This week, I led a training session with some highly experienced business owners. As expected, we dove into the challenges they were facing, but I quickly noticed a pattern in the conversation—a lot of whinging.
“I can’t find good people.”
“The market is tough.”
“The environment is difficult right now.”
It was one excuse after another. Now, I’m not the type to stay quiet when I see a group of leaders falling into the trap of Blame, Excuses, and Denial. So I asked them point-blank: Whose fault is that?
Silence. They looked at me, a little taken aback, trying to process why I was challenging their narratives. They were trying to convince me—and maybe themselves—that their external circumstances were to blame for their less-than-ideal results. People. Sales. Marketing. Whatever the issue, in their minds, it was all someone else’s fault.
But here’s the truth: Everything that’s happening to you right now is your responsibility. Whether you love it or hate it, your results—good or bad—are a direct reflection of the actions you’ve taken or haven’t taken. The same goes for me, for anyone. Sure, unexpected things happen, but they don’t happen in isolation. If you’re living in a hurricane-prone area and a storm hits, you still have to take responsibility for choosing to live there. Harsh? Maybe. True? Absolutely.
Now, let’s shift the perspective. Whatever difficulty you’re facing right now is not just a burden—it’s a lesson. That frustration, stress, or confusion is life’s way of offering you a chance to grow. As soon as you understand the lesson, the situation will shift.
That’s the game. Life isn’t happening to you, it’s happening for you. The moment you stop pointing fingers and start owning your results, the future starts to expand with opportunities. It’s your responsibility. It’s your choice.
So, take it.