A statement in a commercial I heard last week while watching TV grabbed my attention. The announcer declared GOLF IS FULL OF EXCUSES. Although I am not a fanatic, I do play golf quite a bit and can verify that the game of golf is full of excuses. While some golfers give more excuses than others, I don’t think I’ve ever played with someone who made no excuses.

Golfers of all levels make excuses including such things as the wind, the condition of the course (fairways and/or greens), the speed of play (the group in front – slow play – or the group behind – pushing), the rudeness of playing partners, their physical ailments, their golf ball or clubs, and more.

As I’ve thought about this matter of golfer’s excuses I have been reminded that golf is not the only game that evokes excuses. I know I use them when playing Jeopardy and Scrabble with family.

Making excuses, however, is not limited to competitive games most of us play. We all make excuses from time to time in a variety situations in which we have done or said something or not said or done something. Making such excuses can be a sign that we are underestimating ourselves, lacking in confidence, or blaming others.

Trying to find more about excuses, I typed Making Excuses on Google and came up with a link from 11/04/21 (https://www.developinggoodhabits.com – making excuses). The information is titled 13 Steps to Stop Making Excuses and Take Responsibility S.J. Scott.

If you are interested you can find more at the link above, but I want to give two lists that give a foundation for thinking and exploring more about this matter of making excuses.

Why Do We Make Excuses? Here are eight common reasons why people make excuses throughout their lives.

Reason #1: You’re experiencing fear

Reason #2: You don’t want to fail

Reason #3: You don’t know what to expect

Reason #4: You don’t have a specific goal

Reason #5: You’re scared of making a mistake

Reason #6: You compare yourself to others

Reason #7: You’re protecting your identity

Reason #8: You’re not motivated

Reason #9: You think you lack the resources

Reason #10: You’re set in your ways

Here are 13 Steps to Stop Making Excuses

13 Steps to Stop Making Excuses

#1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

#2. Stop Fearing the Unknown

#3. Stop Blaming Others

#4. Take Responsibility for ALL Your Actions

#5. Take Action Every Day

#6. Set Small, Attainable Goals

#7. Learn from Your Mistakes

#8. Don’t Focus on Your Weaknesses

#9. Change your Attitude

#10. Believe in Yourself

#11. Visualize Your Success

#12. Remember: It’s Okay to Not Be Perfect

#13. Know You Can Change Your “Excuses Habit”

There is much in these two lists that give us a lot to think about as well as some suggestions, challenges, and encouragement to make progress in our making excuses; especially if it is a habit we have fallen into.

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