In the not so distant past, I was looking for that “special” gift for my wife. After being married for 24 years, I had run out of ideas. BUT, I found one! Of course, it is only sold in another country and, even then, you have to be wary of fakes.
What I did was contact a friend whom I knew had a connection in that country to ask for help securing this gift. During a conference call with the dealer, my friend and I, the dealer told me a story… the story of the Ghost Dog.
He shared the classic excuse that many are familiar with that “the dog ate my homework.” Then he went on to explain that there are excuses for everything. From F&I didn’t get a deal bought because they messed up or forgot the paperwork, to a salesperson forgetting an important form in the deal jacket. You get the picture. (BTW, not trying to pick on F&I or Sales. Just examples)
Then he shared a tattoo that he actually had illustrating his philosophy.
He killed the dog.
Now it’s a ghost dog and nobody can blame the dog.
He even shared that 12 of his employees agreed with the reasoning behind it that they chose to also get the tattoo. I, personally, was also so motivated to do so. And I did it. That day.
Excuses are ghosts. Either get the task done or ask for help if you need it.
Stop blaming the dog. He’s dead.
(P.S. My tattoo looks more like E.T. on Halloween wearing a bedsheet as a costume. You know what? I don’t care. I know what it means and why I got it in the first place and that’s what matters to me. If you ever meet me in person, I will show it to you.)
