By Rob Liano, The Rock Star Sales Trainer

“Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.” ~George Washington

It was Christmas night in 1776 and it was bitter cold.  Boats carrying about 2,000 American soldiers barely made it across the river because of the ice in the water, but this did not stop our first President from crossing the Delaware.  George Washington was successful because he did not make excuses.

Did you know that there are websites that will provide you with excuses? I am not kidding. Some are funny and some are serious, but all of them are readily available so that you may excuse yourself from a multitude of situations. Ranging from excuses for dating, missing work or school, to excuses for encounters with police.

Why the need for excuses?

Guilt is a powerful force that can often prevent us from telling the truth, and therefore we make excuses, also known as lies, to let us off of the hook.

For example: Let’s say you’re not actually sick, but you just don’t feel like working one day. This is where you’ll find the need for an excuse, because you can’t call into your job and say “I don’t feel like working today so I’m not coming in” unless you’re okay with the boss saying “I don’t feel like paying you so you’re fired.”

As you can imagine, being a sales and success coach I encounter many people who want to be more successful. When I ask them why they aren’t where they’d like to be, I often hear answers such as . . .

• Because my kids take up all of my time.
• Because my spouse won’t let me take a second job.
• Because no one will teach me how to use a computer.
• Because I’m too old to go to school now.
• Because my parents never taught me to . . .
• And so on

All excuses.

“Take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame.” Erica Jong

Cash this reality check

You cannot blame others for your failures, unless you also give them the credit for your success. That’s only fair right?  The point is that you must choose to accept full responsibility for both the good and bad in both your business and your personal life. When you do so, a few wonderful things happen.

1: You’re set free and realize that you have more control over your life and future and the impact you can have on others.

2: You will enjoy your accomplishments that much more because you overcame obstacles, instead of giving up or accepting mediocrity.

3: You grow stronger and feel empowered taking on more responsibility.

4: People respect those who own up to their actions and also forgive them for any mistakes or failures, and this just feels good.

Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” What if he had given up or made excuses? Do you think Bill Gates makes excuses or finds solutions? You might say “well I’m not Bill Gates” and you’d be correct, however that doesn’t mean that you can’t employ the same strategies that he and countless others have used for their successes. And you can start by eliminating excuses.

• Have you utilized every option or resource to overcome any barriers you might be facing?
• Have you accepted that your success is largely dependent upon your actions?
• Have you taken full responsibility for your choices?
• What excuses might you be making in your life and career?

Write down whatever might be standing in your way, even if it’s you! And whether the obstacles seem like cracks in the sidewalk or mountains, figure out how you can remove them. Take responsibility, be proactive in your career and your life, and start today!

Now if you’ll excuse me . . .

Rob Liano’s Mini Bio:

Rob Liano, the Rock Star Sales Trainer, is a best selling author and the founder of Integrity First Consulting Group, Inc. A company designed to inspire success and impact the lives of others. Through logic, insight and humor, Rob Liano has brought a fresh perspective to Personal Development and Professional Achievement.

Rob’s Links

Rob Liano Rock Star Sales & Success Coach

www.rockstarsalestraining.com

http://robliano.wordpress.com

A Message from Jaki ~ Thank you

Thanks Rob. I remember how my life was when I existed on a diet of excuses. I definitely wasn’t happy, I felt frustrated by all of the things that felt were out of my control. Then I woke up to the fact that I was response-able ~ in other words I could choose my response to anything and everything and through my choices the quality of my life would and did change. This is such a timely reminder.

I am grateful to have ‘met’ Rob through the Brian Tracy Guest Blogger Competition – wow he was serious competition, he kept me on my toes, pushed me outside my comfort zones and helped me to grow – I look forward to a long friendship and to being on the stage with him next year :))) Way to Go Rob – You really are a Rock Star :))

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In Gratitude

Jaki :)