Everyone has had cause to make an excuse for something at one time or another. It may be saying I am sorry I forgot your birthday, I have had a lot n my mind lately, or something more elaborate. Excuses can be helpful, sometimes, if it is to help stave off bad feelings (as in the birthday example) or for business purposes (many customers feel better knowing there is a reason behind a problem, even if it is an excuse).
However, if done too often it can become a way of life. People can begin to use excuses to avoid taking responsibility for things, or for problems which they can correct but choose not to. Creating excuses too often can make one seem insincere, less motivated, stubborn or maybe even uncaring. There are times when it is better to remain silent than to offer an excuse. There are times when we must stop making excuses and try harder. Because, at the end of the day, if it is something that is truly important, you will find a way to make it work. If it is not important, you will find excuses.
Taken from the article “What’s your Excuse?” in Psychology Today, July/August, 2104, Volume 47, Issue 4.
By James Clapper, Graduate Level Intern, and Charity Loring, LMSW.
Loring Therapy, LLC
Loringtherapy.com
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