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We
Love Our Excuses
By Ed Rigsbee, CSP
(803 words)
Excuses reign
supreme
within the under achiever’s personal stand for both business and
life—this doesn’t have to be. While I personally blame my three older
sisters for all the problems in my life, the universe doesn’t care. All
that matters to the universe is my definitive action.
I
Need Help
Here is an overused word;
“Please help me,” “I could use a little help,” “Can you help me
out?” We are so used to asking for help that we have become co-dependent
in the many facets of our lives. Ever thought of doing it yourself? Back
in the 1980s Lifespring, an outcropping of Est, taught countless thousands
that “hope with the how” was a hallow promise. Twenty some odd years
later, I think they were right.
Exploring help and hope
reveals why so many people in today’s society have excuses for
everything. From the proverbial, “The dog ate my homework” to the
tiresome old saw, “It’s not my job” we find ourselves mired in
mediocrity—and it is not necessary. So what do you say, what’s your
favorite excuse?
It’s
My Boss’ Fault
When did your boss become
responsible for your success? “When I was hired,” you say—really? So
your boss gave you an opportunity to achieve and your failure is on his or
her back? I don’t think so! Granted, there are some real idiots that
have climber their way to extreme levels of personal incompetence in
overseeing others; however they are not as prevalent as many would have
their friends believe.
Sure, union workers have
absolutely no motivation to achieve, but they are not reading this
article. You are. Today, now, is the time to give it up. Stop blaming your
boss and start looking in the mirror. If you are lucky enough to still
have a job you can be responsible enough to make a difference at your
place of work.
They
Don’t Like Me
“They don’t like me
in this department,” you say—so what! They are not paid to like you.
And, you are not paid to like them. However, everyone is paid to be
professional, responsible, courteous, and respectful of one another. If
co-workers are truly sabotaging your effectiveness and success, then you
have something about which to complain. If not, suck it up and get your
job done. Do you think your company’s off-shore competitors coddle their
employees? I don’t think so! Oh, you didn’t realize that your company
has off-shire competitors—wake up. Everybody has off-shore competitors.
This
Job Just Isn’t Fulfilling
“This job doesn’t
float my boat,” you say? OMG, it’s not 1985. Sure thing; we all want a
fulfilling position and some of us are lucky enough to have such a
job—or were smart enough to select a career they love. While you might
read volumes about X-gen and Y-gen workers and about all their demands,
most of that went out the door when the recession started. As a matter of
fact, many boomers lost so much of their retirement in the collapse that
thousands are delaying their retirement or are returning to work. I’m
not suggesting that employers go back to pre-1920 policies of worker abuse
but I am suggesting that we are in a time of balance. I realize that many
believe the Federal Government will take care of their needs, but that is
not a constitutional charge of the government. And at some point the money
will run out–dramatically reducing entitlement programs. My suggestion
is this; if you have a job, be appreciative and work hard to serve your
employer.
I’m
the Wrong Color, or Gender, or…
“The world is against
me,” you say? Have you noticed who the President of the United Stated of
America is? He sure is not a bald old White man. It is time to get off the
tired excuse of your skin color, gender, country of origin. If your
English is lousy, I’ll give you that one…if you’ll accept that your
lousy English is a matter of choice rather than a condition of your birth.
I admit that I see racism
and bigotry frequently in business environments; I’ll also state that I
see it emanating from people of all walks of life and not just one group
of people. My take; the citizenry of the United States of America have
become so sensitive to race, gender, sexual orientation, political, and
religious issues that they have allowed themselves to effectively become
immobilized. Don’t you ever get tired of whining? I sure do.
Where
Are We Going?
Where is
America
going? Your guess is as good as mine. I will state this however; Capitalism
breeds entrepreneurialism and entrepreneurialism is the sustenance
salvation available to you, me, and to any American, just for the taking.
So what’s your excuse?
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Copyright 2010 Ed Rigsbee
As
an internationally recognized speaker on partnering, Ed Rigsbee says what many
people are thinking but afraid to say. He is the author of several hundred
articles and a number of books on business topics. Ed travels
internationally to share his business growth expertise through consulting,
training, and keynote presentations. He has been an adjunct professor for
two California
universities, yet he prides himself, a practical business thought leader.
Additionally, Ed’s avocation is serving as CEO & Executive Director
for a non-profit public charity. You may contact Ed through http://www.Rigsbee.com.
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