When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.” (John 5:6-7 KJV)
Mark Twain said, “There are a thousand excuses for failure but never a good reason.” Some of these excuses may sound rational or plausible but not tenable in the school of success. Tell yourself this truth – “ No matter how reasonable my excuse for failure is, it exculpates me from success.
I describe alibi as rational excuse. And because it’s rational, it may be delusional in the school of success and in turn becomes a liability.
The man by the Pool of Bethesda had obvious and pathetic reasons why he remained an invalid for 38 years, but his reasons were not good enough since they didn’t change his pitiable position. Any excuse that impedes your progress, no matter how reasonable, is not good and must be expunged.
Please note that excuse enervates your potentials and expels the use of your senses to determine the way out of any challenge. There’s always a way out of every situation if you can assault it with your deep thoughts. Hear this: For every closed door, there are at least seven substitute doors to access. (Deut.28:7) In the words of Thomas Alva Edison, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.
I heard a statement from the very revered global evangelist, Uma Ukpai many years ago that has always resonated in my spirit. He said, “To excuse yourself is to accuse yourself.” Suffice it to say then that to excuse failure no matter how rational, is to be complicit with failure.
Here are 6 practical steps that have helped me in no small measure in wading off excuses and I believe they will be of immense help to you when applied.
1. Take Personal Responsibility.
Life without responsibility is a liability. When you take full responsibility for your success, excuses will be non-existent in your lexicon. Jesus said that He has the power to lay down His life and take it back. No excuses! It’s a commandment from God because He has empowered us to be responsible. (John 10:18)
2. Self-Discipline.
The major differentiator of achievers from non-achievers is self-discipline. Self-discipline will empower you to do the things required for success and not to do the things that may be permissible but not expedient or necessary for success. (1 Cor.9:25)
3. Think!
Poor thinkers are great excusists! Great thinkers are great problem solvers! Poor thinkers follow the path of least resistance. Voltaire said, “No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.” Task your brain and enjoy the rain of ideas. (Eph.3:20; Phil.4:6-8)
4. Be Determined.
When you’re resolute to succeed nothing deters you. You never accept a no for an answer. Determination empowers you to even deter yourself from stopping you to significant success. (1 Cor.2:2)
5. Believe the Word.
Faith in God and His Word gives you stability in decision making. When you are stable in all your ways you don’t entertain any form or shade of excuse. (James 1:6-8)
6. Mind Your Company.
The man by the Pool of Bethesda became too comfortable in the company of invalids that he was in that pitiable and parlous state for 38 years still making excuses. Your company can influence your thinking, actions and inactions. Therefore, avoid the company of failure apologists and embrace the company of the successful and the forward thinkers. (Prov.13:20)
It’s over to you! As for me, no more excuses!
To your most responsible life,
✝️Tochukwu Kemakolam
Prime Minister
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