Reasons or Excuses

Turning Excuses into Reasons

It is amazing what people tell themselves and others. People don’t know they are fooling themselves but not fooling others. Self-deception goes along with distractions and procrastinations; the two most widespread malaises of our current societies. Take time to listen to what you are telling yourself and to others.

1.      Self-Education. “I am not really into reading, I am more into sports.”  Reading is the most powerful habit. All great leaders are great readers, not all great readers are great leaders. Choose the right books to read. Unplug the noise and plug into great books and audios.

2.      Money. “I don’t have money to invest.” You must educate yourself about money. Stop spending and start investing. When it comes to money all that really counts is what you do with what you keep.

3.      Security. “My job is secure and the benefits are great.” There are no more secure jobs. Security today is found in the quality of our thinking and the speed of our learning. Master your craft. Invest in yourself. Empty your wallet into your head and that is the most secure place to put the fruits of your labor.

4.      Time. “I only have 10 more years before I can re-tire.” Retiring is an old concept created in the long gone industrial age. Time is the most valuable asset we have; treat it as such. We have to invest time is we want our time back. Never forget that money can be made again; time cannot. Another one people often say is: “I prayed about it and god said I should not pursue this opportunity at the moment.”  How can it be if God always wants your future to be greater than your past? Who is self-deceived here? I doubt it is God!

5.      Family. “I already have enough family and friends.”  Are they truly your friends? Who do you go to when things get tough? Likely to family and friends. How important are they to you and you to them? Invest in building relationships with your loved ones.

6.      Travel. “Traveling is not safe.” Traveling is fun and educational. There is a world out there waiting for you to discover. Traveling opens our minds by expanding our worldviews.

7.      Giving. “I will be a big giver when I can afford it.”  Giving only becomes effective when it hurts to give. When we sacrifice ourselves for the benefit of others we start to understand what service really is all about. Start being a big giver then you will be able to afford not only what you need but all that you ever wanted.

Have you heard any of the above? Did your brain twitch? Take the above to heart and you will be a step ahead of the pack. Never let these viruses infect the software running your brains. Save yourself then help others to save themselves.

Will you join my cause to fight mediocrity in America? Pass these nuggets on to others.

We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give. Be a giver in a world of takers.

Be blessed and be a blessing to others.

Carlos Fontana, President of Phalanx
Co-author of the book Follow to Lead (The 7 Principles to Being a Great Follower)
Author of the book PRICELESS (Sixty-Six Simple Stories of Reflection, Love, and Legacy)