7 Excuses That Kill Ideas

If you’re trying to get your idea off the ground—or even just thinking about it—this post is for you.

We are going to cover the 7 Biggest Excuses that Kill Ideas.

These excuses show up as limiting beliefs. They sneak in quietly and disguise themselves as logic, caution, or “just being realistic.” But make no mistake—these beliefs are roadblocks, and they’re keeping you from the life you actually want.

The good news? Once you recognize these excuses for what they are, they lose their power. Excuses only thrive in the dark. When we shine a light on them, you have the ability to move past them.

Excuse #1: "I can't do this—I don't know what to do."

This is a classic excuse for first-time entrepreneurs—and it makes sense.

Starting a business or launching a product can feel overwhelming, especially when you're doing something totally new. There's no instruction manual, and the internet is full of conflicting advice.

But let’s be clear: not knowing what to do doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It just means you haven’t learned the roadmap yet.

And that’s exactly why we built ProductMentor. We’ve already navigated the trial-and-error phase so you don’t have to. Instead of going at it alone, you get a strategic partner who knows the shortcuts, the potholes, and the fastest route to launch.

Successful entrepreneurs don't know everything. They know who to ask.

Excuse #2: "My idea is already out there."

Let me stop you right there.

Google wasn’t the first search engine. The iPhone wasn’t the first cell phone.

The market doesn’t care if something exists—it cares if you can make it better, faster, simpler, or more useful.

Competition is not your enemy—it’s proof there’s a market. If people are buying something similar, that’s a sign demand exists.

Instead of shutting down when you see something similar, ask yourself: How can I make this more valuable? Run surveys. Talk to potential customers. Pivot. Improve. Innovate.

Ideas are rarely 100% original. Differentiation and a compelling value proposition is what will set you apart. 

Excuse #3: "Someone else told me I can’t do this."

Let’s talk about unsolicited opinions for a second.

You’re excited about your idea, you share it with someone close to you, and then—boom—they shut it down. Maybe they mean well. Maybe they’re projecting their own fears. Either way, the damage is done.

But here’s the truth: most people aren’t qualified to give you advice. They’re giving you opinions. And there’s a big difference.

Steve Jobs once said, “You’re crazy until you’re not.”

Most great ideas sound a little crazy at first. That’s what makes them worth doing.

If you’re constantly waiting for approval, you’ll always find someone to tell you “no.” The real entrepreneurs are the ones who move forward anyway and do whatever it takes.

Excuse #4: "I just need a patent."

Ah, the great patent myth.

People think a patent is a ticket to royalty checks and early retirement. But here’s the truth:

Most patents never generate a dime.

Patents don’t sell products. People do. Marketing does. Demand does.

In fact, patenting too early can backfire. If you file before finalizing your design or validating your market, you may have to start the whole process over. It’s like framing a house before you’ve seen the blueprint.

Start with product-market fit. Validate the idea. Then protect it. 

Excuse #5: "Starting a business is too risky."

Let’s reframe this.

Yes, starting a business carries risk. But so does staying exactly where you are.

We’re taught that the “safe” path—get a job, play it conservative—is the smartest choice. But ask yourself: how secure does that really feel?

Anything meaningful in life involves some level of risk. Risk, when taken strategically, is what creates opportunity. And not taking any risks? That guarantees you’ll stay exactly where you are.

The biggest risk isn’t failing. The biggest risk is never trying—and always wondering what could have been.

So ask yourself: Which risk are you really afraid of—the risk of failing, or the risk of regret?

Excuse #6: "Someone else will make me successful."

This one is tricky, because it’s wrapped in hope.

But here’s the deal: No one is coming to save you.

Thinking someone else will “make you successful” is another excuse to avoid responsibility. This is exactly why the licensing fairytale is so tempting—believing a company will sell your idea while you sit back, do nothing, and collect royalties.

Sometimes people approach us at ProductMentor thinking we’re going to “make them successful". But success doesn’t work that way.

Think of it like this: we’ll help you build a Formula 1 race car. But you’ve got to be the one to drive it. We’ll give you the blueprint, the pit crew, and the strategy—but it’s still your race.

We’re not magicians. We’re partners.

Own that responsibility and be the engine of your success. 

Excuse #7: "What if I lose my investment?"

Let’s talk about money—and fear.

Launching a product takes investment. That’s a fact. But fear of losing money stops more people than lack of money ever will.

Here’s a better question: what’s the ROI on not investing in yourself?

People put money into stocks, crypto, real estate—all things they can’t control. But when it comes to launching their own product? They freeze.

Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make.

If investing in yourself feels uncomfortable, know that you're completely normal.

But you have to ask yourself, "is being uncomfortable worth accomplishing my goals?"

So don't let the money excuse hold you back. You're worth the investment and doing nothing is the most expensive mistake of all.

Final Thoughts: Kill Your Excuses or Your Dream

These 7 excuses show up in almost every founder we meet—and overcoming them is the first real test of your entrepreneurial journey.

If you recognize any of them in yourself—good. That means you’re self-aware. And that awareness is the first step to change.

Success is a choice.

So ask yourself: Will I let fear, self-doubt, or other people’s opinions run my life? Or am I willing to overcome my excuses to create the life I want?

Because here’s the truth:

You can make excuses, or you can make money, but you can’t make both.

Entrepreneurship is the ultimate form of freedom. But you have to stop waiting for the perfect time, the perfect idea, or the perfect plan.

Those are just more excuses.

The real decision isn’t “can I do this?” It’s: "Will I do this?"

If you’re ready to stop making excuses, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today at ProductMentor.com/start and let’s see if we’re a fit.

Just don’t let “I’ll do it tomorrow” become Excuse #8 :)