--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Most people use excuses to cover up…" description: "\"Most people use excuses to cover up mistakes, but it takes less time to do something right the first time.\" — Robert Cheeke" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5bb/robert-cheeke-5135_bodybuilding_most-people-use-excuses-to-cover-up-mist_131487.png" --- # Most people use excuses to cover up mistakes, but it takes… ![“Most people use excuses to cover up mistakes, but it takes less time to do something right the first time.” quote by Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5bb/robert-cheeke-5135_bodybuilding_most-people-use-excuses-to-cover-up-mist_131487.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5bb/robert-cheeke-5135_bodybuilding_most-people-use-excuses-to-cover-up-mist_131487.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5bb/robert-cheeke-5135_bodybuilding_most-people-use-excuses-to-cover-up-mist_131487.png) > “Most people use excuses to cover up mistakes, but it takes less time to do something right the first time.” [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Excuses mask errors; doing things right the first time saves time and effort. **In simple terms:** Excuses hide mistakes; act correctly from the start. Key Takeaway Do it right the first time. Themes accountability efficiency integrity Mood direct encouraging Type advice motivational When to use this quote - project management - learning new skills - team collaboration Key Concepts behavioral economics habit formation Questions to Reflect On - Why do you resort to excuses? - What steps help you start correctly? A Different Perspective Perfectionism may cause paralysis. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bodybuilding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bodybuilding/) [Cover ups](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cover-ups/) [Excuses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/excuses/) [Failure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/failure/) [Mistake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mistake/) [Motivational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/motivational/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [Don't try to cover your mistakes with false words. Rather, correct your mistakes with examination.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pythagoras/don-t-try-to-cover-your-mistakes-with-false-words-rather-correct-your/) [Pythagoras](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pythagoras/) > [“they can’t afford it, they don’t want to say they can’t afford it—they’re too embarrassed—so they make up other excuses to cover the financial…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abby-lee-miller/they-can-t-afford-it-they-don-t-want-to-say-they-can-t-afford-it-they/) [Abby Lee Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abby-lee-miller/) > [Why don't you learn from my mistakes? It takes half your life to learn from your own.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shelagh-delaney/why-don-t-you-learn-from-my-mistakes-it-takes-half-your-life-to-learn/) [Shelagh Delaney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shelagh-delaney/) > [It takes a man to admit his mistakes but it takes an even better man to stop making them .](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-takes-a-man-to-admit-his-mistakes-but-it-takes-an-even-better-man/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I hate when I make mistakes and sometimes it takes me a long time to sleep.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-matip/i-hate-when-i-make-mistakes-and-sometimes-it-takes-me-a-long-time-to/) [Joel Matip](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-matip/) > [I say, 'You can never use excuses because they always run out.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rj-mitte/i-say-you-can-never-use-excuses-because-they-always-run-out/) [RJ Mitte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rj-mitte/) > [Make the decision that you'll no longer use excuses to keep you from what you know is in your best interest. Today, act on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wayne-dyer/make-the-decision-that-you-ll-no-longer-use-excuses-to-keep-you-from/) [Wayne Dyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wayne-dyer/) > [“Everyone makes mistakes, it all takes time to heal. Don't give up on something you will never recall, once its gone for real.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tracey-lopez/everyone-makes-mistakes-it-all-takes-time-to-heal-don-t-give-up-on/) Tracey Lopez > [I don't like to give in to injuries. I don't like to use them as excuses. Everybody has them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-stockton/i-don-t-like-to-give-in-to-injuries-i-don-t-like-to-use-them-as/) [John Stockton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-stockton/) > [Everyone has their ups & downs, but too often people use excuses instead of actions to make things work. If you want them in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nishan-panwar/everyone-has-their-ups-downs-but-too-often-people-use-excuses-instead/) [Nishan Panwar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nishan-panwar/) > [This ain't just for me and my love, this goes out to you and your love. Shake off your pride, it'll tear you down,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mya/this-ain-t-just-for-me-and-my-love-this-goes-out-to-you-and-your-love/) [Mya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mya/) > [We all have excuses. We could all take all of the things that have happened to us over the course of our lives