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About this quote

What does it mean?
Nightingale attributes her success to a strict refusal to use or accept excuses.
In plain terms
She succeeded because she never made or listened to excuses.
What can you take from it?
Eliminate excuses from your decision-making to maintain accountability.

Where it applies

  • goal achievement
  • management
  • self-improvement

Putting it to work

  • set clear standards
  • practice accountability

Questions to consider

  • Do you tend to justify your failures?
  • What would happen if you dropped all excuses?

Another view

The advice may overlook valid reasons for delays or failures.

More from Florence Nightingale

  1. How very little can be done under the spirit of fear.

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  3. I have lived and slept in the same bed with English countesses and Prussian farm women... no woman has excited passions among women more than I have.

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