Do you have an excuse or a justification ready every time you don’t do something that you were supposed to? People who make excuses lose the respect and trust of their friends, family and colleagues. While there are people who have a genuine reason for not being able to deliver what is asked of them, there are the other lot who just make up classic excuses on every occasion, just to avoid taking responsibility for what they have failed to do. You know your excuses have become a problem if someone confronts you about it, even in a joking manner.

ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM
The first step to solving any problem is the fact that you need to acknowledge that there is a problem. Don’t live in denial thinking it will go away eventually, making excuses is like any bad habit such as smoking or being an alcoholic, the approach should be “yes I have a problem” and then after you recognise the problem, find solutions.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
People who make excuses all the time, at some level do so because they do not want the responsibility of accepting the blame, if anything goes wrong. They live under the illusion that everyone is out to get them and, therefore, are always paranoid. You need to get over yourself and stop thinking that the whole world is out to victimise you. Instead, ensure that whatever responsibility you have been given is done with efficiency and you won’t even have to worry about people and what they are thinking.

TAKE ON WHAT YOU CAN HANDLE
A good way to avoid making excuses is to be upfront about your capabilities right at the beginning. For example, if you have been asked to head a major project at work and you feel you can’t handle it or need more time or manpower, say so at the start of the project. This way later if the project fails or something goes wrong, it won’t be your fault and you won’t have to think up reasons to avoid taking the blame. So just be upfront about what you can and cannot do.

DON’T WHINE
Another thing common with people who make excuses is that they are constantly complaining about other things and people. The reason the ‘excuser’ does this is because blaming someone else is the best and easiest excuse in the world. But it might just come to haunt you, because eventually people will realise that you’re just a shirker who only knows how to pass the buck.

KEEP SORRY SIMPLE
Learn to say you’re sorry without launching into a long-winded explanation. The reasons why your report was late don’t matter. If you forgot your wedding anniversary, apologise without hiding behind fictitious reasons. Challenge yourself to eliminate extraneous excuses.

OPEN TO CRITICISM
Another common trait of people who are in the habit of making excuses is that they can’t handle criticism of any kind. You need to understand that there is such a thing as constructive criticism and it can help you improve. Yes, if someone is unnecessarily giving you a tough time, you don’t have to put up with it. But, a little criticism can be good for you.

THE FRIEND SYSTEM
Make a pact with a friend or colleague who has the same problem of making excuses. Agree to point it out if you see him or her regressing to their old ways, and have them commit to doing the same.

BE SOLUTION ORIENTED
Invest your energy into finding solutions instead of creating justifications. If you need to, you can even seek help from a professional or attend a seminar.

Making excuses all the time will not bring you success. Try to give results rather than excuses and both your personal and professional life will improve. Make a pact with a friend or colleague who has the same problem of making excuses. Agree to point it out if you see him or her regressing to their old ways, and have them commit to doing the same