Have you seen the new Nike commercial with the guy in the wheelchair (Matt Scott) rattling off excuse after excuse after excuse for not doing something? The first time I saw it, I thought to myself “wow, this guy sounds like quite a few people I know” then I started to realize he was in in wheelchair so it shifted my focus to “how many of those have I used recently for no good reason?” Too many even though I’m not an excuse maker by nature.
This is one of the best ads I’ve seen in awhile because we’ve all made similar excuses; most of us have our full compliment of capabilities so why make excuses?; the implied call to action at the end is very strong even if you don’t ultimately buy Nike’s products. The ad cuts across brands, races, religions, personalities, and stereotypes because if this guy can do it, you can too.
As the commercial says “Just Do It!”
PS–Happy New Year! We’re having a contest in follow up to this posting. Read this post and share the lamest excuse you’ve made or heard for a chance to win a 2GB iPod Nano.