No Excuses: Seven People Who Got Out of Their Own Way

6 days ago

5 min read

Going after your goals can feel overwhelming when the world is full of distractions and self-doubt. Often the biggest obstacle is us. Blaming other people or circumstances only delays progress, whereas taking responsibility and dropping the excuses opens up what we are capable of.

Here are some people who took that approach and got past procrastination, self-doubt and fear to reach what they were after.

Meet Your Inner Saboteur

The first step in beating excuses is recognising your inner critic. It whispers things like "Why do I always fail?" or "What if it's too difficult?" Believe those thoughts and your world gets smaller.

Jack Vettriano: Dancing Through Criticism

Jack Vettriano went from self-taught artist to celebrated painter, and his story is one of resilience. Born in Fife, Scotland, he began his working life as a mining engineer. He took up painting when his girlfriend gave him a watercolour set for his 21st birthday.

He had no formal training, but he committed himself to getting better at it. Critics dismissed his work as "kitsch" and "derivative", and he carried on painting. In 1988 his paintings were accepted into the Royal Scottish Academy's annual exhibition, where both pieces sold immediately. His defining moment came with The Singing Butler, a painting that became one of the best-selling prints in the UK. Criticism did not stop him, and his story shows that dedication and self-belief can outlast rejection.

Clearing the Mental Clutter

Mindfulness clears mental clutter and takes some of the air out of the excuses that hold you back. A regular practice can sharpen your focus, clarity and motivation.

Albert Flynn DeSilver: Mindfully Writing Through Doubt

For years Albert Flynn DeSilver battled anxiety and self-destructive behaviour. He loved literature, but self-doubt crippled his writing ambitions. Writing felt impossible, and his inner critic questioned every attempt.

At a turning point he discovered mindfulness meditation. Meditating daily calmed his racing mind and brought clarity. With that new focus he poured himself into writing, and the result was his acclaimed memoir, Beamish Boy. His journey shows how mindfulness can free up creativity and wear down mental barriers.

Mindfulness is not only about sitting cross-legged on the floor trying to empty your mind, and that approach does not work for everyone. For many people it happens naturally during something they enjoy: the feeling of being completely absorbed while climbing, swimming or doing any intense activity that takes all of their attention. If traditional practices haven't clicked for you, that is perfectly fine. Find the activities that really hold your attention and fit into your life without strain, and make mindfulness something personal, practical and enjoyable.

Start Small, Start Now

Success often begins with small steps. Instead of waiting for motivation, take action, even if it is imperfect. Progress comes from consistent effort.

Chris Nikic: One Percent Better Every Day

Chris Nikic was born with Down syndrome and faced many health challenges, including open-heart surgery and delayed motor development. Determined to break barriers, he adopted a simple mantra: "Get 1% better every day."

He built strength and endurance through small, steady improvements. It paid off when he became the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon, which meant a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run. His achievement shows what consistent effort and belief in yourself can lead to.

Procrastination and the Long Way Round

Procrastination often comes from a fear of failure or of being judged. Rather than chasing instant success, try to focus on each step of the journey.

Carmen Herrera: Finding Success in Patience and Persistence

Carmen Herrera spent decades making striking abstract art that went largely unrecognised. She faced rejection and kept creating for over 60 years. Her breakthrough came in 2004, when she was 89 and her paintings finally gained recognition. In her 90s her work was acquired by major institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Herrera's dedication shows that success can arrive unexpectedly, however old you are and however long you have waited.

Failure Is Not the End

Failure isn't the end. It is a chance to learn and grow, and seeing it that way can turn setbacks into stepping stones.

Ryan Blair: From Gang Member to Multimillionaire Entrepreneur

Ryan Blair's early life was marked by instability, gang involvement and expulsion from school. Then his mother introduced him to a successful entrepreneur, who became his mentor.

Blair went on to found 24/7 Tech, a technical support firm, and later led ViSalus Sciences from near-bankruptcy to a $792 million company. His story shows that facing failure head-on can drive real change and success.

The People Around You

Your environment has a big effect on your mindset. Being around encouraging, supportive people can lift your potential.

Oprah Winfrey: Rising Above Through Positive Influence

Oprah Winfrey's childhood was marked by adversity, poverty and abuse. Even so, her strong relationships with mentors and supportive people helped her succeed. Surrounding herself with positivity fuelled her rise from local TV anchor to global media mogul. Her story shows what positive relationships and unwavering self-belief can do.

Your Breakthrough Moment

Breakthroughs often come when you stop making excuses and commit fully to your goals.

Anthony Robles: Unstoppable Against All Odds

Anthony Robles was born without a right leg, and he refused to let that limit him. Wrestling was a hard road, but through relentless practice and determination he developed a style of his own that made the most of his upper-body strength. In 2011 he won the NCAA national title with an undefeated senior season. His victory shows the power of adapting to a challenge and never giving up.

Over to You

The road to success may be tough, but taking action is what matters. Drop the excuses, believe in your potential and get on with the journey. The stories of Vettriano, DeSilver, Nikic, Herrera, Blair, Winfrey and Robles all show that perseverance, mindfulness and courage can change a life.

The next time doubt creeps in, remember that the only thing really holding you back is you. Take the first step today, because your journey is waiting.

FAQs

1. How can I silence my inner critic?

Practising mindfulness, challenging negative thoughts and replacing self-doubt with positive affirmations can all reduce the power of your inner critic.