We all make excuses. We have found it easier to make excuses for why we “can’t” than motivation for why we “can.” Whether starting a new business venture, creating something noteworthy or doing something that’s never been done, we have a tiny voice that critiques us before we even start, so we don’t.

I once heard a story of a father that told his daughter of all the potential things that would happen when she was on a date. He told her if a boy ever puts his hand on your leg, the way to respond. He “programmed” all of the triggers and the appropriate responses. Like second nature, she knew how to respond without thinking. We need to know our responses when that tiny voice starts chopping at our knees.

I’ve developed a list of the top hundred excuses as to why we “don’t.” Maybe it’s right; maybe it’s not. Review this list, add to it, know the voice that is always telling you “no” and prepare yourself to respond to any of these excuses when you hear them. Each and every one of these excuses that hold you back have an inverse reason to move forward…and sometimes it’s as easy as “so what?”

1. We just went off the fiscal cliff
2. Taxes are going through the roof
3. I can’t find a job
4. Here comes inflation
5. Banks won’t loan me money
6. Interest rates are too high
7. The economy is the worst in history
8. Healthcare reform is making it impossible
9. College tuition is going through the roof
10. My debt is atrocious
11. I’m too fat
12. There isn’t enough time
13. No one will support me
14. I’m too old
15. I’m too skinny
16. The rules won’t allow that
17. I’m too young
18. It’s scary
19. My uncle’s nephew is out of work
20. People won’t like me
21. It’s not safe
22. It’s too big
23. It’s too small
24. Someone will laugh at me
25. I have to plan for the future
26. There are other people better than me out there
27. I don’t have a million dollar idea
28. That’s too risky
29. Maybe next year
30. I’m not a detail person
31. I’m supporting a family
32. Maybe later
33. I don’t “know” the right people
34. My spouse will never go for that
35. I “have” to do this
36. I’m terrified of living in a cardboard box
37. The dog ate my homework
38. It might be hard
39. I might be sick
40. I have insomnia
41. People make me mad
42. The Mayans are still right
43. Have you seen what’s happening in the middle East?
44. China is going to ruin this country
45. The glory days of the US are over, the fall is inevitable
46. I need more analysis
47. I’m not qualified
48. My friend is holding my back
49. I’m too good to do that
50. I’m too educated to do that
51. I had a terrible childhood
52. No one understands me
53. I have an MBA
54. Someone else seized the opportunity
55. I have a law degree
56. I have ideas, but I don’t have the perfect idea
57. I made C’s in school
58. I didn’t finish school
59. I’m too disorganized
60. That doesn’t fit in my plan
61. Statistically, that will fail
62. I procrastinate
63. I’m a failure
64. I’m ugly
65. Other people do that
66. I don’t know where to start
67. How will that ever make money
68. How will I support my family
69. That’s too stressful
70. That will not make my dad proud
71. It’s not cool
72. It’s not like everybody else
73. My dad’s generation didn’t do it that way
74. I just want something comfortable
75. That won’t make my mom proud
76. I’m not worthy of success
77. I didn’t dream of this when I was a kid
78. I may have to change my lifestyle
79. I may have to say “no” to someone
80. This is probably a whim or indigestion
81. When I’m honest with myself, I really suck
82. I’m stuck
83. What if…
84. I may not like it
85. No one believes in me
86. I cannot change
87. I compare myself to everyone around me
88. I’m a thinker, not a doer
89. I don’t know the rules
90. I’m ashamed
91. Following a dream is too risky, you need safe
92. I’ver never done anything extraordinary
93. No one in my family is successful
94. Everyone else in my family is successful
95. No one loves me
96. I’m not creative
97. I’ve always procrastinated, this too will pass
98. I have ADD
99. No one is going to listen
100. There’s no health insurance