Episode Summary

In our first VoIP interview, I talk about excuses and why people make them with sales and business management leader, Steven Colonna.  He enthralls us with his New York accent and walks us through his ascending career trajectory. With humble beginnings as a sanitation worker, Steven describes his transition into owning his own contracting company followed by a rapid rise up the corporate ladder for a national home improvement brand.

We spend the first portion of the episode discussing team dynamics and our observations of excuses in the field and why we believe they are prevalent. Our shared philosophy, backed by psychological research, is that allowing others to have autonomy over their goals helps to eliminate excuses.

The second half of our discussion takes a turn that I completely did not expect. As we get into fighting off excuses within ourselves, Steven reveals a personal struggle from his past that shaped who he is today. I fight off being speechless and continue diving into the how of his why. We learn that he had to fight back his own demons in a way that is reminiscent of Monet Goldman’s advice to fight imposter syndrome.

In the spirit of Steven Molof’s advice to change perspectives, Steven Colonna leave us with a new view of how to look at excuses: one can make excuses to avoid being exposed for a perceived failure or make excuses to ensure one is recognized for accomplishing a goal no matter how many attempts have to be made.

We conclude our episode with six tactics for dumping negative excuses for good:

Self reflect - Figure out your why

Set goals yourself - Become autonomous

Trust yourself - Know that you can accomplish your goal

Trust your tribe - Have open discussions with those who support you and solidify the trust that they will support your goals

Manage your time - If you can’t find time to take action then make time

Learn the difference between being exposed and being recognized - The pros and cons of how you will feel when you work towards your goals versus when you make excuses to justify giving up

 

“You can make an excuse all day long and the bottom line is you’re accountable for what gets done. The only way you’re accountable for what gets done is if you set the goal yourself.”

 

 

Episode Resources

5 Ways to Handle Excuses from Those You Care About

 

Become a Patron!

 

Production Crew

Host: Troy Ocariza

Guest: Steven Colonna

Producer: Troy Ocariza

 

Music by: Audionautix.com