Never Make Excuses

I would like to share with you something that the most successful people I have ever met have in common.

They never make excuses. They take full responsibility.

Can you remember the last time a politician did that?

I sat in a meeting once with one of the wealthiest and most successful businessmen I have ever encountered.

The kind of person where you get there a day early if necessary, because there is simply no excuse for being late.

Someone came in behind schedule and gave him an excuse. Quite a creative one actually.

He smiled. Said nothing. Was perfectly polite.

That person walked away thinking they had got away with it. What a nice man. He completely bought it, he thought.

They never heard from him again. That is not rudeness. Those were his standards. He did not argue, did not confront, did not explain himself.

He just quietly closed the door on the person who made excuses. And I have never forgotten it.

I bet you know someone who always has an excuse. It is never their fault. There is always a reason. Chances are they are not a very successful person going through life blaming others.

I am very careful about having anyone like that in my business or friendship circle, because ultimately they will let you down at a critical moment.

However, It is a bit awkward, though, when they are a family member.