Three Words That Will Change Your Life
I recently typed three words into Microsoft Word …
I changed the font to my favorite font (Verdana) and the point size to 48.
I printed them out … cut off the bottom of the page … and posted the three words up above my desk.
I did this because one of the three words defines something that Brian Tracy says is primary cause for failure in life.
Tracy was talking about our tendency in life to make "excuses" for our mistakes and failures.
The three words I tacked up above my desk and the three words I'm confident will change your life are …
"No More Excuses."
Tracy adds that "the continuous making of excuses and trying to explain away our faults, our problems and our deficiencies instead of accepting full responsibility for our lives and doing something to change them is one of the critical factors that holds people back from ever achieving their potential as human beings."
U.S.statesman and Founding Father Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) once said, "He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else."
English poet Alexander Pope (1688–1744) was quoted as saying, "An excuse is worse than a lie, for an excuse is a lie, guarded."
These are just a few of the millions of possible excuses in life …
"I don't have enough time."
"I can't because American Idol is on tonight and I never miss it."
"I'm not going to phone up XYZ Company because they'll probably just say no."
"I'll have a piece of pie because it's my favorite pie. I'll start my diet tomorrow."
"I'm too tired to go for a walk."
"I'm not smart enough."
Can you relate to any of the above? Do you have any common excuses you’ve made to slow down your own progress towards living the writer’s life?
If so, here's a quick four-step formula for eliminating excuses from your life:
- First, you have to recognize when you're making excuses – Every time you come up with an excuse, be aware of it. Identify it as an excuse – and as something you have to rise above.
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Accept once and for all that you have to take responsibility for everything that happens in your life – If you're not as successful as you want to be and not living the life you always hoped for, you have to accept complete responsibility for your situation. Then whenever you begin to come up with an excuse, simply say to yourself, "I am responsible."
Note: This is also a key step in eliminating negative emotions, which I talked about in an article I told you about yesterday: Achieve More, Reduce Stress and Live Happier When You Eliminate Negative Emotions From Your Life Forever.
- Make a decision that you're either going to be successful or you're not – If you're content where you are, there's no need to change. But if you're not – make a decision that from this day forward, you're not going to rely on excuses to justify your inaction. And that you will achieve all the goals you set out for yourself in life.
- Type "No More Excuses" into your word processing software, increase the font size, change it to your favorite font (if you so desire), and then print it out – Then find a nice place in your office where it's visible during the day and tape it to your wall.
Are you ready to live your life with "No More Excuses?"
I know I am.
If your excuses have paralyzed you into inaction …
… it's time to take action.
There's no better remedy for excuse-making than good constructive action towards your goals. Get started with those action items I listed above, and if you have any questions or comments for me, share them below.
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How is this for an excuse? I do not have the money to take advantage of what you have to offer to help me on my road to success therefore I feel lost on what actions to take from here. If you can help me with this please advise.
Thank you, Cindy Cynthia M Leverett
Guest (Cindy) – May 25, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Cindy--I'm sure JOhn will have his own response, but if you don't have the money, then that is the first step in your plan--to figure out how to get the money. I know there are monthly plans for a small amount. Maybe there is an expense you can cut out like cable tv or clip coupons for groceries to make the difference or something. Or perhaps there is something you can do to supplement your income...even baby sitting one or two nights a month would pay for this. Get creative--if you want it you can do it!
Cindy Cyr – May 26, 2011 at 7:37 am
John--love this--so easy to fall into the trap of excuses. If there is something we want badly enough, then we are resourceful enough to find a way to make it happen. Printing my sign as a reminder.
Cindy Cyr – May 26, 2011 at 7:38 am
Hi Cindy #1
I understand where you're coming from. It's very easy to feel lost and somewhat helpless when it comes to getting where you want to be.
But as they say "if there's a will, there's a way." I would map out a goal achieving plan and try to do at least a little each day to move yourself forward.
Whatever obstacles that pop up -- whether it's lack of focus, lack of time or lack of funds -- these are all things that can be overcome. Believe in yourself and good things will happen.
John Wood – May 27, 2011 at 9:54 am
Good article John! Your words reflect where I am in life; ready to stop making excuses and move foward. Thanks for the encouragement!
Melissa30 – June 6, 2011 at 1:05 pm