Explanations versus excuses

In this episode, I dive into the critical difference between explanations and excuses when it comes to our financial situations. I explore how identifying this difference can transform our money mindset, help us take meaningful action, and prevent future regrets. By learning to shift from excuse-making to explanation-seeking, we can break through psychological barriers and create genuine financial progress. Episode Highlights: Explanations vs. Excuses: I break down how explanations clarify with facts and context, while excuses shift responsibility and provide psychological comfort that ultimately holds us back. The Self-Employment Example: I share my personal tendency to use "I'm self-employed, so it's harder" as an excuse, and how transforming this into an explanation creates actionable pathways forward. Four Questions to Identify Excuses: I provide a framework to determine if you're making excuses or giving explanations, including asking if it's specific, if there's a way forward, if you'll stand by it in five years, and if there's anything you're not telling yourself. The Future Self Perspective: I discuss how our future selves will thank us for turning excuses into explanations that we can act upon, rather than letting opportunities pass us by. Life's Regrets: I reference Bronnie Ware's "Top Five Regrets of the Dying" to highlight how excuse-making can lead to unfulfilled dreams and missed opportunities for meaningful connections. What you will learn: How to differentiate between legitimate explanations and limiting excuses in your financial life Practical techniques to transform your excuses into explanations that enable action Why psychological comfort from excuses can lead to long-term regret How to balance accepting real financial challenges while still moving forward Where to find The Broke Generation Website: https://thebrokegeneration.com/?v=518f4a738816 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.brokegeneration TikTok: @the.brokegeneration  Order my book, Good with Money! Sign up to The Glue: the weekly money psychology and mindset newsletter www.thebrokegeneration.com/subscribe, where you’ll also get your free Financial Values workbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.