Lies We Tell Ourselves: Uncover Truths and Change Your Life Forever

Lies are the chains holding you back—break free now and take the first step toward a life of purpose, power, and unstoppable growth.

The lies we tell ourselves are killers—silent, creeping killers. They don’t shout; they whisper. They slip into your mind under the guise of logic or comfort, and before you know it, they’ve got you wrapped up tight, strangling your potential. Every single time you tell yourself one of those sweet little lies, you’re giving mediocrity the keys to your life. You’re choosing excuses over effort, comfort over growth, and stagnation over progress. And the worst part? You don’t even realize you’re doing it.

Let’s cut through the crap and start with the crowd-favorites. “I don’t have time.” Oh, really? You don’t have 30 minutes to move your body, plan your meals, or work on your dreams? You’ve got hours for social media, Netflix binges, and whining about how busy you are, but you can’t carve out half an hour for yourself? That’s not a time problem—that’s a priorities problem. Let’s call it what it is: bullshit. If you’re not making time for what truly matters, it’s because it doesn’t matter enough to you. And that’s on you.

Then there’s “I’ll start tomorrow.” No, you won’t. Tomorrow is the biggest lie you’ll ever tell yourself. It’s not real—it’s a fairy tale you create to avoid the discomfort of starting now. Tomorrow is where your dreams go to die because tomorrow never comes. You keep pushing things off, thinking you’ll magically be ready one day. Newsflash: you won’t. Readiness is a myth. You don’t need to feel ready; you need to start. Right now. Today. Because if you’re not willing to start now, you’re lying to yourself about how much it matters to you.

And let’s talk about that classic cop-out: “I’m too old,” or its ugly cousin, “It’s too late.” Are you breathing? Then it’s not too late. The only thing that’s expired is your courage. You’re not too old to change—you’re just scared. It’s easier to blame your age than admit you’ve wasted time. But here’s the truth: time isn’t the problem—you are. Stop using age as an excuse. Use it as a reminder that every second you waste is one you’ll never get back. You’re not too old; you’re too comfortable.

Another one that grinds my gears? “I deserve this.” Oh, do you? You deserve that junk food, skipped workout, shopping spree with money you don’t have—because why? You had a hard day? Join the club. Everyone has hard days. Everyone’s tired. That doesn’t give you a free pass to sabotage your progress. The truth? You deserve better. You deserve to feel strong, in control, and proud of yourself. And that doesn’t come from indulgence; it comes from discipline. So stop lying to yourself about what you “deserve” and start earning the life you want.

But let’s hit the heavyweight lie: “I’m doing my best.” Are you? Really? Or are you doing just enough to make yourself feel better about not trying harder? “Doing your best” is often just another excuse to let yourself off the hook. But here’s the truth: your best should grow. If your best today looks the same as it did last year, you’re not growing—you’re coasting. And coasting isn’t doing your best; it’s settling. Stop patting yourself on the back for mediocrity and start pushing for more.

And then there’s the lie we tell ourselves when we see others succeeding: “It’s easier for them.” No, it’s not. Their success isn’t some magical gift—it’s a result of hard work, sacrifice, and grit. Telling yourself their life is easier is just a way to justify your own lack of effort. You’re not falling behind because their path was smoother; you’re falling behind because you’re not willing to put in the same level of work. Own it.

Here’s the truth: the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your circumstances, genetics, or lack of resources—it’s you. It’s the lies you’ve told yourself about why you can’t, why it’s too hard, and why it’s not your fault. Those lies are comfortable, but they’re also suffocating. They don’t build strength. They don’t lead to success. They don’t change lives. Do you know what does? Action. Discipline. Relentless effort.

So how do you break free? Start by being brutally honest with yourself. Ask the hard questions. Are you really too busy, or are you just prioritizing the wrong things? Are you really too tired, or are you just avoiding discomfort? Are you really doing your best, or are you just doing what’s easy? Be honest—painfully honest. Because if you can’t be real with yourself, you’ll never change.

Then, replace the lies with truth. The truth is, you do have time—you’re just not using it well. The truth is, you’re not too old—you’re just scared. The truth is, you’re not doing your best—you’re doing what’s comfortable. These truths might sting, but they’re also freeing. They strip away the excuses and force you to take responsibility. And that’s where the real work begins.

But don’t think for a second that this is a one-and-done deal. The lies don’t stop. They’ll keep coming, trying to drag you back into that comfort zone. And every time they do, you have to fight. Recognize the lies for what they are and shut them down before they take root. It’s a battle, but it’s one worth fighting. Because the alternative? A life of regret, excuses, and wasted potential. And that’s no life at all.

The lies you tell yourself are powerful, but they’re not unbeatable. You have the power to stop them. You have the power to rewrite your story. But it’s not going to happen if you keep hiding behind excuses. It’s only going to happen if you get honest, get real, and get to work. So stop lying. Start doing. Take back your life, one truth at a time.

Stay disciplined. Stay resilient.

Jim Lunsford

Disclaimers:

Use of Artificial Intelligence: Jim Lunsford is committed to sharing authentic and meaningful content. To enhance the clarity and effectiveness of his writing, Jim utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool in the content creation process. While AI assists in organizing and refining his ideas, every thought, insight, and story shared on this website is genuinely his own. The use of AI does not alter the authenticity of his work; rather, it helps Jim communicate more effectively with you, his audience. Jim's goal remains to inspire, motivate, and connect, and AI is simply a tool that supports that mission.

Use of Affiliate Links: Some links on this website may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Jim Lunsford earns from qualifying purchases.