The person who defends excuses–even the most valid justifications– chooses the captivity of their current conditions. But the person who engages the power of choice gains freedom over a lifetime.
There was once a friendship forged inside the walls of a prison. A decade passed, and one of the two prisoners gained his parole. The liberated man visited often, standing outside the prison walls to spend time with his captive friend. On every visit, the imprisoned man complained that his life was unfair. He was stuck, a victim of his environment.
One day, the free man decided to confront his imprisoned friend with an unpleasant topic. He knew that people stuck within walls don’t like advice. It’s easier to argue for excuses than hope for freedom. People rarely accept personal responsibility for poor conditions.
The free man explained that, during his years of incarceration, he saw no value in making excuses. Instead he made choices. He chose to believe that his conditions were his own doing. He chose to believe good behavior would be rewarded. He chose to have a good attitude. He chose to go the extra mile to help others, even the guards. He chose to use his leisure for education–reading, studying, and learning. He chose to improve himself–”
“No offense,” growled his captive friend, “but I didn’t ask for advice. You’re not my mentor, and I don’t need a father. I’m doing all I can do, but I‘m trapped in my prison.”
“If you say so,” the free man sighed. “But the trap is in your head. It’s your excuses. I think you like your excuses, because it’s easier than confronting the unpleasant reality that freedom is attainable–but only if you have the balls to choose it, and then earn it.”
They parted that day with a fractured relationship. The man without the excuses got to keep his many freedoms. And the man with the many excuses got to keep his captivity.
Each time we make a choice we are either moving toward freedom and prosperity or bondage and misery. ––Cameron C. Taylor
