Chapter 1: The Power of Self-Awareness

It's time for some honest self-reflection—let's stop the self-deception.

How often have you convinced yourself to avoid actions that could propel your life forward by claiming you can’t do it, rather than admitting that you simply won’t? One of the most valuable gifts you can offer yourself is self-awareness and the courage to face the truth. Conversely, one of the worst things you can do is to continue living in denial.

Living in denial means you are forfeiting the life you genuinely desire. It’s much simpler to look in the mirror and adopt the victim mentality, persuading yourself that your circumstances stem from various limitations:

• Not well-connected enough
• Lacking talent
• Insufficient experience
• Not outgoing enough
• Too old or too young
• Lacking the right education

Remove the Facade

Admittedly, it’s daunting to discard the facade and confront the reality that you often choose “can’t” over “won’t”—it’s a more palatable option. The word “can’t” provides an escape, an excuse that frees you from accountability. In contrast, “won’t” signifies a conscious choice to remain stagnant rather than to strive for your desired future.

Believe me when I say that your situation will only deteriorate the longer you maintain these excuses—I’ve been there myself. I used to be the CEO of Excuses Enterprises, located in the realm of Self-Denial.

No One is Coming to Rescue You

The sooner you acknowledge that it’s not about your inability but rather your unwillingness, the better off you will be.

• You can learn anything, but you won’t commit to it.
• You can be an author, but you won’t put pen to paper.
• You can establish that business, but you won’t focus on personal growth.

The human spirit—your spirit—deserves more acknowledgment than you often give it. Many have triumphed over significant challenges to lead impactful and fulfilling lives. Do you want me to believe that you can’t achieve the same?

There’s a saying from Nigeria:

“Those other people don’t have two heads; if they can achieve it, so can you.”

It's time to discard the excuses and recognize that up until now, it wasn’t that you couldn’t, but rather that you wouldn’t. The fantastic news is that you can alter that narrative right now.

Take a moment today to reflect on what you should be doing but haven’t, simply because you’ve chosen not to. Be truthful with yourself. Identify one aspect of your life where you’ve been using “can’t” when you actually mean “won’t,” and change that story.

Rooting for you,

~ Deola

Chapter 2: Confronting the Excuses

Video Description: In this micro class, explore the distinction between what we claim we can't do versus what we simply won't do. Gain insights on overcoming self-imposed limitations.

Video Description: Delve into the question: "You can't or you won't?" and discover how acknowledging the difference can lead to profound personal transformation.