Results not Excuses

By Umer Raza Bhutta

When i was working for Crescent Bahuman Ltd. around twenty years ago, one day I heard my boss (the CEO of the company) saying....read the book “We need results not excuses”. (The complete name of the book was “let’s get results not excuses” co authored by James Bleech and Dr. Mutchler - 1995). I did not have much liking or interest towards reading books (at that time) but since boss mentioned it, i started searching the book. Though i could not find it then (out of my relax and lazy attitude towards books....at that time, i gave few excuses also to myself), but the mere word “Results not Excuses” filled me. It filled my days my evenings, filled my talks my writing and in fact filled my attitude towards life and work.

In our?world that is at the same time filled with distractions and challenges, "Results Not Excuses" serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize “action”?over “rationalization”. This concept resonates across various fields, be it personal development, professional work, business,?sports?or any mundane daily chores, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their outcomes rather than deflecting blame or making excuses.?Rationalization here is again a power word and i have seen every excuse, filled with a powerful rational argument. Once the excuse is given inevitably it is backed by super rational that is hard to brush aside in the absence of an equally powerful antidote. ?

The phrase "Results Not Excuses" emphasizes a straightforward principle?and that is,?to achieve success,?one must focus on the results of their actions rather than?putting forward,?reasons why they?have or?might fail to take those actions. This approach gives way to a mindset of accountability and perseverance, which is crucial for?our stepping out from the leeches of blames and complaints.

Since i have started this article with an introduction of a book’s title, i feel borrowing more from some other books with similar thoughts and ideas. In his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey stresses the importance of taking responsibility for one's life. He?argues that proactive individuals recognize that their “choices”?rather than “external circumstances”?largely shape their destinies. By adopting a proactive mindset, individuals can focus on producing tangible results rather than dwelling on obstacles.

Similarly, Jocko Willink, in his book Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, reinforces this idea through the concept of "extreme ownership." Willink emphasizes that effective leaders must take full responsibility for their team's outcomes, regardless of the circumstances. This philosophy extends beyond leadership; it applies to anyone aiming to make a positive impact in their life.

Action is the bridge between intention and results. In Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, James Clear discusses how small, incremental changes can lead to significant results over time. He?emphasizes that the key to success lies not in grand gestures but in consistent, everyday actions. By breaking down larger goals into manageable steps, individuals can eliminate the tendency to make excuses and instead concentrate on achieving tangible results.

Overcoming Common Excuses

Lets see now which are few of the most common excuses we put forward

Time Constraints: One common excuse for inaction is the lack of time, perhaps this excuse is the one that i gave to my self when i did not read the book and did not even find the book. By focusing on essential tasks and eliminating non-essentials?we?can create the time needed to achieve meaningful results. This is what i was not able to do twenty years ago.

Fear of Failure: The fear of failure?perhaps is another prime reason that somehow can paralyze our decision-making?and we move into the domain of inaction. By shifting the perspective on failure, individuals can become more willing to take risks and pursue results without the weight of excuses.?I certainly was gripped by this fear twenty years ago, when unintentionally i refused to take action and excused. Sometimes, though i still feel some where, sometime covered with this fear that helps me to generate an excuse and bring a rational argument as a cover up. ?

Resource Limitations: Many people believe they lack the resources to achieve their goals. Despite knowing many success stories now, around us of people that illustrates how?their remorselessness and?poor circumstances led to innovative solutions?and enabled them?to produce results, we still blame our own resource limitation.

Adopting the "Results Not Excuses" mindset is a transformative approach that encourages accountability, proactive behavior and a focus on action. By learning from the insights of influential authors and thought leaders, individuals can cultivate a culture of results-driven thinking in their lives. As we strive for success, let us remember that the path to achievement is paved with responsibility and action?rather than excuses. Embracing this philosophy can lead not only to personal growth but also to a more productive and fulfilling life.?

Some lessons, perhaps, are not learned overnight, they take as long as twenty years to shape up. Results not excuses is one such lesson.