After years of experience and countless hours of practice, I am now declaring myself an official expert excuse maker. I realized this fact while watching serial entrepreneur and motivational international speaker Duane Spires at the Southeast Entrepreneurship Conference (SEEC) at the University of Tampa.
Duane Spires said, “There are two types of people, action takers or excuse makers, which are you?” I initially thought that I was the former and not the latter, but he continued. “What are you doing every single hour? Letting things be excuses are going to allow you to turn the wheels, you will be in the same place next year.” My stomach sank as I thought about the past year. Sure I am now married and a I have a few more bucks in my savings account, but what have I really done to improve my life in the past 12 months?
I have never had a lack of good ideas, and I have certainly had more opportunities to succeed than the average person. So what is holding me back? Excuses!
Duane continued; “When you take positive action, something is going to happen.” Could it really be that simple? When you think of it, of course it is that simple. Getting your hands dirty and taking action in something you believe in will create a result. Whether that result is failure or success, it is a learning experience and a step in the right direction.
I took the motivation from the event and from Duane’s inspiration to pull out business cards I had been holding on to for nearly two years. I had failed to follow through with about 70 connections. No more excuses. I am taking the initiative to be an action taker and not an excuse maker.
Excuse time is over. Take the steps to become an action taker and do something now!
Michael Luchies is an entrepreneur at heart, avid sports fan, and supporter of entrepreneurship. He has been published on Under30CEO, Yahoo! News, ThinkEntrepreneurship.com, and others. Michael serves as the National Growth and Programs Manager for the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO).
