A Critic of Wayne W. Dyer's "Excuses Begone!: How to change Lifelong, Self-Defeating Thinking Habits"

A book review & critic of Wayne Dyer's Excuses Begone!: How 

to 

Change Lifelong, Self-defeating Thinking Habits

(By Vimal Kodai)

          Wayne W. Dyer’s "Excuses Begone!: How to change Lifelong, Self-Defeating Thinking Habits" is a book which can be summarized by the following quote from Jean-Paul Sartre’s one-act play: “A man is what he wills himself to be.” In this plot, Dr. Dyer has hereby created a layout of a structure which indicates that the brain is entitled to be the most powerful as it possesses the intellect of God. The author dictates, “Your perceptions have the power to change your genetic make-up—-your beliefs can and do control your biology.” It is the author’s intention to make things clear as to why human beings need to stop laying blames on other people or on other circumstances whereby their fates are decided and set up by themselves. In fact, humankind is fully accountable for its past, present and future tense actions. Wayne Dyer maintains that human beings are part of a family unit known as the "human family" and that no one is obliged to fulfill a destiny which is dictated by others. "Excuses Begone!: How to change Lifelong, Self-Defeating Thinking Habits" is a very encouraging book of wisdom which denies the rights of human beings from making excuses for their past deeds. "The Biology of Belief" is one such key factor which Wayne Dyer uses to explain that certain characteristics and habits of humans are not always attributed to the traits of their ancestors or to their genes. Dyer also contradicts this very ideal by saying that DNA is not what makes a man who he is, but the latter has an inner strength to overcome emotional and mental calamities, regardless of his genetic make-up. The author even suggests that the way that a man thinks is the very same way he leads his life; as such, human beings sometimes lead their respective lifestyles while embracing the following: "It will be difficult… I can’t afford it…or I don’t deserve it." Dyer points out that human beings need to acknowledge that life has been either fair or unfair towards them without contemplating their past decision-making strategies. The author brings upon an ideal about strong will, the willingness and the will-power to make changes to ones life. Wayne Dyer makes a brief note on the fact that the willingness to be enthusiastic about ones actions makes one a better person. In the process of setting the record straight, the author is very subjective on issues related to keeping a calm and serene mind: he attaches lots of importance to the usage of mantras to do meditation; he claims that by accepting all of the many benefits from reading Holy Scriptures, one will derive fresh joy in ones life; furthermore, he confirms that a compassionate person is always surrounded by good people and that his/her life is full of bliss and good fortune. Dr. Dyer quotes from Carl Jung while stating the following: “Our most important problems cannot be solved; they must be outgrown.” Dyer makes use of the fascinating world of “Mindfulness” while he suggests that its practical application is of great essence to us, humans. Finally, he mentions that humankind needs to act and react wisely as the consequences of his/her actions will be felt very profoundly, thus he says, “Without excuses, there wouldn't be any way of creating obstacles for yourself. But, just thinking I am strong or I am smart begins to stop the excuse-making modes in their tracks.” His seven paradigms indicate by far how they are capable of bettering human beings' lives; they are questions and answers which are as follows:

   Questions & Answers

1. Is it true? 

Probably not.

2. Where did the excuses come from? 

I allowed them.

3. What’s the payoff? 

I get to avoid risks and stay the same.

4. What would my life look like if I couldn't use these excuses? 

I’d be free to be myself.

5. Can I create a rational reason to change? 

Easily

6. Can I access universal cooperation in shedding old habits? 

Yes, by simply aligning with my Source of being.

7. How can I continuously reinforce this new way of being? 

By being vigilant. 

           Wayne Dyer advises his readers to make use of these paradigms several times so that the effect of its practice will be felt and reckoned to the very utmost. Thus, this book of Dr. Dyer’s gives a whole new perspective about rethinking the ways we act so that we shall always value their consequences for the better rather than for the worse. "Excuses Begone!: How to Change Lifelong, Self-Defeating Thinking Habits" is one such masterpiece which stands entirely for what its title indicates.