Excuse or Truth?

By Ilene Meckley

Yes, I know if what I am saying is an Excuse or Truth Adapted from the book “Sharing & Caring”

Let’s talk a little bit about that negative phrase, “I can’t.” Consider the acronym “I Certainly Am Not Trying.” It is crucial that you think about how many times a day you find yourself saying “I can’t.” What if your child came to you and said “I can’t do my homework tonight.”? Would that be acceptable
to you? Suppose her assignment is to write each spelling word ten times.  Would you allow her to say she’s tired and is only going to write them seven times?

Think about how that would apply to your business. If your plan is to make FIVE contacts today, do you permit yourself to stop at two? Take a look at some of the statements below that I have actually heard more times than you could imagine. If you find yourself saying them, ask yourself if there isn’t a better way to approach your business and overcome some of the challenges you face.

You say--I can’t work during the day because of the kids.

The better way--Yes, I can! I am so fortunate that I have a business that I can do right along side my family and other activities. My children have learned about , “Phone Time is Fun Time” from Ilene Meckley. (Be sure to read Sharing and Caring—The Key to Taking Your Business Up Up and Away—beginning on page 33.)

One of the most valuable reasons many people  choose to work in a home-based business is because of the kids. In my business, I want to be able to say that I work at home because I get to spend more time with the kids, not that I can’t because they’re always getting in the way.

You say--I can’t work at building my business because I have a full-time job.

The better way--Yes, I can! I love having a business. I can work at it and make my own decisions after working all day for someone who usually does that for me.

Think of the people in your life who work full-time and take courses at night or go straight from a full-time job to a part-time job. These people have made a choice to add something to their lives. The great thing about a home-based business is that you can make the same kind of commitment while still allowing yourself a high degree of flexibility.

You say--I can’t work today because I have a birthday party to plan this month.

The better way--Yes, I am able to have a business and do all the planning for activities for my family.

Let’s get serious about this one. Is it really that  difficult to divide your time so that you can plan a successful party and still work on building your business?

You say--I can’t work today because I got a new pet.

Yes, I realize that this sounds strange but this is a real excuse some people give. No better way needed! Just forget about it!

Would you believe I once heard someone use getting a guinea pig as an excuse not to work? Do you think the person that said this is really interested in building a business?

You say--I can’t work today because I have a cold.

The better way--Yes, I am so fortunate to be able to work from home and rest at the same time!

When you’re sick it’s important to ask yourself if you would take time off if you were accountable to someone else. If the answer is no, then it is important to be committed to working on your business even if you don’t want to.

Do you focus on your weaknesses rather than your strengths? Remember: Weaknesses accomplish nothing - we thrive on our strengths.

In order for you to succeed in direct sales, you need to become the most positive, optimistic and confident person possible. You must believe in yourself, your company and your products.  Disappointments can be found everywhere in life. What’s even more important than avoiding failure is deciding how you choose to look at it. This is what will ultimately impact your attitude towards your business life.

Turn the negative into the positive.

If the person you have scheduled for a presentation cancels, how can you turn this into a positive occurrence? Why not use the time that has become available to you to find other people who are interested in your company or products? One single cancellation can lead to dozens of new contacts and appointments, and that is a very positive result.

Make today your best day

Before you begin another ordinary day, ask yourself this question: “What can I do today to make this my best day ever?” Within a couple of days, you will find yourself looking at every day positively and working harder than ever to make positive changes a regular occurrence in your life. Remember, you can find the time to be successful. Don’t sell yourself short!