You know, I’ve seen this idea play out so many times. Effort is free, but excuses… they’ll cost you everything. It’s the ultimate truth about success in anything, really.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote means you always have a choice: to put in the work, which costs you nothing but energy, or to make an excuse, which costs you your progress, your potential, and your results.
Explanation
Let me break this down for you. The “effort is free” part is so powerful because it’s the one thing you have complete control over. Waking up early, doing that last rep, putting in the extra hour of work… it doesn’t require special talent or money. It’s a renewable resource you can always tap into.
But excuses? Man, they are expensive. Every time you choose an excuse over effort, you’re paying a compound interest on failure. You’re not just missing one workout; you’re reinforcing a habit of quitting. You’re not just skipping a deadline; you’re eroding your own self-trust. The cost isn’t just the missed opportunity—it’s the identity you’re building, an identity of someone who doesn’t follow through. And that is a very expensive identity to have.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Success (341) |
| Topics | accountability (30), discipline (252), effort (77) |
| Literary Style | assertive (142), memorable (234) |
| Emotion / Mood | bold (60), energetic (79) |
| Overall Quote Score | 80 (256) |
Origin & Factcheck
This line comes straight from Michael Matthews’s book, Bigger Leaner Stronger, which was first published in the United States back in 2012. You’ll sometimes see similar sentiments floating around, but this specific, punchy phrasing is his. It’s not some ancient proverb, it’s modern, no-nonsense wisdom for the fitness world and beyond.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Michael Matthews (111) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Bigger Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body (56) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
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 | Effort is free. Excuses are expensive |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2012; ISBN: 9781938895302; Last edition: 2021 (4th Edition); Number of pages: 480. |
| Where is it? | Chapter 10: Accountability, Approximate page from 2021 Edition |