by Claire
I was bombarded by the message “stop making excuses” today. I don’t mean that I heard that directly or that I said it directly…but instead I’m talking about multiple instances of hearing totally random people making excuses for their respective “bad” situations.
A lady in front of me in line was on her cell phone explaining to someone why she can’t stay at her current job. The person on the other end was obviously encouraging her to keep the job and not make any rash decisions. I gathered there had been a string of “bad jobs” and that this person kept leaving them before finding something new.
A caller on a radio show called in to discuss why he quit school because he was experiencing stress related illnesses. He needed some time to gather his thoughts and needed to do that while living with his parents.
An acquiantance that I ran into on the office elevator randomly shared that she was broke but was still going to stop at the mall on the way home after leaving the office. She needed something to feel better about this no good, terrible day and she was owed a shopping trip.
I think back to the many excuses I made for why I couldn’t start getting out of debt NOW (before I started this blog) and cringe. There was probably someone listening to me on the elevator or overhearing a telephone conversation thinking I was just one big excuse maker.
I’m not writing this to judge the folks I ran into today as everyone’s circumstances are their own and I can’t pretend to know where those individuals are in this life– but instead share for two main reasons. First, to say how pleased I am that I’m done–for the most part–with making excuses and putting of debt payoff. Secondly, I am compelled to share just in case some you had an excuse making sort of day. Today might just be the day that you are destined to stop making excuses about why you can’t avoid new debt right now and why you can’t pay down debt right now. Challenge yourself to stop that madness today! You won’t regret it! (okay maybe there will be days you DO regret it but the pros so quickly outweigh the cons that you just need to take that first step!)
Born and raised in Texas. I’ve at least driven through every state in the US courtesy of a roadtrip loving Dad.
I’m single with two children and a good parenting relationship with their father.
I am a “life is just half full of funny” kinda gal. Humor is my saving grace and I am thankful for it every single day. I have a strong Catholic faith and am thankful for that foundation.
I read a lot for a living but still enjoy a good book. I love biographies but in recent years have found the need for fun fictional books–sadly, for a long time I just didn’t enjoy fiction!
I love live theatre of any kind–from local productions to Broadway.
I love to scrapbook and pride myself in my kids’ albums.
I love being a mom but also love my career. I’m blessed to have found a balance allowing me to be at everything my kids need and want me to be at–while also having a career.
Favorite Quotes: Well behaved women rarely make history.
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out. -James Bryant Conant
I so agree with this statement. I believe it doesn’t just affecting your finances but everything in life. Stop making excuses, come up with a plan and start IT! There is no time like the present. You can’t keep doing the samethings and expect different results.
We started our Debt Avalanche the same time as you and our debts are neck and neck. We have made so much progress and I am proud of the Scott Family. Our inspiration is our bundle of joy that we have on the way in the coming weeks!
Much continued success to you. I love your blog 😉
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post, Claire! I wasn’t having a particularly excuse-heavy sort of day but you’ve reminded me that I’ve had more than my fair share in the past and am so grateful that I am working hard at changing!
Your posts have been one of the biggest sources of inspiration for me when I’m feeling off track so thank you again for sharing your journey with us!
Great post and great thought! Thanks for sharing.
Good reminder. It’s seems like it’s all too easy to fall back into making excuses. I can already think of 20 excuses not work workout tonight, but I’m going to do it anyway.
Great post! It was way too easy to do, and you end up regretting it for a long time. This is going be a big challenge (trying not to make excuses) for me as I just started to get back into paying off my debt and changing my lifestyle.