Using excuses is the method of avoiding undesirable work or the indicator of the absence of the willingness to be changed. Usually, excuses are perceived negatively, as most people appear to be confident that refusal to participate in changes is the manifestation of cowardice and weakness. However, I notice that people around me use the excuses from the 50 Reasons Not to Change graphics daily, with the purpose not to put efforts of any kind (ChangeCom, 2014). Among the most frequent are: it is impossible, it is too expensive, and it will take too long (ChangeCom, 2014). I often deny such excuses and try to convince others not to be afraid of changes. I believe that all successful ideas initially seem impossible, while time and finances are required for any endeavor. I am confident that it is better to attempt and fail instead of avoiding actions and regretting missed opportunities.
My Experience from the Use of the Excuses
Despite my inadmissibility to excuses and inner desire to act, sometimes I notice myself using excuses unconsciously. I must admit that it is challenging for me to perform the actions to which I was not assigned. It implies that I often explain my unwillingness to change with not having the authority to decide and act (ChangeCom, 2014). Although I usually take situations where I do not put sufficient efforts because of not being in charge, as a lost opportunity, I am still unable to go against my inner feelings and not use excuses.
My Methods of Overcoming the Thinking, which Leads to Excuses
To overcome the thinking about using excuses instead of putting efforts into changes, I apply two approaches. The first method, described by Mirchevski (2019), I utilize, is not overthinking. This bad habit implies the constant reflection that results in the establishment of additional challenges in advance, making a person avoid the opportunity instead of acting. Following this approach, I do not consider difficulties, which are unlikely to occur. The second technique is not to let my “later” become “never,” which implies not postponing the time of working (Mirchevski, 2019). It is not particularly difficult for me, as I am a kind of person who tends to take action immediately if I see a reasonable possibility. I believe that anyone can reject excuses through the use of various techniques and find the inner motivation to participate in changing the state of affairs about which they concern.
Seth Godins Concept and My Opinion about It
Seth Godin, an American author and former business executive, suggested a concept called “the idea of tribes.” It implies that people have a connection to different tribes, such as work and community ones (Godin, 2009). This assumption describes the certain dependence by which a person can spread an idea through assembling tribes, which unite individuals and engage them to accept the change. According to the mentioned concept, a human who wants to amend the state of affairs does not need billions of associates. A thousand of people are enough to trigger a chain reaction of changes (Godin, 2009). I agree with this concept as I have noticed that persons tend to share innovative visions. I believe that a single individual is able to make changes in society with one successful motion.
Outcomes from this Exercise to Utilize
The consideration of common reasons for excuses and methods of overcoming the thinking that leads to them is particularly beneficial for every person. I deepened my knowledge regarding the causes of excuses I have utilized and concluded that I should stop avoiding the situations that seem to be not in my authority. It will help my career further, as I intend to demonstrate my leadership to occupy a better position. I examined “the idea of tribes” and found it reliable and applicable to the contemporary world, where information sharing is an ordinary and straightforward practice. This concept pushes me to use it in my area of expertise to make people accept the changes I suggest with minor efforts.
References
ChangeCom. (2014). 50 reasons not to change. Web.
Godin, S. (2009). The tribes we lead. TED. Web.
Mirchevski, B. (2019). Stop with the excuses-it is time to make a change. Medium. Web.