My wife got flowers and a beer just because. 

Seth Godin has an insightful post on making excuses this morning. He proposes the “radical” notion that before we even start a project we start lining up our excuses as to why it will fail.

I whole-heartedly agree with this. And I think it applies to giving your time as well. Here’s an example.

Right now, Toastmasters clubs around the world are looking for members to step forward to be board members. But most members don’t come forth. Why?

Because the minute that an open position is mentioned, the excuses start forming – no time, don’t understand it, aren’t committed enough yet, etc. Those excuses are all it takes to prevent a member from taking advantage of an opportunity to grow and give back.

Seth asks,

” What happens if you relentlessly avoid looking for excuses at all?”

I ask,

What happens if you relentlessly avoid looking for excuses not to volunteer your time?