Get Off Your "But"
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Get Off Your "But"

by Sean Stephenson

Brief Summary

“Get Off Your ‘But’” by Sean Stephenson encourages readers to stop making excuses for their inactivity to reach the top. Happiness and success will come only when we put in our best efforts. What exactly do we need to do? Read in the following sections.

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Since birth, the author of the book, Sean Stephenson, has had a serious illness: osteogenesis imperfecta. Its main symptom is severe bone fragility provoked by any touch. For most people, a handshake is a daily meeting ritual that never seems extraordinary. But for Stephenson, it can be an excruciating touch that breaks all the bones in his hand. When he was born, the doctors said his life would end soon and could bring a lot of pain, but the author decided to prove otherwise and opposed this terrible disease.

Often, people pay a lot of attention to their situation’s disadvantages and limitations. Yet, more benefits come when you look for options to reduce suffering. Stephenson’s main rule was to do the maximum. Not giving up, he graduated from university with a bachelor’s degree and began his career in public speaking. Now, people from many countries are inspired by Stephenson’s powerful oratory skills. All because the author decided to break his limitations and motivate others to overcome all obstacles.

Stephenson understands how difficult it is to say “goodbye” to all restrictions. The most complex task is to cope with the size of your “BUT.” It feels good to dump all your failures on it, while such excuses are the biggest enemy that takes people one step back from the primary goal. By agreeing with your “BUTs,” you only allow them to grow. So, many people put off buying a gym membership, citing lack of time. Or you can often hear the phrase, “I’d apply for this job, BUT what if they don’t hire me?”

Why do these “BUTs” so often prevent us from living to the fullest? Most believe it is a deterrent tool that keeps people within a framework, while others are sure that leaving a comfort zone carries great risks. Although “BUT” puts us into a depressed state, it guarantees stability. So, some people prefer the current situation rather than taking a chance to live their dream life.

It is always scary to take a new step. The thoughts about the future are frightening. However, the author knows that everyone has skills that can help overcome all limitations. So, seize every opportunity to build your confidence at every step. In this way, you can get what you have been dreaming of.

01
Every “BUT” takes you away from self-development and new victories
02
Talk to yourself with respect and dispel all your fears
03
Excuses and self-doubt are the worst enemies, which must disappear
04
Focusing on the right things gives you a win
05
The wrong people around us can cause a lot of suffering and trouble
06
Only you are responsible for your life and future development
07
Final summary

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