What’s Your Excuse?

John Foppe reminds us of all that is possible when we stop making excuses.

“He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” -Benjamin Franklin

Some 18 years ago, I visited with a man who positively changed my life. In reading a bit more about his story, I believe he will change your life, too. Let me explain.

Nearly two decades ago, I struggled mightily as a fledgling speaker with little confidence in myself.  I had no audience to speak to, no clarity of message to deliver, no revenue to collect and no real chance of succeeding in this business. Despite the hopelessness of it all, a friend mentioned that I should meet with an international speaker who also lived in St. Louis.

Although apprehensive to contact someone as successful and busy as John Foppe, I finally gathered the courage to dial his number. He answered, was a delight to speak with and suggested we meet for a cup of coffee.

During that meeting, John shared the best practices he’d learned during two decades of speaking. He poured into me with shortcuts he learned along the way, the pitfalls to avoid and even provided personal contacts to call. Even more important than the tactics of how to grow a business, though, he gave me belief that it was possible.

As our meeting ended, I stood up, thanked John and gave him a big hug. He didn’t hug me back; I didn’t expect him to. You see, John Foppe was born without arms.

Much of the success he’s accomplished as an adult he credits to the way he was raised.  After a decade of coddling their son, John’s parents realized that if they continued doing everything for their son, he’d become unable to do the difficult stuff of life by himself. So, they stopped making excuses for him.

With only his feet to assist him, John’s parents insisted he have the same expectations as their other children. In time, little John learned to shower, dress, and brush his teeth as part of a morning routine. He learned to make his own breakfast, pack his books, prepare a lunch, get on his jacket, and get out of the house without any assistance.

My friends, getting my four kids to do these things in the morning is sometimes difficult. Imagine the complexity and struggle for a little boy managing to do all those things with his feet.

And yet, he did.

No, not because it was always easy or fair or fun, but because his parents insisted he was capable, they never made excuses and he harnessed the power of his agency.

It’s no coincidence, then, that today he is blessed with a beautiful family and an incredible life. He is an international speaker and best-selling author. He is the leader of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, a not-for-profit that impacts thousands of people each year. He is a wonderful man, a committed husband, a doting father, and a true inspiration.

My friends, we live in a world too often filled with individuals mired in blame-shifting, shirking responsibility or waiting for things to change for them.

And yet, the life of John Foppe reminds us what it looks like when we stop waiting for our circumstances to improve, and start living fully, vibrantly and joyfully the lives we already have.

No, it won’t change difficult circumstances or unfair situations. It will, however, liberate you to control what you can, take responsibility for your next step, and live into the truth that the best is yet to come.

This is your day.  Live Inspired.