Close the Excuse Department Door and Open the Door to Growth

John Kaplan

Here’s the thing—excuses might make you feel better in the moment, but they won’t get you anywhere. When things aren’t going well, it’s tempting to lean on reasons why: the market is tough, the lead list wasn’t great, timing didn’t work out. I get it. But I’ve been in sales long enough to know that real growth starts when you shut that door. Own your efforts, your mistakes, and your outcomes—good or bad. It’s not easy, but it’s the only way to improve. I say it often because it’s true: “the excuse department is closed.” Take accountability, learn from what happened, and get back at it. That’s how you grow, and that’s how you win.

Take responsibility, learn from the challenges, and keep moving forward—because that’s what separates good sellers from great ones.