A Good Alibi vs. A Good Achievement

Eric Hoffer wrote: “There are many who find a good alibi far more attractive than an achievement.”

I’ve often pointed out that the person very adept at making excuses is rarely also adept at achieving goals or making money.

Also, a person you’re doing business with who is good at offering up excuses will prove very bad at reliable delivery of goods and services. I very consciously and deliberately work at NOT making excuses, directing blame. I prefer emotionally and verbally taking responsibility, because that’s the only real way to get what you want in any aspect of life, including business. In my NO B.S. BUSINESS SUCCESS BOOK, I provide this simple equation: RESPONSIBILITY = CONTROL; CONTROL = RESPONSIBILITY. They are inseparable and proportionate.

I don’t necessarily like this equation. I’d rather have 100% control and 0% responsibility. But it doesn’t work that way.

There’s no power in thinking about what others have done to create a particular situation. There’s no power in talking about the circumstances that have created a particular situation. There’s no power in worrying about what others might do or what circumstances may evolve.

The only source of personal power is thinking and talking about: “What can I do to affect this situation?”

— Dan Kennedy

Dan Kennedy is an author, consultant and business coach. Additional information at www.FreeDanKennedyNewsletter.com