In Dr. Wayne Dyer's latest book, Excuses Begone, he states the biggest mistake people make is allowing themselves to use excuses for not doing things we are capable of doing. Most of us are guilty of not doing something we should have. When we are questioned about our lack of results, do we accept responsibility and admit we are at fault?

 

 

Usually not. Instead we make excuses.

Excuses negate responsibility, and it is responsibility that separates man from the rest of the animal kingdom. Unlike other animals, we are responsible not for what we have, but for what we could have; not for what we are, but for what we could become. If we are to take credit for our successes, we must assume responsibility for our failures. Trying to hide our failures with excuses is like concealing a small hole in our garment with a large patch; it only makes the matter worse.

Excuses are harmful because they prevent one from succeeding.

 

When we make excuses and repeat them often enough, they become a belief. The belief then becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, an agent discouraged by his poor sales starts to blame the sellers for his lack of productivity. "No one wants to buy my listings because they are all overpriced." he says. After repeatedly making this excuse, he begins to believe it is true. The result? Dismal production. Compare this with a responsible sales professional. After hearing many prospects complain about the high price, he accepts responsibility. "It is my fault they are not buying," the rep says, "it's my job to convince the seller to price it properly or remove it from the market." Once we accept responsibility, we can evaluate our actions and take corrective measures to find solutions to our problems. Excuses, on the other hand, are like stop signs; they halt our progress.

By refusing to make excuses and embracing responsibility, we reap many rewards. The successes brought by this attitude act as a foundation for self-respect, pride, and confidence. Responsibility breeds competence and power. By living up to our promises and obligations, we win the trust of others. Once we are seen as trustworthy, people will willingly work with us, for our mutual gain. So, you see, making excuses can put the brakes on our progress, while accepting responsibility can lead us to the top.


Here are 4 steps to stop making excuses and start building a successful life.

1. Realize that your success or failure depends on you.It depends on the choices you make. It depends on your attitude. Resolve to start accepting responsibility today. Don't find an excuse, find a way. Don't make excuses, make good. 

 

2. Beware of rationalization. We make excuses to hide behavior we are ashamed of. Rationalization is the process of trying to hide shameful conduct from ourselves. This is dangerous because we become unaware of what we are doing.

3. From time to time, stop and examine your progress. Compare where you are now with where you would like to be. Ask yourself why is there a gap between these two points. Don't make excuses. Make plans and take corrective action.

4. When you make a mistake, accept responsibility; learn from it; and don't repeat it. Use your time for discovering solutions instead of inventing excuses.