What're you doing in the box, Ana-Christina? 
  

Oh, just hanging out, actually. 
  

In front of 300 people.
 

Last week, I was giving a commencement address for the Spring graduation for Anthem College, Aurora, CO.  And we talked about the EXCUSES BOX.  How it's convenient to step into it.  And stay there.  Even though it might not be healthy for you.  Might not be effective, efficient, fun, OR comfortable...  and, sometimes we hang out in there.

It keeps you from being as professional as you could be. 
 

It keeps you from being as effective as you could be. 
 

It keeps you from being the person you could be.
 

"I'm too old.  I'm too young - I'll do it later.  Why am I always the one to have to take the first step?  If he/she loved me, he/she would ______. I don't have enough money.  I don't have the title.  My boss will take care of it.  They don't pay me enough to do that.  Let the people who get paid more do it.  It won't work anyway."  Add your own comments here:  "________________"

The problem is that we get stuck in that stupid box.  We get comfortable and we don't move.
  

So what will it take for YOU to get out of the EXCUSES BOX?

Steps.  I talk about this in all of my workshops.  Take a step. 
 

1) Find a role model or mentor.  A person of character.  Watch how they conduct their lives.  Listen to how they talk to people.  Copy them a little if you need to.  (Doesn't even need to be someone you know personally - can be an author, artist, athlete, etc.)
  

2) Do something you "always wanted to do."  You know this is one of my favorite tools.  Take a step.  A student in a workshop last week was driving ON HER WAY HOME from the workshop and saw a bumper sticker that reminded her of something she "always wanted to do."  Fencing.  So she took a step, researched classes, signed up for a class, and she's going for it on Feb. 15.  Way to move!

3)  Do SOMETHING DIFFERENT. If life stinks right now, or if you are just supremely bored and tired of it, do SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
 

I can guarantee that you will stay stuck in the EXCUSES BOX until you change something and step out.
  

When you find yourself in the EXCUSES BOX.  Or - when life gets tough and you find yourself stepping back INTO the box...

Make a change.  Take a step.  Make it your goal to leave it empty.
 

Stepping out of that Box -  Ana-Christina