranteed. Everything might fail.

Yet you pursue things and succeed in the face of this reality all the time.

Why should this thing be different?

A guarantee of success will never come, but you can guarantee failure by trying to avoid it.

You think you can’t do it because you don’t know how, but you’re WRONG.

Everything can be learned.

It may take time, may take years, but it can be learned.

There’s no excuse to not know how any more.

When you say you don’t know how to do something, you mean you’re not patient or determined enough to learn how.

That’s a crappy excuse. Be better than that.

You think you can’t do it because reading this post doesn’t change anything, and you’re RIGHT.

Reading this post doesn’t mean you can suddenly do the thing you want to do.

I can’t make these excuses no longer valid in your life.

Only you can.

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