Fear tries to stop us at every turn, but regret is always waiting on the other side if we give in. If you’ve ever wondered why your good intentions keep getting hijacked by excuses, this episode gives you the science and strategy to break the pattern—for good.

What you need to know

Most of us think we control our mind, only to find ourselves stuck in habits we swore we’d move past. Donna and Londina dig into the real challenge: controlling your thoughts isn’t about force, it’s about creating new habits and rewiring your brain.

Scientific research shows it takes more than a few weeks—it’s more like 61 days—to build new, positive pathways in your brain. Excuses?

There are 55 common ones (according to Napoleon Hill) that keep us stuck, but most are just patterns your mind runs on autopilot. And behind every judgment you pass on others lies a hidden self-judgment within.

What you need to do

Start by paying attention to your automatic excuses—especially the “always” and “never” statements.

When a familiar excuse pops up, ask yourself: Is it really true? Is there evidence?

This simple question interrupts the old brain pattern. Dedicate 15 minutes a day to focused, intentional thinking about your goals or the habits you want to build (as Londina suggests from her own experience and experts like Dr. Caroline Leaf).

And remember, lasting change comes from small, consistent actions, not just quick bursts of willpower.

Your Next Step

Track your most common excuses this week. Every time you catch yourself using one, stop and question it—write down what you discover.

Commit to one positive habit for the next 61 days and carve out daily time for focused thought.

Listen to this episode to hear the full list of excuses and learn how to rewire your thinking for unstoppable persistence.

Want more insights on persistence and success habits?

👉 Connect with Londina Cruz at Londina.com for resilience coaching and daily motivation.

👉 Work with Donna Kunde at DonnaKunde.com to shift your mindset and grow your business with confidence.

👉 📥 Download this season’s resources to deepen your understanding of persistence and eliminate excuses from your success journey.

⭐ Loved this episode? Share it with someone who needs a mindset shift!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:01 The Power of Controlling Your Thoughts

03:11 The Challenge of Changing Habits

04:55 Scientific Insights on Habit Formation

08:15 Common Excuses and Self-Judgment

11:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts