Excuses change nothing, but action changes everything. It’s a simple truth I’ve seen play out time and again. Whether in business or personal growth, the moment you stop explaining why you can’t and start doing something—anything—is the moment real progress begins.
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Meaning
The core message is brutally simple: your justifications for inaction are worthless. Only the act of *doing* has the power to alter your reality.
Explanation
Look, I’ve been there. We all have. You tell yourself you’re too busy, too tired, the timing isn’t right. And you know what? The situation stays exactly the same. It’s a mental trap. The quote cuts through that noise. It’s not about motivation; it’s about mechanism. Excuses are a story you tell yourself to feel okay about standing still. Action is the engine. Even a tiny, imperfect action—what I call a “push”—creates a data point, creates momentum, and changes the entire game. It moves you from being a passive character in your own story to the author.
Quote Summary
Reading Level55
Aesthetic Score80
Origin & Factcheck
This comes straight from Michael Matthews’s book, Bigger Leaner Stronger, which was first published in the United States back in 2012. You won’t find it falsely attributed to someone like Tony Robbins or David Goggins, though the sentiment is certainly universal. This is pure Matthews—direct, no-fluff, and grounded in practical science.
Attribution Summary
Author Bio
Michael Matthews writes straightforward, evidence-based fitness books and leads Legion Athletics, a supplement and education company. He connects with readers through the Muscle for Life podcast and hundreds of articles on training, nutrition, and healthy habits. He champions simple programming, high-protein diets, progressive overload, and sustainable fat loss. The Michael Matthews book list includes Bigger Leaner Stronger, Thinner Leaner Stronger, Muscle for Life, Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger, and The Shredded Chef. He continues refining his methods using new research and feedback from thousands of readers and clients.
| Official Website
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Excuses change nothing. Action changes everything |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2012; ISBN: 9781938895302; Last edition: 2021 (4th Edition); Number of pages: 480. |
| Where is it? | Chapter 10: Action Over Excuses, Approximate page from 2021 Edition |
Context
In the book, this isn’t just a random inspirational line. It’s the core philosophy for fitness. Matthews uses it to dismantle the most common excuses he hears: “I don’t have time for the gym,” “I have bad genetics,” “It’s too hard.” He’s basically saying, “Great story. Now, are you going to let that story define you, or are you going to go lift the weight?” The context is fitness, but the principle is universal.
Usage Examples
So how do you actually use this? Let me give you a couple of scenarios.
First, for the Aspiring Entrepreneur: Instead of saying “The market is too saturated,” the action is to identify one tiny, underserved niche and talk to three potential customers this week. That’s it.
Second, for someone in a Stagnant Career: The excuse is “My boss doesn’t recognize my talent.” The action? You spend one hour tonight updating your LinkedIn profile and portfolio. Or you sign up for that online certification you’ve been eyeing.
And for the Overwhelmed Project Manager: The excuse is “This project is a mess and I don’t know where to start.” The action is to block 25 minutes on your calendar, open a blank document, and just brain-dump the top 10 known problems. No solutions yet, just clarity. Action changes everything.
To whom it appeals?
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FAQ
Question: But what if my excuse is a real, legitimate obstacle?
Answer: Fantastic question. The quote isn’t saying obstacles aren’t real. It’s saying that citing the obstacle as an excuse changes nothing. The power move is to acknowledge the obstacle and then ask, “What is one small action I can take *despite* it?” Action is about creative problem-solving, not pretending problems don’t exist.
Question: Isn’t this quote a bit harsh? It feels like it doesn’t allow for self-compassion.
Answer: I get that. It can sound harsh. But from my experience, the real self-compassion comes from empowering yourself. Beating yourself up for weeks because you didn’t start is far harsher than giving yourself the gift of a single, small action. The action is the compassion. It’s the way out of the mental loop of guilt and frustration.
Question: How do you deal with the fear of taking the wrong action?
Answer: You reframe it. There is no “wrong” action, only feedback. A failed action gives you more information than a perfect excuse ever could. It’s data. It tells you what doesn’t work, so you can pivot and try a different action. Excuses give you nothing. Action gives you intelligence.
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