and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/max-joseph/we-all-have-excuses-we-could-all-take-all-of-the-things-that-have/) [Max Joseph](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/max-joseph/) > [Walk away from the 97% crowd. Don't use their excuses. Take charge of your own life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/walk-away-from-the-97-crowd-don-t-use-their-excuses-take-charge-of/) [Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/) > [It takes a woman to admit her mistakes but it takes an even better woman to stop making them .](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-takes-a-woman-to-admit-her-mistakes-but-it-takes-an-even-better/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Mistakes are takes that were missed nothing unusual about that, we do miss out on many things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tasneem-hameed/mistakes-are-takes-that-were-missed-nothing-unusual-about-that-we-do/) [Tasneem Hameed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tasneem-hameed/) ## More by Robert Cheeke > [Learn to see the big picture. Often times we get tunnel vision and lose sight of the big picture and what we're really trying…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/learn-to-see-the-big-picture-often-times-we-get-tunnel-vision-and/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [When working out, play your favorite music loudly for an extra boost of energy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/when-working-out-play-your-favorite-music-loudly-for-an-extra-boost/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [People ask me why I work so hard and why I have this compassion to reach the top and be great. I respond by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/people-ask-me-why-i-work-so-hard-and-why-i-have-this-compassion-to/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [There is always someone out there working harder than you, and you may be standing next to him or her in your next competition.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/there-is-always-someone-out-there-working-harder-than-you-and-you-may/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [Be open to other people's opinions, ideas, and try new things. One of the best ways to learn is to feed off other people's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/be-open-to-other-people-s-opinions-ideas-and-try-new-things-one-of/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [Always work harder than other people are willing to work. Sweat more, endure more pain, and then reap the rewards of success and achievement.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/always-work-harder-than-other-people-are-willing-to-work-sweat-more/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [When lifting weights, nothing feels better than achieving a high point on the bench press with no help from your spotter.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/when-lifting-weights-nothing-feels-better-than-achieving-a-high-point/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [Do nice things for people who may be less fortunate than you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/do-nice-things-for-people-who-may-be-less-fortunate-than-you/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [Begin your bodybuilding lifestyle with an open mind, an open heart, a lot of patience and understanding. With the right discipline and right approach,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/begin-your-bodybuilding-lifestyle-with-an-open-mind-an-open-heart-a/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [Your health and well being should be your number one priority, nothing else is more important.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/your-health-and-well-being-should-be-your-number-one-priority-nothing/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [I believe that true success in bodybuilding nutrition comes from some variety in diet. It allows for more creativity, enables a bodybuilder to enjoy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/i-believe-that-true-success-in-bodybuilding-nutrition-comes-from-some/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [At least once a month, do something for someone who will never know who did them the friendly favor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/at-least-once-a-month-do-something-for-someone-who-will-never-know/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [We were all born to "be somebody," look deep inside your heart to find out who and what you are supposed to be.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/we-were-all-born-to-be-somebody-look-deep-inside-your-heart-to-find/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [Go out of your way to make an outstanding first impression.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/go-out-of-your-way-to-make-an-outstanding-first-impression/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [If in a tense or nervous situation, take a moment to center and ground yourself and make a thoughtful decision. Remember that nothing is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/if-in-a-tense-or-nervous-situation-take-a-moment-to-center-and-ground/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) [Explore all 103 Robert Cheeke quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) ## More Bodybuilding quotes > [Learn to see the big picture. Often times we get tunnel vision and lose sight of the big picture and what we're really trying…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/learn-to-see-the-big-picture-often-times-we-get-tunnel-vision-and/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [I don't believe in bodybuilders using steroids. If a man doesn't have enough male hormones in his system to create, a nice hard, muscular…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-reeves/i-don-t-believe-in-bodybuilders-using-steroids-if-a-man-doesn-t-have/) Steve Reeves > [“The barbells and dumbbells you hold in your hands and the way you use them have stories to tell.