Let me begin with a disclaimer and a confession. First, this article is intended to be harsh. You might not like it, but you might need it. Second, it’s also a call for change. I’m not saying this is you, but I’m also not saying it isn’t.
After my recent article/soapbox speech about how our sloppy generation needs a swift ass-kicking, I decided the source of this laziness is the pile of excuses we lean on. I’ll be the first to say that I’m a lazy blob sometimes. And maybe it’s just me, but when I don’t have my life together, I use all of these things to justify it. It’s time to stop. Any of these sound familiar?
1. Any form of “OMG my life” or “my life is a joke.” At least you’re being honest here. Your life actually will end up being a joke to all of your successful friends if you keep using those phrases as a justification to whatever half-ass effort you put into life. No, really. Your friends who applied for that internship, went to class, or read a book will laugh at you in 10 years.
2. A friend who is doing worse than you in something. It’s okay that you got a C- on that quiz because another girl didn’t even show up! It’s totally fine if you’re late to chapter because Kelly’s hair actually looks terrible and you look great. Ummm, wrong. That girl didn’t show up because she’s out of town and took it early. Kelly’s hair really does look terrible, but at least she respects her sisters enough to show up.
3. Any kind of list that says it’s okay to be a mess. These are written by people who DO have their lives together. They’re good at writing and wanted to write, so they did. They’re not in your position, so they don’t care if you’re a mess or not. How about you read a list of ways to improve yourself? Or a list of internships or jobs that you could apply for?
4. A sappy quote about being a free spirit. I always take these bullshit quotes with a grain of salt. (And an eye-roll. And a shot of tequila.) These quotes spread like wildfire on all forms of social media and make you feel like it’s okay to abandon all obligations and “do what makes you happy.” You know what makes me happy? Making money and being a contributing member of society.
5. A rap song about being a heartless badass. I’m obsessed with Dark Horse. It’s a great song, and Katy Perry killed it live. That elixir shit she drinks? Damn. Anyway, songs about doing whatever you want and not caring about anything are simply that: songs. Don’t make them your personal anthem. Pick something better. Like ANYTHING by Beyoncé. Anything.
6. Celebrities. A homeless bum looks successful compared to some of the sloppy train wrecks on TV. Just don’t. Of course you look phenomenal compared to Ozzy Osborne’s choices.
7. Friends you’ve left behind. Sure, college isn’t for everyone, but don’t even try to compare yourself to the drug dealer dropout from your high school. Really? That’s isn’t a comparison you want to be involved in. Instead, compare yourself to the person you used to be. If you’re better off, big ups to you.
There are a boatload of excuses people use not to be their absolute best. Don’t use them. Be the best you can be, at whatever you want to be. Make your mama proud and do the damn thing right.
Nice Move225
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BlingleWhiteFemale
BlingleWhiteFemale (@BlingleWhiteFem) is a single blonde female who spends her days campaigning for First Lady. She is a contributing writer for Total Sorority Move.
@blinglewhitefem
