How often have you said, “I’ll start tomorrow”, or “I can’t do this because [insert excuse here]”? I know I’ve said both of those things way too many times.
But here’s the thing… those excuses (because let’s face it, that’s what they are), are holding you back from getting results.
If you’ve been stuck in a loop of blaming external factors and waiting for ‘the perfect time,’ this blog is for you. We’re exploring the difference between living at Cause and living in Effect.
Just a warning though… when you learn about this, it might feel like you’ve just been slapped in the face with a truth sandwich! It was for me. But it could be the mindset shift you need.
The trap of living ‘in Effect’
When you’re living in effect, life can feel like it’s just happening to you. You might catch yourself saying things like, “They always make me so mad!” or “I can’t help it, that’s just the way things are.” Sound familiar?
Let’s say your partner forgot to do the dishes (again!), and you’re fuming, thinking, “They never help around the house, and it’s driving me crazy!” That’s classic Effect thinking, blaming someone else for how you feel, or why things aren’t going the way you want.
When you’re in this mindset, it feels easier to point the finger and say, “If only they would change, I’d be happy,” rather than looking at what you can do to improve the situation or change the way you think about it.
Living in Effect is like being a passenger in your own life… you’re letting external circumstances control your emotions and outcomes.
But when you stay in Effect, you’re giving away your power to make real change. It feels safe because it means you don’t have to take responsibility, but it’s also the reason you’re not getting the results you want.
Why living ‘at Cause’ is a game-changer
On the flip side, living at Cause is where the magic happens. When you live at Cause, you take ownership of your life. You’re more likely to ask, “What can I do to change this situation, or the way I feel?” instead of waiting for someone else to fix it.
Think about people like Oprah, Richard Branson, or Nelson Mandela. They had every reason to say, “Life is too hard, I give up”. But instead, they took responsibility for their situation and made things happen. That’s living at Cause; taking charge and getting results.
When you start living at Cause, you’ll notice something incredible… you stop making excuses and start finding solutions.
The difference between excuses and legitimate reasons
Now, I know what you might be thinking “But sometimes, there are legit reasons I can’t do something!” And you’re right. There’s a difference between an excuse and a genuine obstacle.
Take Lisa Bilyeu, for example. She once said, “I can’t make movies because I don’t have enough money.” That’s a valid concern, right?
However, upon reflection, she realised it was actually an excuse!
She realised she could start small - film on her phone - and build from there. It wasn’t about waiting for perfect conditions, but about taking responsibility and doing what she could with what she had.
Excuses are easy. They let you off the hook. But living at Cause means asking yourself, “What can I do right now?”
It’s about taking that first small step, even when conditions aren’t perfect.
How to shift from Effect to Cause
If you’re ready to ditch the excuses, here’s how you can start living at Cause:
Get clear on your goal
What do you really want to achieve? And be specific, vague goals won’t cut it. If your goal is to get fit, what does that look like? What does it feel like? Write it all down.
Create an action plan
Now that you’ve got your goal, break it down into small, actionable steps. What can you do each day to get closer to it? Put these steps in your calendar so they become non-negotiable.
Take responsibility
Instead of saying, “I didn’t have time today,” say, “I didn’t prioritise it today, but I will tomorrow.” Own your choices. Remember, no one else is going to do this for you.
Get help with accountability
Share your goal with a friend or coach who will check in with you and hold you accountable. We all need that extra push sometimes… yep, even me!
When you live at Cause, you get results
Living at Cause means you stop waiting for the world to change and start making changes yourself. One of my favourite quotes from Viktor Frankl sums it up perfectly:
“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our power to choose our response.”
When you take responsibility for your actions and mindset, you start creating your own results. Sure, it’s not always easy, but it’s empowering. You’re no longer a victim of your circumstances, you’re in control.
Ditch the excuses and take action
So, are excuses holding you back?
It’s time to be honest with yourself. Start living at Cause and take responsibility for the results you want. The next time you find yourself making excuses, flip the script - what can you do to move forward?
When you take action, even small steps, your future self will thank you for it.
If you’re ready to dig deeper into living at Cause, check out Episode 7 of The Brain Changers Podcast for more insights and practical tips on how to stop making excuses and start getting results.
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