A lot of times in my life I have not only heard my friends, but myself, make excuses as to why we could not achieve or do something. While this is not a natural habit for me, when it does occur, the excuse-making is often because I see the goal I want to achieve as impossible.
NOT ANYMORE!!!
This spring break I got the chance to go to Italy and I took it. At first, I started to make the excuse of not being able to afford it. I also started to make the excuse that I would have tons of school work that I would not be able to keep up with if I went away for a week.
Then I thought about how I had wanted to go out of the country while I was in undergrad but had been too focused on graduating in three years, paying for my tuition, and my overall education to be side tracked by going to a different country. Since this was the first time I was truly thinking about traveling to another country, I started to think logically about the excuses I was making. The first excuse, that I financially would not be able to afford it, was squashed because of three fundraisers that occurred to raise money for the trip. The second excuse was also moot due to my organization and ability to get my school work done in advance. Once these first two excuses were figured out, I started to realize that my other excuses could be figured out as well.
Now I am on my way to Italy, to learn about culture, history, and a group of individuals who might be similar or different from me.
In short, I am sharing this short story of excuses turned into chances because I want you to take a chance! You owe it to yourself as a leader and as a person.
- Do not let the excuses in the back of your head cloud your judgement.
- If the excuses you are making seem reasonable, try thinking about them logically.
- Ask a friend, family member, or your team for their outside perspective on the situation.
- Think about what kind of help or assistance can be provided so that you can take your chance.
“There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
– Nelson Mandela
