Excuse patterns

Excuse patterns are the tendency to constantly assign responsibility outward, to circumstances or to others. Explanations such as "I had no time" or "it happened because of them" may at times be true, but when they turn into a pattern they distance the person from their own sphere of influence. Constant excuse-making relieves the person for a moment, but it also keeps them in a helpless position; for if everything lies outside, it means there is nothing the person can do. The coach takes this up not with an accusing attitude but with gentle curiosity: "What might be the part in this situation that you can influence?" Reclaiming responsibility is often reclaiming power as well.