It’s a harsh statement, I know.
It’s easier to blame. We blame other people. We blame the economy. We blame customers. We blame time. We blame our situation. We blame money. We blame the boss. We blame the system. We blame the weather. We may even blame a higher power.
Being accountable for your own success will make you successful. It’s as simple as that.
I read a lot of business books written by very intelligent and very accomplished businesspeople. Regardless of the author or the subject, one common theme emerges: Your excuses are your own.
Greatness in any form doesn’t come easily. It requires sacrifice, discipline, passion, commitment and perseverance against overwhelming odds. History is rich with examples of achievers who reached their goals despite possible excuses.
Over the years I’ve heard different excuses from struggling entrepreneurs:
“I don’t have the money to build my business.” Go find it.
“I’m too sick to work.” Hire others to work for you.
“I don’t have the time.” Make better use of the time you do have.
“I’m not sure what to do.” Work with people smarter than you.
Once we take full responsibility for whatever we aim to achieve – it could be starting a business, launching a new career, finishing school, finding our soul mate, raising a child – the excuses magically disappear. In fact, our former excuses may become a source of motivation.
Your excuses are your own. So don’t make any. Just get going.
Roger Pierce
This week’s guest blogger is Roger Pierce, one of Canada’s top small business experts. He takes what’s he’s learned from starting and running 12 small businesses and shares it with thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide.
His company, Pierce Content Marketing, creates advice-rich how-to articles, guides and videos to help large corporations to engage entrepreneurs.
Roger writes about small business issues for a number of leading Canadian publications. He’s also co-author of the book, Thriving Solo: How to Grow a Successful Business.
He may be reached at Newcomerstartup.com.
