What's Your Excuse? [Video]

How many times have you made a bold statement beginning something like "I'm going to create... "? How many times have you talked yourself out of it because you were too young? Too inexperienced? Going at it alone? Or for countless other excuses, er... reasons?

One of my commitments to bettering my community includes working with high school students working toward their Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in youth scouting.

These young women are challenged to (1) identify a problem, (2) plan and execute a project that will address the problem or issue, (3) educate and engage others and (4) ensure its sustainability.

It sounds like a lot to ask, and it is.

I walk away from each encounter with these girls admiring their boldness. I admire their ability to tackle projects I would have shied away from. I admire the fact that they don't know what they shouldn't be able to do (and they usually blow me away with what they accomplish).

After working with these girls, it's absolutely apparent when I catch myself making excuses about why something won't work or a project or problem is too big for little ole me. That moment of embarrassment is usually enough to get me back on track.

If these 16 year olds can do something big, I can, too.

Although not through Girl Scouts, I had a chance to spend some time with Liz Niemiec, the founder of The Little Wish Foundation. Her story is amazing. Walking out of the funeral of a child she was close to, then 17-year-old Liz turned to her mom and said "I am going to start a Foundation to grant little wishes to kids like Max."

The lessons Liz, now 20, has taught me are important and impactful. We each CAN do something big, even if we do it in small ways. We're all capable of doing incredible things - whether it's feeding the hungry or putting a smile on the faces of 200+ kids with cancer.

If a 17 year old can do something so amazing, what's your excuse? What's mine?

Check out short this video that my company, Cantaloupe.tv, created for her.