"An excuse is nothing more than a well-planned lie. If you can't find a way, you make a way." — Grant Cardone
What is your favorite lie?
"I don't have time." "I don't have money." "The market is bad." "I'm not smart enough."
We call these "reasons." Grant Cardone calls them Excuses. And an excuse is just a lie we tell ourselves to feel better about failing.
In Part 7 of The 10X Rule series, we confront the uncomfortable truth: You are the problem. But the good news is, if you are the problem, you are also the solution.
1. Detailed Analysis: Why We Lie to Ourselves
Why do intelligent people make stupid excuses?
To Protect the Ego
If you say, "I failed because I didn't work hard enough," it hurts. It means you are lazy.
If you say, "I failed because the economy crashed," you feel safe. It's not your fault.
The Cost: Excuses act as a painkiller. They numb the pain of failure, but they also kill the drive to fix it. If it's not your fault, you can't fix it. Taking blame is taking power.
2. The Big 3 Lies Deconstructed
Let's look at the most common excuses and destroy them with 10X logic.
Excuse 1: "I don't have enough time."
The Truth: You have the same 24 hours as Elon Musk, Shah Rukh Khan, and Prime Minister Modi.
It is not a "Time" problem; it is a "Priority" problem.
• Did you watch a web series yesterday? You had time.
• Did you scroll Instagram for 45 minutes? You had time.
The Fix: Stop saying "I don't have time." Say "It's not a priority." If success is a priority, you will wake up at 4 AM if needed.
Excuse 2: "I don't have money."
The Truth: "Resources" are never the problem. "Resourcefulness" is.
Most massive companies (Apple, Amazon, Disney) started in garages with near-zero funding.
The Fix: Money follows courage and creativity. If you have a 10X idea and 10X work ethic, investors will throw money at you. Use "Sweat Equity" (hard work) until you get "Financial Equity."
Excuse 3: "I don't know how."
The Truth: Information is free. YouTube has more knowledge than Harvard.
The Fix: "I don't know" is not an excuse; it is a To-Do List. If you don't know sales, buy a book on sales today. Ignorance is a choice in the age of the internet.
3. Be Resourceful, Not Rich
Grant Cardone started with nothing. He didn't have connections or capital. He had Resourcefulness.
Scenario: You need to meet a client, but your car breaks down.
Average Person (Excuse): "I can't go, my car broke."
10X Person (Resourceful): "I will take an Uber. If no Uber, I will take a bus. If no bus, I will run. I will get there."
The market pays for results, not for your "valid reasons" for failure.
4. Real-Life Examples (Indian Context)
The "English Barrier" Excuse
Many Indians say: "I can't succeed because my English is weak."
The Victor: Look at Vijay Shekhar Sharma (Paytm). He studied in a Hindi medium school. He taught himself English by reading old magazines. He didn't let language stop him from building a Fintech empire.
Your background is not your destiny unless you use it as an excuse.
The "Small Town" Excuse
"I live in a small village, I have no exposure."
The Victor: Prafull Billore (MBA Chaiwala) started selling tea on the roadside. He didn't wait for a fancy shop. He used social media (free tool) to build a global brand from a street corner.
The internet has killed geography. You can build a billion-dollar business from a village in Bihar if you have wifi and 10X drive.
5. The "No Excuse" Challenge
For the next 24 hours, try this experiment:
- • No complaining about traffic.
- • No complaining about the weather.
- • No blaming your boss/spouse/kids.
If something goes wrong, say: "How did I create this?" or "How can I fix this?"
You will be shocked at how much power returns to you when you stop outsourcing the blame.
Key Takeaways
- Excuses are Lies: Stop coddling yourself. Admit the truth: "I didn't want it bad enough."
- The "Don't Know" Excuse: In 2026, ignorance is a choice. Learn what you lack.
- Money Follows Action: Don't wait for funding. Start with what you have. Resourcefulness > Resources.
- Victim vs. Victor: Victims have big excuses. Victors have big bank accounts. Choose one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are there any valid excuses? (e.g., Illness)
A: Illness is a reality, but using it to quit is an excuse. Successful people get sick too, but they build systems (teams, passive income) that keep working when they can't. Prepare for the illness before it happens.
Q2: My family doesn't support me. Is that an excuse?
A: Yes. Your success is your duty, not theirs. If they don't support you, succeed anyway. Once you win, they will support you. Don't wait for permission.
Q3: How do I stop complaining?
A: Wear a rubber band on your wrist. Every time you complain, snap it. Train your brain to associate negativity with pain. Focus on solutions immediately.
Up next: Part 8 – The 10X Summary (The Ultimate Checklist).
📚 Credit & Disclaimer:
This post is a summary based on the bestseller "The 10X Rule" by Grant Cardone. Content is for educational purposes only.
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