I have spent the better part of my life working to better the lives of people, reaching the up and out to the down and out, helping rocky marriages and helping to launch rocketing careers. I have seen my share of both challenges and treaties, defeats and triumphs. Throughout them all, nothing can replace the accelerating feeling of being a part of helping someone finally reach the apex of their abilities.
On the other hand, I have experienced some huge let downs, seeing such talented and gifted people strive to reach that all too elusive dream, but giving up without realizing they were right at the threshold of success. These people didn’t stop because they just didn’t have any more strength to continue; they gave up because they just decided to quit. They walked away—stopped fighting in the middle of the round. How do you decide to just quit?
In retrospect, when I interviewed these people, I heard them give some of the oddest excuses to why they just quit. One promising football player said he was tired of the coaches yelling at him. He felt humiliated and felt belittled. It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said, “No One Can Make You Feel Inferior without Your Consent.” I asked this promising football player, “Do you know everything about the game and what you are supposed to do?” “No.” he replied. So, I mentioned, what is in you that you cannot understand coaches are there to help you enhance your ability, to sharpen your skills, and to equip you with everything possible for you to be your best. If yelling is how they do it, remember they can easily replace you with someone willing to listen.
Another person admitted it was shear fear of actually being a success and the cost to maintain it, which caused him to quit. Mediocrity can be more attractive than success for some people. However, with those who look to succeed, despite the cost, mediocrity is unacceptable and success is the only reason to push to the end.
“Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.”
~George Washington Carver
A quitter doesn’t have to search hard for excuses because they are everywhere. The dog ate my homework, I don’t like dealing with the IRS, what if, it can’t be done, too many people are in the line, I tried it, it doesn’t work, and the list of excuses goes on and on like the energizer bunny.
Please hear me when I say, if you really want to do something in your life, no excuse can be found; but when you really do not want to do something, any excuse will do. If you decide you want to start a business but you don’t have all the money to start, start something with the money you have. Find a hundred dollars a month or five hundred every month and save it for a year. Don’t look at putting everything in place before you start; start with what you can muster up…no excuses. Follow the suggestion of Nike, and just do it! Yes, I’m yelling at you. So what!
Why are you deceiving yourself by claiming you only want to start at the top? No one starts a business at the top. You cannot be that naïve to believe what you may be suggesting. This is just a way to convince yourself that starting at the bottom is unacceptable, which has given you a reason not to do it. My friend, ‘not starting’ is unacceptable. The only people who will begin at the top of their career field are grave diggers…and they will eventually find themselves in a hole.
Stop looking for reasons to quit; and while you are in hot pursuit of your dream, continue scanning your brain for reasons to keep moving on. If you start your business the right way and with the right attitude, you won’t have to start it again.
** We would like to hear from you. Please write your comments below on how this article helped you. Use the Media Buttons to share with your friends
Recommended Reading:
I frequently say, “Readers are leaders and leaders are readers.” I strongly believe this statement; therefore, I have taken the time to recommend reading material that I believe will greatly benefit your life and business endeavors. Click the images to see more information or to order the books from Amazon.com.
Come let’s talk some more about this, commet your thoughts below.
Leave a Reply