The Top 28 Excuses…

…that get in the way of success…

When I was a young Operations Manager, about to start a new project, my Chairman took me out for lunch and said...

"In my business you can give me results or excuses; which will you give me more of...?"

I chose Results - and hence the name of our company - Results Rules OK..

As Business Coach, from time to time I get given a variety of excuses why Results have not been achieved, objectives completed or sales made.

So these are my Top 28 Excuses that I don't allow my clients to use - if they have any others, I just add them to the list so that they can't be used again..

If we take away the excuses, all that is left is Results...

Enjoy - if you have any others you think I should add, drop me a note...

1. I can’t afford it – then you just don’t want it bad enough yet…
2. I don’t have the time – yes you do, you simply have the wrong priorities…
3. My business is special – you’re special; the business is fine…
4. I don’t know how – then find out, it’s called the internet, or buying a book…
5. It’s the recession – the only recession is that surrounding your activity level…
6. I was off sick – if you’re alive you’re OK; stop moaning and get on with it…
7. I’m too old – if you believe that, then quit and make way for someone else…
8. I’m too young – I bet an old person told you that; ignore them and step up…
9. I’m scared – FEAR = Finding Excuses, Avoiding Responsibility – do it anyway…
10. But it hurts – pain is just your best excuses leaving your body…
11. Clients buy on Price – if you let them; show more value and put your prices up…
12. The competition is killing me – then join them while we get on being Awesome…
13. But I’m not a Sales Person – if you’re in business, you’re in sales…
14. Don’t like Presenting – but if you did, imagine your results – get on stage…
15. I’m happy here – you’re not here to be happy, you’re here to make a difference
16. Books are boring – not if I hit you over the head with them they won’t be...
17. That won’t work here – if I held a gun to your head I bet it would; find a way…
18. I’m too busy – really; bet you still go on holiday, sleep and have weekends…?
19. I want to think about it – you don’t have the equipment; stop procrastinating…
20. Head Office support sucks – you suck for needing them; build your business…
21. It’s my Team – no; it’s your leadership, the team are fine; you hired them…
22. If I train them they’ll leave – what if you don’t and they stay..?
23. I forgot – then I may forget to pay you too this month…
24. Traffic was bad – no $#it, how unusual, leave early; your dreams won’t wait…
25. It’s August / December – then take massive action and cancel your vacation…
26. I’m male / female / gay / straight – well spotted; don’t become a stereotype…
27. We've always done it that way – that’s why you've always been mediocre too…
28. My PC crashed – then stop looking at porn and get back to work…
29. I’m out of signal range – nice try, unless you’re in Antarctica, you’re in range…
30. The car broke down – then make more money and buy a decent one…

 Yes – there are 30 here not 28 – the biggest limitation on success is being restricted by the boundaries you place around yourself and the self-imposed rules you choose to apply to your levels of success – always over deliver...