"Mean not to"

I used to sell Mary Kay. I'm not a sales person, and that didn't really go as far as I had once dreamed it would. Anyway, while I was a consultant, I would go to seminars and listen to really successful women give motivational speeches. One really stood out to me. The lady told of being a teenager and getting in trouble and how she would say, "I didn't mean to . . . " And her dad would always tell her, "Well next time, mean NOT to." So in other words, although you didn't really mean to be late, next time don't just wing it; do whatever you need to do to make sure you're NOT late. That statement is applicable in every part of our lives. I think of it often and remind myself to have control over what I do. Or to live deliberately, intentionally and with control. Here are some examples:
"I didn't mean to gain 15 lb over the holidays." (I really gained that this winter!) Well, this upcoming year, I need to mean NOT to gain 15 lb. I need to pay attention and not down every treat on the thanksgiving table at the multiple family gatherings I attend. I need to exercise my body more than my mouth, not just eat as I please and hope for the best.
"I didn't mean to spend so much." Next time, be prepared and DON'T spend so much. Pay attention to the things going into the basket, and stop impulse buying.
"I didn't mean to drop $100 bill on the floor at the grocery store." Next time, put the money in a spot where it won't fall out! The back pocket of my jeans with my grocery list isn't a good spot. Yep, I really did that too. Matt was not happy.

Anyway, I'm sure you get it. Saying "I didn't mean to" is kind of a lazy excuse for things. We should take responsibility for our actions and live with control over our lives, our spending, our eating, our words, our timeliness, our driving, etc. Accidents happen, but we need to learn from our mistakes and take action to ensure that we don't make them again. I just thought it was a good lesson, and I've been reminding myself of it lately and thought I'd share.