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So What's Your Excuse?
by Maria Marsala
Summary:
Want to be happier? Start to remove all the excuses you use... and gain more time and energy too!
I'm not sure what the history of "excuses" is, except to know that a majority of the time excuses equal some sort of self-dishonesty.
They're part of what we thought we "should do" vs. being a "must do"! Excuses come from us not being able to take our own "no's". They're what we say to people so that we "don't hurt their feelings". Excuses are what we say so that others don't hurt us. Excuses are part of what we're tolerating in our life (that which draws out our energy and squashes it)!
Excuses come back to haunt us unless we look at them as gifts from clients or friends or ourselves. Have you ever received an excuse for "something" and thought -- Is that person kidding with that excuse? Why didn't they just say NO? OH! ... I am doing the same thing to "so and so".
Say NO!!! Sometimes saying "NO" to someone means saying "YES" to someone even more important -- YOU!
What can you do when you give someone a "no" that they don't accept? Take the time to think about what type of answers you can give and things you can do to protect your boundaries so that you can raise your standards. Check out these Top Ten Lists about boundaries. They are just wonderful! "Things to say pleasantly when people attempt to invade your boundaries" by Coach Diana Robinson, Ph.D.
www.topten.org/public/BG/BG1.html and another
wonderful Top Ten by Coach Dennis Tesdell
www.topten.org/public/BN/BN1.html
Integrity Lesson
This month, write down all the excuses you hear yourself giving others and giving yourself. Look for the patterns. Are you not setting boundaries? Are you setting boundaries and the person isn't listening? Are you setting boundaries and you're not enforcing those boundaries? Or what other patterns do you see.
And remember: Yes, No and Maybe are all complete sentences.
© 2010 Elevating Your Business. An irrepressible entrepreneur, Maria Marsala sold AVON at age 14 and landed on Wall Street three years later. She became a bond trader at a time when female executives were as rare as pink diamonds.
In 1998, brimming with 25+ years of business expertise, Maria created Elevating Your Business. She coaches established women B2B owners to double their bottom line using strategic business planning and execution systems, delivered one-on-one or to large audiences. Earn more, work less and live a sparkling quality of life! It starts at
www.CoachMaria.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, Blog OR WEB SITE?
You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
© 2010 Elevating Your Business. An irrepressible entrepreneur, Maria Marsala sold AVON at age 14 and landed on Wall Street three years later. She became a bond trader at a time when female executives were as rare as pink diamonds.
In 1998, brimming with 25+ years of business expertise, Maria created Elevating Your Business. She coaches established women B2B owners double to their bottom line using strategic business planning and execution systems, delivered one-on-one or to large audiences. Earn more, work less and live a sparkling quality of life! It starts at
www.CoachMaria.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE DURING A PAID ENGAGEMENT?
You cannot use our articles in your ebook, to teach a class, or during a speaking event, or if you are paid in any way without our
written permission, period. Contact Maria
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