You’ve probably been there before yourself at some point — stuck in a rut and knowing you need to change, but lacking the motivation to do so.
The thing is, you only get one life, and if you don’t make the most of it, what’s the point? Many people know that making some simple changes could improve their day-to-day existence immensely, but they still make excuses for all the reasons they can’t do it or why it won’t work. Here are some of the biggest cop-outs you’ll hear from people who are treading water in life.
1. “I don’t have enough time right now.”
This classic excuse ignores the fact that we make time for what truly matters to us. Most people who say this can still quote entire TV shows or spend hours scrolling social media. The truth is, major change doesn’t always require huge time blocks — even 15 minutes a day compounds into major progress over time. Start by tracking your daily activities for a week — you’ll likely find pockets of time you didn’t know existed.
2. “I’ll start when everything settles down.”
Life never really “settles down” — it just shifts from one type of busy to another. Waiting for the perfect moment means waiting forever. The people who succeed in changing their lives do so in the midst of chaos, not in some mythical calm period. They recognise that imperfect action beats perfect planning every time.
3. “I’m too old to start something new.”
Age is increasingly irrelevant in today’s world. History is full of people who started fresh careers, learned new skills, or reinvented themselves well into their later years. Your experience actually gives you advantages that younger people don’t have — like better decision-making skills and deeper self-knowledge. The only real question is whether you’ll be older with or without having pursued your goals.
4. “I don’t have enough money to make changes.”
While some changes do require financial investment, many of the most meaningful life improvements cost little to nothing. Getting in shape can start with walking and bodyweight exercises. Learning happens through free online resources. Building better relationships costs nothing but time and effort. Focus first on changes that don’t require money — they often lead to opportunities that solve financial constraints anyway.
5. “My family needs me too much right now.”
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish — it’s actually crucial for being there for other people in the long run. Your family benefits when you’re healthier, happier, and more fulfilled. They learn from watching you grow and change. Small steps forward while balancing family needs beat standing still out of guilt.
6. “I’ve tried before and failed.”
Past attempts weren’t failures — they were practice rounds that taught you valuable lessons. Each try brings new insights about what works and what doesn’t. The only real failure is letting past attempts stop you from trying again. Adjust your approach based on what you’ve learned, and keep moving forward.
7. “I don’t know where to start.”
Not knowing the entire path isn’t a valid reason not to take the first step. Nobody has everything figured out when they begin. Starting small and imperfectly beats waiting for perfect clarity. Pick one tiny aspect of the change you want to make and begin there — the next steps often become clear once you’re in motion.
8. “What if I make things worse?”
Fear of making things worse often keeps us stuck in situations that are already bad. Change always involves some risk, but staying stuck is a guaranteed path to regret. Smart changes happen through small experiments that can be reversed if needed. You don’t have to burn bridges to build new paths.
9. “I need to learn more first.”
While preparation matters, endless research often becomes a form of procrastination. Real learning happens through doing, not just reading about doing. The most valuable lessons come from taking action and adjusting based on results. Start implementing what you already know while continuing to learn.
10. “It’s not the right time in the economy.”
Economic conditions affect opportunities but don’t determine them entirely. Some of the most successful businesses started during recessions. Some of the best career changes happen during uncertainty. Focus on building value and solving problems — there’s always a market for that, regardless of economic cycles.
11. “I’m waiting for someone to help me.”
Support is valuable but waiting for someone else to kickstart your change is a recipe for eternal waiting. The most reliable help comes after you’ve already started moving forward. People are more willing to assist those who show initiative. Take the first steps alone — helpers often appear once you’re in motion.
12. “I don’t want to disappoint people.”
Fear of disappointing people often masks fear of disappointing ourselves. Most people are far less invested in our choices than we imagine. Those who truly care about you will support positive changes, even if they don’t understand them at first. The biggest disappointment comes from never trying at all.
13. “I’m comfortable enough as things are.”
Comfort can be a dangerous trap that keeps us from growth. Being “comfortable enough” often means settling for less than what’s possible. Real fulfilment usually lies just beyond our comfort zone. Small steps outside that zone build confidence for bigger changes while maintaining stability.
14. “I might regret making changes.”
People rarely regret positive changes — they usually regret not making them sooner. Even changes that don’t work out exactly as planned tend to teach valuable lessons and open unexpected doors. The biggest regrets come from wondering “what if” and never finding out. Change with thought and intention beats stagnation every time.
