No Good Excuse – a Column by Sean Baumstark

Sean lives with Friedreich’s ataxia and embodies the mantra “get stuff done.” He believes excuses hold us back from being our best. He is the founder of de:terminence, a nonprofit helping disabled individuals experience the beauty and power of physical achievement. He also co-hosts a weekly podcast, “Two Disabled Dudes,” which encourages listeners to “live beyond circumstances.” He lives and works in Sacramento, California.

January 12, 2021January 8, 2021

Finding a Silver Lining in the Wake of 2020 and the Pandemic

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

It’s obvious that things don’t change simply because we turn the page on another calendar year. Typically, the early weeks of a new year set the stage for considering ... Read more

December 15, 2020December 11, 2020

Gratitude and Optimism Can Help Overcome Grief

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I’ve often heard about the multiple stages of grief, especially when faced with the loss of my dad. I’ve wrestled with grief as I’ve come to terms with expectations ... Read more

December 1, 2020November 25, 2020

Other People Help Us Move Forward

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I hear parents say it often: “I felt helpless.” Sometimes I’ll hear these words during an interview on the podcast I co-host, “Two Disabled Dudes,” while other times I’ll ... Read more

November 24, 2020November 20, 2020

This Thanksgiving Will Be Different

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

It’s almost unbelievable that we continue to be significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In many ways, the effects of the pandemic are greater today than they were nine ... Read more

October 27, 2020October 23, 2020

Make Plans, Not Excuses

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I’m grateful to be alive in this day and age. Of course, I’m grateful to be alive at all, but there is something special about the tumultuous, stressful, and ... Read more

October 13, 2020October 9, 2020

A Meaningful Life Requires Intentional Time

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

If there is one thing we all wish for, it is to have more time. Whether we wish for more time to work on an essay, prepare for an ... Read more

September 29, 2020September 25, 2020

Connecting With Others Helps Us Move Forward

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

Many things in the news lately have me thinking about the many aspects of life in which the power to affect change is in numbers. The most obvious example ... Read more

September 15, 2020September 11, 2020

Using Our Voices to Aid Research and Prompt Change

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I’ve had the privilege of making a lot of friends in the rare disease community since becoming a member myself. I’ve had many conversations about the day when someone ... Read more

September 1, 2020August 28, 2020

Focusing on One Thing at a Time

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I recently wrote about the importance of developing habits and disciplines that will help us move toward particular goals and objectives. Although that isn’t a new or jaw-dropping concept, ... Read more

August 18, 2020August 14, 2020

Small Lessons Can Be Learned by Addressing Big Issues

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

The year 2020 will mark stories of history for generations to come. This year continues to call attention to areas of opportunity, shortcomings, and perhaps failures across many areas ... Read more

July 28, 2020July 24, 2020

Push to Get the Results You Want

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I’m confident we can all agree: We have no idea what tomorrow may hold. Whether we are talking about the stock market, our individual health, or simply the weather, ... Read more

July 14, 2020July 10, 2020

Stay on Point and Avoid Distractions

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

An underlying principle keeps revealing itself to me through many different things. I’ve heard the principle said in multiple ways, namely phrases such as “stay the course,” “stay on ... Read more

June 30, 2020June 26, 2020

I Can’t Live in the Past, but Can’t Ignore It Either

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

A year ago, I wrote about the yearly calendar’s halfway point being a great time to check in on my annual goals and the routines I employ to accomplish ... Read more

April 28, 2020April 24, 2020

Life Is Fragile, So Handle with Care

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

As I write this, I just received word that a friend and co-worker passed away in his sleep last night. Unbelievable shock consumed me for several moments. My friend ... Read more

April 14, 2020April 6, 2020

Remembering What Matters During the Pandemic

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

As the impact of COVID-19 continues to loom over the globe, our concerns and worries seem to increase as well. What started for many as an issue in some ... Read more

March 24, 2020March 23, 2020

Don’t Forget About Self-care During the Pandemic

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

There’s never a “good time” for the world to face a pandemic, or for a region or community to deal with such a significant threat to our health and ... Read more

March 10, 2020March 9, 2020

Not All Decisions Should Be Rooted in Money

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I feel like I’ve recently made a huge decision. To some, my choice may be a no-brainer, but others may relate to the tug of war I’ve had with ... Read more

March 3, 2020February 28, 2020

Easier Doesn’t Always Mean Better

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

The podcast I co-host, “Two Disabled Dudes,” is celebrating a major milestone this week: We recently broadcast our 100th episode! It’s been a wild three years, and neither my ... Read more

February 25, 2020February 21, 2020

Learning a Lesson in Customer Service from a Recent Airline Experience

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

If you follow me on social media, you probably saw this column coming. In fact, I feel like I can’t write about anything else this week other than my ... Read more

February 18, 2020February 14, 2020

Recovery Has Reframed My Priorities

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I’m realizing that short-term disability insurance provides value beyond the financial benefit. Of course, the continued flow of income is important when it helps sustain your overall well-being and ... Read more

February 11, 2020February 7, 2020

Hide Yourself or Reveal Yourself — the Choice Is Yours

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

Change seldom happens by accident or coincidence, especially when it involves other people, such as with rules, laws, policies, job promotions, and so on. The weather and the ocean ... Read more

February 4, 2020January 31, 2020

Making Excuses or Taking Responsibility? We Must Choose

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

Those who know me know that I have little, if any, tolerance for poor service. I’m sure this is deeply rooted in my years of working in the service ... Read more

January 28, 2020February 3, 2020

Don’t Let Time Get Away from You

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

We are wrapping up the first month of the year. Are you glad to be moving forward, or are you wishing time would slow down? The saying “Time flies ... Read more

January 21, 2020January 17, 2020

Practice Prepares Us to Be Better

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I recently wrote a column about trying something new, and I challenged readers and myself to get out of our comfort zones. I’ve been trying many new things lately. ... Read more

January 14, 2020January 10, 2020

The Bare Minimum: Don’t Stop There

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I’ve been thinking about the “bare minimum” in the context of guest or customer service. Many companies would argue that their success, or a healthy amount of it, is ... Read more

January 7, 2020January 3, 2020

Words Matter, So Speak Carefully

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

The start of a new year always seems to bring new goals and commitments. I’m sure you’ve thought about a thing or two, or have created a long list ... Read more

December 17, 2019December 13, 2019

Leave Your Comfort Zone and Try Something New

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I grew up as a picky eater. I was very “basic” in what I liked: graham crackers, mac and cheese, pizza, and popcorn. I didn’t dare venture out to ... Read more

December 10, 2019December 6, 2019

How Do You Approach Friction?

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I’ve been contemplating a metaphor of sorts, inspired by festivities of my family’s holiday traditions. I’m not sure if this is a thought process I’ll cling to very deeply, ... Read more

November 26, 2019November 22, 2019

I’m (Mostly) Thankful for Friedreich’s Ataxia

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I recently wrote about my gratitude for the people I’ve been privileged to meet and build friendships with since my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) diagnosis. My frame of mind when ... