Turn Procrastination into Action: The Minions Unusual Mental Health Warrior Tool
Bruce Schutter- May 7
- 5 min read
It happened on a Thursday. One of those days where the diet soda didn’t motivate, the to-do list looked like a novel, and the only motivation I had was to scroll endlessly while pretending I was being productive.
And then I heard it—the unmistakable sound of chaos approaching.
"BRUUUUUUUCE!!"
A blur of yellow crashed through my front yard. It was the Minions—wild-eyed, banana-fueled, and bouncing with excitement. Kevin was carrying a folder labeled "Top Secret Warrior Stuff," while Bob trailed behind, sipping a juice box and holding a glitter pen.
They burst into my living room like a mission was underway.
"We made a Mental Health Warrior tool!" Kevin announced. "We call it... Results or Excuses!"
Now, if you’re wondering why the Minions are showing up at my house with a mental health tool, it’s because they know my story.
After 20 years of battling Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD, I hit rock bottom and felt powerless—even attempting to end my life. But with a second chance, I uncovered something life-changing: Mental Health is the key to overcoming any challenge.
From my journey, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program—a new SELF-HELP approach, designed to help YOU take charge of your emotions, triumph over challenges and build the life you really want.
It’s not about waiting to be rescued—it’s about picking up the sword and rescuing yourself. And apparently, the Minions have been paying attention.
Despite their chaotic lives—launching themselves from cannons, chasing villains, accidentally blowing up kitchens—they understand that none of it works unless they take care of their mental health first. That’s how this tool was born.
The "Results or Excuses" Tool
Here’s the Minion philosophy in all its chaotic glory: Every time you face something hard—big or small—you’ve got two options: RESULTS or EXCUSES. You can have one, but not both!
Simple. Blunt. Minion logic at its finest.
But as it turns out, it's not just bananas and funny goggles. The Minions built this tool because, like us, they struggle. Despite their slapstick energy, they face emotional struggles every day. Their adventures are full of chaos, danger, and rejection.
They realized the key to bouncing back wasn’t just laughing it off—it was taking mental health seriously. And that meant choosing actions that move them forward.
So, when they feel stuck, they pause, breathe, and ask: "Do I want RESULTS or EXCUSES?" Then take one warrior-worthy action.
To show just how powerful this tool is, the Minions gave me three examples of how they use it—and how you can too!
Example 1: Stop the "Anxiety Avalanche"
Stuart explained his version: "Sometimes, my brain goes boom-boom with too many worries. Like, what if Gru fires us? What if the banana supply runs out? What if I mess up again? So, I sit in the closet with a juice box."
Then he said: "But then I remember: Results or Excuses. So, I pick ONE thing. I write my worry down, then I ground myself by realizing I can take that one action and get results. That helps me stop the anxiety avalanche as well as motivate me to take action."
Our Turn:
When anxiety hits, it’s easy to spiral into avoidance.
But here’s how we can Minion-fy that moment:
Pause.
Ask: Do I want relief through action, or excuses that keep me stuck?
Pick ONE thing to take action on, knowing that results will follow. And then act. Yup, that simple when we are not buried under an avalanche of worries!
You don’t need to solve it all today. Just choose movement over mental paralysis. That’s Warrior Work.
Example 2: Avoid the Depression Drop-Off
Bob spoke softly: "Some days, I no wanna get up. I feel like a wet sock." Honestly? That might be the most accurate depression description I’ve ever heard.
Bob continued: "But then… Results or Excuses. I tell myself, 'Okay, Bob, get sock self up. Put on ONE sock. Then pants. Then maybe toast.'"
He smiled proudly. "By lunch, I was vertical AND wearing matching shoes. That’s a win."
Our Turn:
When depression wants to turn us into couch zombies, this tool shines.
Pause and name what you're feeling.
Whisper (or yell), Results or Excuses.
Pick one ridiculously small action: sit up, splash water on your face, make toast.
It’s not about climbing the whole mountain. It’s about lacing up one boot. Momentum is everything.
Example 3: The "Why Bother" Antidote
Kevin explained this one: "Too many missions! Too many beeps on my phone! So, I yell into a pillow. Then panic. Then snack. Which gets me nowhere as I fall into the “Why Bother” trap.
But then I use… Results or Excuses Tool."
He grinned. "I pick ONE mission. I clean the lab table. Then I feel lighter, as I just took action and got results, putting to rest the question of “Why Bother”—as the results are the answer!
Our Turn:
When are brains are overwhelmed, we freeze and think “Why Bother.” But freezing just lets chaos pile up.
So, do this:
Take a breath (or yell into the pillow—Kevin-approved).
Ask: Results or Excuses?
Pick one simple mission: answer ONE email, clear ONE corner of the table, take ONE five-minute walk.
Even the smallest action disrupts the fog of “why bother.” Because Progress—no matter how small—builds momentum. And momentum? That’s Warrior Fuel!
Why This Tool Works
The brilliance of the Minion’s Tool "Results or Excuses" is in its simplicity
You don’t have to overthink it. You don’t have to wait until you "feel like it." You just have to ask the question. And act!
Excuses are tricky because they wear disguises: "I'm too tired," "I'll do it later," "This won't work anyway." But the truth? Excuses keep you stuck. Results move you forward.
Even when you don’t want to. Ok, especially when you don’t want to. Because Mental Health Warriors don’t wait for the perfect moment. We create progress in imperfect ones.
Wrap-Up
So, the next time you're staring down something hard—a spiral, a tough day, a task you’ve been avoiding—channel your inner Minion and us the “Results or Excuses” Tool.
✅ Pause.
✅ Ask: Results or Excuses?
✅ Then Take Action and Revel in the Results!
Because excuses feel safe—but they keep you stuck. Results move you forward. Every time you choose results, you build strength, momentum and the life you really want. That’s the Warrior way to rise from any challenge!
Bruce Schutter
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