No More Excuses

Yesterday at a Gathering of Men, one man spoke of having done something for which he got in some serious trouble earlier in life. Before helping him, his father asked him why he had done what he had done. He then said that his father gave him serious instruction on the difference between ‘reasons’ and ‘excuses’. His comments challenged me to look at many of the so-called reasons I have given myself for not doing things I could have done, and for not refraining from doing things I should have avoided.

Excuses always point a finger of blame. Looking back on mistakes, poor judgments, or things for which I was just wrong in my life, I often attributed blame to someone else, a situation, or some occurrence which I described as beyond my control.  However, in many instances it was an attempt to justify myself or my behavior. It may be a fact and a logical reason that something has occurred, however, even if the reason is good, it does not have to become an excuse. As I learn how to take more responsibility for my behavior without excuses, I become more accountable to myself, to others, and to God, even when there were extenuating circumstances which could serve as a valid excuse.

Whether you find yourself blaming the government, the wealthy, this person, that person, this group of people, that group of people, situations, or even God, in your mind, your success or failure will always depend on someone or something except you. So the next time you are late for work or for an appointment and you are tempted to blame the traffic or anything, try taking full responsibility, even if traffic was heavy, and see if you don’t discover that you could have done something that would have produced a different outcome.

We can achieve greater success in all areas of our lives when we become disciplined for success with a spirit of excellence. No more excuses! Let’s get disciplined!