Excuses are not solutions
Moving Beyond Commiseration: Embracing Solutions in a World of Excuses
A long time ago, in a career far, far away, I found myself on a frustrating call with an insurance company. The representative on the other end of the line was well-versed in the art of explaining why things had gone wrong, but not so adept at offering solutions. It was a stark reminder of a simple truth: excuses are not solutions.
Imagine you're driving along a scenic route, and suddenly, you hear the unmistakable sound of a flat tire. You pull over, and as you inspect the damage, a passerby stops to chat. Instead of offering help or advice on fixing the tire, they regale you with tales of their own flat tire experiences. They share the drama, the inconvenience, and the frustration. It's a story we can all relate to. Sometimes, it's even thrilling to hear. Our culture thrives on commiseration, on shared experiences of adversity.
But here's the thing: while the story of the flat tire is relatable and sometimes even exciting, the story of how it's fixed is often deemed mundane or boring. Yet, isn't that the most crucial part? When faced with problems, what we truly need is a solution, not just a shared experience of the problem.
It's human nature to want to sit around a fire and share tales of the fires we've put out. We're wired to bond over shared challenges. But if we let that become the primary focus, we risk becoming stagnant, trapped in a cycle of discussing problems without ever moving towards solutions.
Over the years, I've observed a recurring theme: the most prevalent excuse I've encountered is the notion of "waiting." People often say they're waiting for an answer, an investor, the weekend to end, a colleague to return from vacation, or simply the "right time." It's a perpetual cycle of waiting.
However, if you find yourself in a holding pattern, it's an opportunity to refine your plans and explore alternative strategies. Essentially, waiting becomes yet another self-imposed barrier. If you harness this interim period to prioritize progress, you might be astounded by what you can achieve in moments you once believed were stagnant. This seemingly idle time can morph into a crucible of unparalleled creativity.
If you're in need, seek assistance. Be proactive. Draft a plan. Articulate your vision. Convey your mission. When opportunities, answers, or funds present themselves, seize them—if they still align with your goals. Remember, there's an inherent strength in scarcity, aptly termed "The Power of Broke." Sometimes, limited resources can be as potent a catalyst for innovation as any other constraint.
Excuses often mirror complaints. As Gary Vaynerchuk aptly puts it, "complaining is very unattractive."
Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, in "Extreme Ownership," introduce the idea of "Leading Up the Chain of Command." It's a guide to proactive action, rather than waiting for superiors to clear the path. Jocko even suggests a masterstroke: making your superiors believe that the solutions you propose were their own brainchild. The message is clear: cease waiting, halt the complaints, realize your ambitions, and sidestep the limelight. Is it straightforward? Not necessarily. But it's the defining line between peak performance and stagnation. After all, if you're waiting for someone else to change, how long might that truly take?
So, the next time you find yourself faced with a challenge, ask yourself: Do I want to hear another story about a flat tire in my head, or do I want to know how to fix it? Better yet, how can I prevent it from happening again? If you can provide someone a solution, especially if you are offering a product or service in the process, you are not solving just their immediate problem. You are earning their trust and loyalty. They are becoming a customer for life.
In a world full of excuses, let's strive to be the ones offering solutions. Because while commiseration might feel good in the moment, progress and solutions pave the way for a brighter future.