Top Excuses Dads Make—And How to Stop Using Them
I don’t have time.
I’m just too tired.
It’s not the right season.
I’ll start next week.
Sound familiar?
We’ve all got a highlight reel of reasons why we’re not doing the thing—working out, having the hard conversation, planning the week, folding the damn laundry.
This post isn’t here to shame you. It’s here to call the bluff just enough to help you move forward.
🙃 Excuse #1: "I Don’t Have Time"
You do. It’s just already spoken for.
Fix it:
Track one week of time honestly (try the [Daily Dad Planner])
Find the dead zones (scrolling, over-committing, aimless multitasking)
Reclaim 30 minutes. Start there.
📌 Time isn’t missing—it’s just hiding in plain sight.
😩 Excuse #2: "I’m Too Tired"
Valid. But also… sometimes we confuse tired with drained from decision fatigue.
Fix it:
Build in automation: meal plan themes, same breakfast, laid-out clothes
Go to bed earlier once this week. See how it feels.
Do the task tired—just once. You'll be shocked what you can pull off.
📌 You don’t need full energy to make a small move.
🌀 Excuse #3: "I Need to Get Organized First"
No, you don’t. You need to start messy.
Fix it:
Write 3 things on a sticky note
Pick one. Do it.
Repeat.
📌 Clarity follows action—not the other way around.
🧠 Dad Hack: Use the “If–Then” Script
Pre-write your own anti-excuses:
“If I feel too tired to plan, then I’ll take 5 minutes and just set a timer.”
“If the kids derail my morning, then I’ll take a breath and reset at lunch.”
It’s not about force. It’s about fallback options that keep you moving.
🖨️ Free Download: Excuse-Buster Worksheet
Includes:
Top 5 common excuses + reframes
“If–Then” scripting template
Weekly self-check-in space
[Download the worksheet →]
❓ FAQs
What if the excuse is valid?
It might be. But even valid excuses can be challenged with compassionate problem-solving.
What if I fall back into old patterns?
You will. Track it. Adjust. Try again.
What if I don’t even know where to start?
Start with this: one thing you’ve been avoiding, for 10 minutes. That’s enough.
🧪 What to Try This Week
Notice one excuse you make regularly
Use the [Excuse-Buster Worksheet] to flip the script
Celebrate any moment you do the thing anyway
You don’t need to overhaul your mindset.
You just need to notice your stories—and write better ones.
Start where you are. Then start again.
