Ran across this trick that switches your mind out of defensive excuses mode and into an offensive problem solving mode.  Whenever you find yourself saying I want to do x BUT y.  Just replace the BUT with the word AND... then add a SO z on the end with a possible solution.

 

For example:

 

Defensive Excuses:

I'd like to see my family more, BUT I have to travel a lot for my job.

 

Problem Solving Statement:

I'd like to see my family more AND I have to travel a lot for my job, SO I need to figure out how to bring them along on trips more often or maybe find a new job.

 

Another:

I want to read more, BUT my morning commute just got longer and eats up my spare time.

<<turns into>>

I want to read more, AND my morning commute just got longer, eating up my spare time, SO maybe I could try audio books in the car and see if that gives me what I'm looking for.

 

And one last one:

I want to change the world, BUT I just don't have any influence.

<<turns into>>

I want to change the world AND right now I don't have any influence, SO let me build a tribe to leverage my influence into something that can make a difference.

 

You try some.