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-cecil/the-barbells-and-dumbbells-you-hold-in-your-hands-and-the-way-you-use/) [Craig Cecil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-cecil/) > [My first bodybuilding competition was the 2003 NPC Northern Colorado, where I was a light-heavyweight weighing in at 192 lbs. I was very nervous,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phil-heath/my-first-bodybuilding-competition-was-the-2003-npc-northern-colorado/) [Phil Heath](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phil-heath/) > [After school I would go to the gym where I actually did Olympic weightlifting. And usually that night I would do bodybuilding stuff, core,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mat-fraser/after-school-i-would-go-to-the-gym-where-i-actually-did-olympic/) [Mat Fraser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mat-fraser/) > [There is no reason to be alive if you can't do the deadlift!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jon-pall-sigmarsson/there-is-no-reason-to-be-alive-if-you-can-t-do-the-deadlift/) Jon Pall Sigmarsson > [When working out, play your favorite music loudly for an extra boost of energy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/when-working-out-play-your-favorite-music-loudly-for-an-extra-boost/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [A lot of guys have better genes but if you work hard and consistently, you can outperform them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-zane/a-lot-of-guys-have-better-genes-but-if-you-work-hard-and-consistently/) [Frank Zane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-zane/) > [The only way to be a champion is by going through these forced reps and the torture and pain. That's way I call it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arnold-schwarzenegger/the-only-way-to-be-a-champion-is-by-going-through-these-forced-reps/) [Arnold Schwarzenegger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arnold-schwarzenegger/) > [I got into bodybuilding very young - I was 13.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harley-pasternak/i-got-into-bodybuilding-very-young-i-was-13/) [Harley Pasternak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harley-pasternak/) > [What is the point of being on this Earth if you are going to be like everyone else?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arnold-schwarzenegger/what-is-the-point-of-being-on-this-earth-if-you-are-going-to-be-like/) [Arnold Schwarzenegger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arnold-schwarzenegger/) > [People ask me why I work so hard and why I have this compassion to reach the top and be great. I respond by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/people-ask-me-why-i-work-so-hard-and-why-i-have-this-compassion-to/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [Gold's was the first bodybuilding gym made for bodybuilders.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-gold/gold-s-was-the-first-bodybuilding-gym-made-for-bodybuilders/) [Joe Gold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-gold/) > [Bodybuilding isn’t 90 minutes in the gym..it’s a lifestyle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-priest/bodybuilding-isn-t-90-minutes-in-the-gym-it-s-a-lifestyle/) Lee Priest > [“The application of consistent, logical effort, over a prolonged period is the key to reaching your physical muscular potential.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-cecil/the-application-of-consistent-logical-effort-over-a-prolonged-period/) [Craig Cecil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-cecil/) [Browse all 322 Bodybuilding quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bodybuilding/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Most people use excuses to cover up mistakes, but it takes less time to do something right the first time.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Robert Cheeke" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/most-people-use-excuses-to-cover-up-mistakes-but-it-takes-less-time/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Bodybuilding" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/most-people-use-excuses-to-cover-up-mistakes-but-it-takes-less-time/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5bb/robert-cheeke-5135_bodybuilding_most-people-use-excuses-to-cover-up-mist_131487.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5bb/robert-cheeke-5135_bodybuilding_most-people-use-excuses-to-cover-up-mist_131487.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5bb/robert-cheeke-5135_bodybuilding_most-people-use-excuses-to-cover-up-mist_131487.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Most people use excuses to cover up mistakes, but it takes less time to do something right the first time.” — Robert Cheeke", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Robert Cheeke", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Most people use excuses to cover...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/most-people-use-excuses-to-cover-up-mistakes-but-it-takes-less-time/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/most-people-use-excuses-to-cover-up-mistakes-but-it-takes-less-time/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```