Execution And Excuses

Say what you mean, and mean what you say

Computer science has served to clarify many things in our world.  It is amazing that the vast amount of information stored in computers is all reduced to the numerals one and zero.  Success in our lives is much the same.  For every intention, goal, or task we set for ourselves, we either get a one or a zero.  Computers—and life in general—allow for no variables, explanations, or excuse.  In the final analysis, everything is either a one or a zero.  
 

We live in a world where, as I often describe it when it’s all said and done, there’s a lot said and very little done.  An old football coach defined this concept very graphically for me as he set the ball down on the two-yard-line and pointed to the goal line.  He stated, “There are two kinds of people in this world.  People who will get this ball in that end zone and people who won’t.”  In the age of participation trophies, honorable mentions, and political correctness, it may not be popular to look at life or even describe it in these black and white terms, but the fact remains when it comes to the things that really matter, we either do or we don’t. 
 
One of the most instructive books I have read in years is entitled Extreme Ownership.  In this book, the author—who is a former military officer—describes a way to live without excuses and how to accept the full and total responsibility for everything.  Among great athletes who play team sports, there is a common statement often heard on fields, courts, and diamonds.  “It’s my bad.”  This simply means that an individual player is accepting full responsibility for a breakdown or for the failure of a particular play. 
 
If you examined that play in slow motion from several angles, you might discover that other players missed their block, failed to cover a base, or weren’t in position for the rebound; but when one key player declares, “It’s my bad,” he is stating for all concerned that he is not going to allow it to happen again.  For those other players involved in the failed play, they invariably commit to redouble their efforts so as not to force their teammate to take the full blame or responsibility on the next play. 
 
Making excuses takes your personal control and gives it away.  When you make an excuse by saying, “I would have gotten that done except…” what you are really saying is that your word, your commitment, and your honor are based upon circumstances outside your control. 
 
If I tell you that I guarantee it won’t rain tomorrow, I have made a hollow promise that is worthless; but if I tell you I will bring umbrellas tomorrow in case it rains, you can take it to the bank. 
 
As you go through your day today, say what you mean, and mean what you say.