No Excuses!

You Can Make Excuses or You Can Make Progress

You can make excuses or you can make progress. You can’t make both. Leadership has a

funny way of making this truth visible, especially when things feel uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or inconvenient.

A 3 letter Word…

For a long time, I noticed one small word showing up every time progress stalled. That word was “but.” I’ve removed it from my vocabulary. Why? Because it usually signals the beginning of an excuse or quietly diminishes whatever came before it. “I want to grow, but…” “I know what to do, but…” “I’d love to lead better, but…” Every time that word appeared, momentum disappeared. So I stopped using it, and something powerful happened. Ownership increased. Clarity followed. Progress began.

Living in the Zone…

This idea connects directly to what we often teach through the Zone framework. Most of us live in one of five zones.

The Comfort Zone feels safe and familiar. It is predictable and easy, and it is also where growth quietly stalls. Excuses thrive here because discomfort is avoided at all costs.

The Fear Zone shows up when change begins. This is where self-doubt, comparison, and excuses get louder. This zone loves explanations that protect comfort and avoid responsibility.

The Learning Zone is where progress actually starts. New skills are developed. Feedback is welcomed. Mindsets shift. Excuses lose their power here because curiosity takes the lead.

The Growth Zone is where confidence expands and leadership deepens. Purpose becomes clear. Results become consistent. Excuses simply no longer fit.

The Significance Zone takes us from success to significance.  It lives transformation, applying all that we are learning and allowing it to grow us and change us.

Every time we say “but,” we often choose the Comfort or Fear Zone without realizing it. Removing that word creates a pause. That pause creates awareness. Awareness creates choice.

Progress requires movement...

Adversity will always be part of leadership. Challenges will show up. Resistance will appear. The difference between leaders who grow and leaders who stay stuck comes down to what they choose next. Excuses keep you anchored. Progress requires movement.

Leading yourself first means paying attention to your language, your habits, and your patterns. It means noticing when excuses try to sound reasonable and choosing growth instead. Progress rarely feels convenient. It always feels worth it.

At Leadership Harbor, we help leaders recognize the zone they are operating in and intentionally move forward. Not with shame. Not with pressure. With clarity, courage, and practical tools that create real change.

You can make excuses or you can make progress. The choice shows up daily. Which zone will you choose today?

I'd love to walk along side you on the journey. Please reach out.

I look forward to chatting with you soon!

Kris

More about Kris:https://www.leadershipharbor.com/kris

Complimentary Discovery Session or To Book Your Next Session:https://calendly.com/kris-dbc