I’ve been running every morning for quite some time. I consider it part of my morning constitutional. I relish the solitude and enjoy the fact that I begin each day with a healthy success. It sets the tone for everything I plan to accomplish the rest of the day.

Once started, it didn’t take long for this morning ritual to turn in to an addiction. Rain or shine I was on the road at the crack of dawn. As the weather turned bad I just added more clothes. The worse the weather got, the bigger the psychological high for having accomplished the goal.

At some point, however, those cold, chilly, raining mornings became less attractive. Instead of being eager to hit the pavement, I had to push myself out the door. This wasn’t good for my psychological self. So I offered an excuse. I told myself, “If it is raining, you don’t have to run.” Guess what I’m doing now? I wake up every morning listening for rain.

Excuses are not good. A leader must ignore them and push continuously toward the goal. Your example is what leads people to extraordinary results. Avoid them and lead without excuses.

Okay… Okay! I’m putting on my cold weather gear and heading out the door. See you on the roads.