It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one. – George Washington

I came across this quote today and it made me smile. I realised that I’m a firm believer in this. It’s ok to make excuses and it’s ok to even bullshit once in a while. But when people can see right through it, it’s best not to do it at all.

After working for more than 10 years, more often than not, I can tell when someone is trying bullshit their way out of something. Some people still use the lamest excuses and think they’re smart enough to get away with it. They might as well just say “my dog ate my homework!”

I’ve learned never to use a dumb excuse with someone who’s been around the block. Sometimes it’s best just to say sorry and tell them that you’ll get it done. Why bother trying to outsmart someone who’s probably already used every excuse there is in the book. When people do it with me, and I know I can’t call them on it, I just smile. I know somewhere down the line someone will call them on it, so why make it my problem.

Making excuses is a sign of immaturity, owning up to something takes courage.

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