No More Excuses This New Year

By John O'Leary. This was originally posted on JohnOLearyInspires.com. When John O'Leary was 9 years old, he suffered burns over 100% of his body and was expected to die. He is now an inspirational speaker and bestselling author, teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life was published March 15, 2016. John is a contributing writer for Huff Post and Parade.com. John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, MO. Order John’s book today anywhere books are sold.

Big plans for big improvements: That was my expectation on the dawn of 2021.
 
Goals were set to improve finances, grow spiritually, respond relationally with love and to take my health more seriously.
 
By the end of the very first day of 2021, I had already reacted with anger, spent money foolishly, eaten poorly, not worked out, enjoyed a glass of wine more than I actually needed and invested very little time praying, reflecting, meditating and giving thanks.  
 
In other words, by the end of the very first day I had failed at every single personal goal I had set. So much for New Year’s resolutions!
 
As I went to bed that evening, I was comforted knowing that I’m on the final days of a family vacation. I’m just out of my normal schedule. A little tired. A little cranky. I’ll get back on track soon… Maybe tomorrow… Or when I’m home. Or when life slows down. Or…
 
When we get too good at making excuses, we’re unable to own the power within our lives. We miss the opportunities of the day.
 
And I was at high risk of missing out on owning the power of my life because of excuses.
 
Are there areas of your life where you keep making excuses? Perhaps you’re like me and it’s a failed New Year’s resolution.
 
Other areas we frequently make excuses include: 

• Rationalizing the way you allow others to treat you
• Rationalizing the way you mistreat others
• Harboring a negative, self-defeating attitude about yourself
• Allowing a hurt from yesterday to derail the promise of tomorrow

My friends, we don’t need to make excuses. After all, our friends don’t need them and our foes won’t believe them.
 
So let’s agree to stop making excuses for why things are the way they are. And let’s start striving to make them better. 
 
The New Year began last week. But the rest of your life starts now.

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