Empowering ideas, unlocking success
WHY EXCUSES WON’T MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL
The other day, I overheard someone say, "If only I had the right connections, I’d be successful by now." This is self-deception. You hear lies from politicians daily. The media and movies twist reality. But the worst lies are the ones you tell yourself. Many people avoid taking responsibility for their lives. Instead, they blame others: “I’m poor because my parents were poor.” “I’m unemployed because the government is corrupt.” “I failed in business because I lacked capital.” Sounds familiar? These excuses seem logical. But are they really the reason for failure?
Enock Sydney
3/23/20252 min read
The other day, I overheard someone say, "If only I had the right connections, I’d be successful by now."
This is self-deception.
You hear lies from politicians daily. The media and movies twist reality. But the worst lies are the ones you tell yourself.
Many people avoid taking responsibility for their lives. Instead, they blame others:
“I’m poor because my parents were poor.”
“I’m unemployed because the government is corrupt.”
“I failed in business because I lacked capital.”
Sounds familiar?
These excuses seem logical. But are they really the reason for failure?
Excuses Feel Valid, But They Hold You Back
I was born a sickly child and spent my early years struggling with poor health. My parents had no money. They couldn’t even spare Ksh.5,000 to help me start a business.
If I told you today that I’m poor because of my background, wouldn’t that sound reasonable?
Of course, it would. Every excuse sounds reasonable. But an excuse, no matter how valid, won’t change your life.
Stop Lying to Yourself
After graduating, I had only Ksh.8,500. Instead of making excuses, I jumped into business. It wasn’t easy, but I pushed through.
If I had told myself, “I can’t succeed without capital,” I wouldn’t be here today.
What about you? What’s your excuse? Whatever it is, it’s holding you back. If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, stop deceiving yourself.
Fear Is the Real Enemy
For most people, the real issue isn’t lack of money or opportunity—it’s fear. Fear of failure. Fear of the unknown.
How do you overcome fear? Increase your knowledge.
If you fear snakes, learning about them helps. You’ll discover that over 90% of snakes aren’t poisonous. That knowledge reduces fear.
The same applies to business. Instead of fearing failure, educate yourself. Read books, attend seminars, and gain business skills.
Fear fades when knowledge grows.
Take Action Now
Excuses won’t build your future. Only action will.
Stop waiting for perfect conditions—they don’t exist. Start where you are, with what you have.
Tell yourself the truth. The only thing standing between you and success is you.