When Excuses Become a Lifestyle: A Hard Look in the Mirror

Recently, a certain mindset has really been bothering me. It all started with a simple question that grew louder and louder in my mind: When does an excuse stop being an excuse and start becoming a way of life?

Here’s the story.
There’s someone in my life who shows up late. Not sometimes. Not occasionally. Every single day. And the excuse is always the same: “Sorry, there was traffic.”

At first, okay—I get it. Life happens. Accidents happen. We’ve all battled traffic that feels personally offended by our existence. But after weeks… then months… I had to ask myself:

Is it still an excuse if it happens every day?
Or is it simply who you choose to be?

And the part that really got me?
This reflection bounced right back at me.

What in my life am I showing up late to?
Where am I not being fully present?
What tired excuses do I recycle to make myself feel okay about it?

“Sorry, there was traffic.”
“Sorry, something came up.”
“Sorry, I just had a lot on my plate.”

But the truth is—and it’s a hard one—
There will always be traffic.
There will always be something on your plate.
There will always be a metaphorical accident on the highway of life.

So… how long do we let those excuses run the show?

Honestly, I’m frustrated. I don’t like that someone can show up 20 minutes late, leave 20 minutes early, and still get credit for the full session. I’m tired of being told to “just accept it.” Because it’s not just the lateness; it’s the message underneath:

“Your time isn’t important enough.”

That one stings.

But then I flipped it back toward myself.
If I’m showing up late in my own life—physically, mentally, emotionally—shouldn’t I be just as frustrated with myself?

Because excuses don’t stay excuses forever.
If repeated long enough, they become habits.
And habits become your identity.

If someone chooses to constantly be late or mentally checked out, that’s their choice. But it will eventually set the ceiling for how far they go.

For those of us willing to self-reflect, maybe it’s time to leave the house a little earlier. Maybe we need to plan better routes. Maybe—bare minimum—we need to stay longer to make up for the time lost.

Because the harsh truth is this:
It’s not okay to waste other people’s time.
And it’s not okay to waste your own.

Look yourself in the mirror and say:
“I didn’t show up. I wasn’t present.”
That hits differently.
That’s when the gravity of your choices settles in.

The good news? You can choose differently. Starting today.

If this message resonated with you, share it with someone who might need a gentle nudge. And if you want more stories, reflections, and real-life lessons, subscribe to the blog and follow my journey as I continue learning how to show up—fully, honestly, and on time.