A few months ago, I wrote about finding a “Victory Tower” moment in your life to help you boost your confidence. That was directed at helping you avoid damaging self talk which limits your potential. Today, I’d like to look at this from another side and talk about making excuses. A closely related topic, but slightly different.
My inspiration for this is the video below. Yes, I know it’s an informercial-type thing promoting a product. Check it out anyway and look at Art’s attitude as he goes though an amazing transformation:
You know, he could have just rolled over and died …
… or, he could have given up and stayed miserable for the rest of his life …
… or, he could have wallowed around and made excuses as to why he couldn’t change and improve himself.
And he likely did make excuses for some time before he decided to get up off his butt and start making some positive changes in his life. Look at him after 5 years of dedication and attitude adjustment.
It’s not all about the yoga. That was merely the vehicle for him getting back into shape. The important thing here is the actual moment of choice when Art decided enough was enough and he was going to do something about his circumstances.
So What’s Your Excuse?
A little over two years ago, I spoke with two people who had graciously offered to chat with me about my career path and making some changes. The advice they gave me was excellent, and I incorporated much of it into my life much to my benefit.
Each asked some tough questions. One question in particular, the same question from both, caused me to stop and reflect my circumstances. Instead of hitting it straight on, I hedged, and deflected with a ready-made excuse. It was a question I”d already asked myself, so I was prepared in a way. Perhaps I was trying more to convince myself I couldn’t do what they suggested. Looking back, I realize it was lame and ridiculous. Mulling it over reminded me that I really can do pretty much anything I put my mind to.
In the past several years I have come to know of some amazing people who were born with built-in reasons why they could just lie back and coast through life. Yet these folks are some of the most determined, and most successful, people in their fields. If those folks don’t lie around in self-pity and make excuses for not doing things, why do the rest us? Look at Art. He was told by a bevvy of experts that his life was pretty much over, yet he made some changes and went beyond what they – or he – thought he could do.
In the end it’s really up to you.
Others can help, but you have to make the first move by deciding you want to make positive changes. You have to decide to quit making excuses and start moving forward. Once you do, things may seem to move slowly. Once inertia takes over, though, you’ll be amazed at the great things you’ll accomplish and the positive things that’ll start happening to you.
So, what’s it going to be?
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