What is your excuse? Published Feb. 16, 2012 By Maj. Teresa L. Dutcher 80th Aerial Port Squadron Commander DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- If you are like many people, you kicked off the New Year with a resolution. Maybe this is the year you want to strive to be a better parent, friend, or maybe you want to seek out a promotion at your job. Maybe you made a really big resolution, like setting out and accomplishing one of your life-long dreams, like completing that college degree you are just a few credits shy, or taking that long deserved vacation you've always wanted to take. Whatever your resolution may be, I think I might just have the reason why it hasn't happened before now. A close friend of mine, Pastor Ray Popham, recently shared a quote with me. "It is easier to make an excuse than it is to make a change, he said. "Here's a change: quit making excuses!" It's that simple. That statement is clear, understandable and easy to implement. Let's think back on all of our failed attempts at resolutions or projects. Chances are we have an excuse for not finishing. The timing isn't right or other priorities get in the way. Our list of excuses is endless. Many of us encourage our children to go after their dreams. We tell them they can be anything they want if they just put their hearts and minds to it, yet sometimes we fall short on accomplishing that for ourselves. We would never allow our children give us an excuse for not completing their homework or getting their chores done, but sometimes, we have a way of justifying our very own excuses. For many, it's easier to make excuses rather than changes and these are "changing" times in our military. Over the course of the year, we may experience mission, budget and even personnel changes. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we step up to the challenges facing us ahead. Next time you hear someone making excuses for their situation, advise them excuses will get them nowhere, but making a change will. Bottom line -- change is coming. Embrace it, or move out of the way!
