As an entrepreneur, you are no stranger to challenges. But sometimes, the biggest obstacles are the excuses we make for ourselves. I was the queen of excuses. I allowed excuses to keep me from living my best life. Let us break down the top six excuses that once limited my success and could be limiting your success and explore actionable steps to overcome them.

1. “I don’t know how.” This is one of the most common excuses but also one of the easiest to overcome. We live in an information age, where knowledge is at our fingertips.

• Seek out a mentor. Find someone who has already achieved what you want to do and learn from their experience. Finding Mentors was one of the most brilliant things I did for myself.
• Educate yourself. Countless resources available online, from eBooks to online courses and coaching, can teach you practically anything.
• Learn by doing. Sometimes, the best way to learn is by rolling up your sleeves and getting started. I set aside time daily just for learning and hands-on practice.

2. “I’m afraid.” Fear is a natural human emotion that should not hinder your success. Remember, most fears are socially based and rarely have real consequences. I have learned not to be concerned with what other people think. Trust your gut and own your choices.

• Acknowledge your fear. It is okay to be scared. Recognize your fear and then move past it. By acknowledging your fear, you can begin to face everything and rise.
• Take small steps. You don’t have to dive headfirst into your fear. Take small, manageable steps towards overcoming it.
• Visualize success. Imagine yourself succeeding and using that as motivation to push past your fear.

3. “I don’t have enough time.” Time is a precious commodity, especially for entrepreneurs. But remember, we make time for what’s important to us. How often have you watched TV or scrolled through social media during your busy time? Be intentional about making time work for you.

• Prioritize your tasks. Not all tasks are created equally. Identify what’s truly important and focus your time there.
• Eliminate time-wasters. Cut out non-productive activities from your day. You’ll be surprised at how much time you can free up.
• Use time management tools. Tools like calendars, to-do lists, and time-tracking apps can help you make the most of your day. Time blocking is one of my favorite time management practices.

4. “I don’t have enough money.” Financial constraints can be challenging, but they shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your dreams. With all the many options available for training, programs, etc., make time to research the cost-effective and free options.

• Get creative. There is usually a workaround for financial constraints. Think outside the box and find alternative solutions. I had garage sales and sold my excess shoes to pay for a mastermind I wanted to attend.
• Seek out financial resources. There are numerous grants, loans, and investment opportunities available for entrepreneurs.
• Start small. You don’t need a huge budget to start a business. Start with what you have and grow from there. Many entrepreneurs start online businesses with as little as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer.

5. “It’s too late for me.” There is always time to start. In fact, many successful entrepreneurs started their ventures later in life. According to SCORE.org, 33% of U.S. small business owners are between 50 and 59, 17% are 60 to 69, and 4% are 70 and up.

• Embrace the challenge. Starting late might be more difficult, but it also means you’re more likely to pursue something truly meaningful to you.
• Seek inspiration. Look to others who have achieved success later in life for motivation.
• Start now. The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is now.

6. “It’s too hard.” Yes, entrepreneurship is hard. But that does not mean it is impossible. When I started, the most challenging part was deciding what to do and adjusting my mindset to make it happen.

• Believe in yourself. You have the skills and determination to succeed. Believe in your ability to overcome challenges.
• Break it down. Big tasks can seem daunting. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Stay committed. Success often comes down to who will stick it out the longest. Stay committed and keep pushing forward.

Remember, excuses only hold power if you let them. So, shatter these excuses and start living your best entrepreneur life today! If you need help growing your business, join the LIFE Community hosted on the Convene Communities Platform for free. There, you will find the Soulutionist Portal paid group coaching. The Soulutionist Portal is the affordable Entrepreneurs’ and Small Business Owners’ gateway to success, knowledge, collaboration, and connections. Join us today and stop limiting your success with excuses.