When we embrace the mantra of accountability, we recognize that excuses get in the way of excellent performance. The more excuses that we have, the more chance we have to create a rationalization for behaviors that prevent us from achieving our best. In my work with individuals and organizations, I am constantly assaulted with rationalizations that justify poor performance. We’ve all heard them.
“That’s just the way I am.”
“It’s been this way for the past 20 years.”
“Our industry is different than all the others.”
“They won’t let us do that.”
“If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”
The reality of all this is that organizations and individuals are perfectly aligned to get the results they get. When we allow our view of the world, our paradigm, to prevent us from recognizing ineffective behaviors, we spend more of our time justifying our behavior rather than changing it. None of us are perfect. However, all of us have the capability to change.
Change requires awareness. It requires us to recognize excuses before they multiply into a rationalization. The more excuses we are aware of, the less likely we are to allow them to prevent us from achieving our best.
Change requires courage. It requires seeing the world in different ways and changing the way we behave. It requires us to change habits, to recognize what isn’t working and to start doing things that we’re not comfortable doing.
Change requires commitment. Anything less than 100% commitment leaves us with the option to go back to those comfortable, ineffective behaviors that we’ve always had.
Embrace change, let go of rationalization, move forward and grow.
All my best,
Randy