So which one is the reason why I haven’t posted on this blog as regularly as I’ve wanted to?
Honestly it’s probably a bit of both…hmm…wait…is that just an excuse? (Yes that’s my split personality talking back to me again. Shush brain. 😉
To make sure we’re on the same page, let’s first define what the difference is between an excuse and a priority.
To most people (except the person giving it of course), an Excuse is an illegitimate, bogus reason someone gives for choosing to do (or in a lot of cases, not do) something. Now sure, usually there is at least some miniscule degree of truth to the reason, but ultimately when examined objectively, honestly, and in depth, it holds little water in justifying your actions or lack thereof.
In contrast, a Priority is simply something you value more than the action you are replacing. If your life vision and priorities are well-defined, your choice of activities and behaviors become clear.
Let’s look at a couple example situations to see if we can tell the difference:
1. Sue doesn’t want to go to the gym because she has to get her nails done.
Q: Is this an excuse or a priority?
2. Mark ditches playing a round of golf with the guys to go workout.
Q: Is this an excuse or a priority?
The answer?
It depends!
On what?
Their perspective!
In the first situation you probably think Sue is making an excuse but in the second you might think that Mark has his priorities right. On the surface I’d think that too, but let’s look at these decisions in more depth.
I know it sounds crazy but if for some reason Sue genuinely and honestly values her shiny, acrylic nails more than being in shape, nails are her true priority. Maybe her mom passed away and always loved Sue’s nails so having them done reminds her of her mom.
However, her training partner who doesn’t share the same view may consider her actions a pathetic excuse for missing a workout. Now what if Sue really wants to be in shape and pretty nails are secondary? THEN getting her nails done becomes an excuse.
See the difference?
Now we can sit here all day long and argue that her health should be the overwhelming priority but that’s not the point here. We’re not discussing ranking priorities, we’re talking about acting in alignment with your priorities.
We always need to remember that our perspective may be very different than someone else’s.
The same reasoning holds true for Mark. Although his buddies may think Mark doesn’t have a good excuse for missing valuable guy time, if he enjoys working out more than golf, he made the right decision. BUT, what if he was supposed to close some big business deal that day on the golf course and he was scared and decided to miss it and go to the gym instead?
Not so clear right? We can’t always tell the reasons for actions.
So let’s make this relevant for us. What does it mean when someone says “I don’t have time to work out”? Is that an excuse or a priority?
RIGHT – you got it! It depends…
…on what that person is doing with their time and what their goals are. If they truly enjoy watching Days of Our Lives and feel it will enrich their lives more than working out, then that’s their legitimate priority whether we agree with it or not (don’t get me started, but that’s the reality of it). However, if they really DO want to work out but choose not to because of X, Y, and Z, blah, blah, blah…then it’s simply an excuse.
So back to my story – what are my excuses and priorities in regards to why I haven’t posted more frequently?
Priority: I don’t value this blog as much as my family, friends, and making a living
Excuse: I’ve been too busy
Why is “busy-ness” an excuse? Because although it has some legitimacy, I know deep down I can find the time. I procrastinated, and this just led to more procrastination- I let it build up and build up. You know the drill…
The lesson I want to leave you with is this…
Be honest with yourself as to why you ARE or AREN’T doing something. If you define your priorities and values in life clearly, you’re more likely to take actions that are aligned with them and avoid those that detract from your ultimate goals and vision.
Hope this helps! I’d love to hear your comments below.
Tags: Excuses / Goals / Jason Wojo / Priorities / Visionchild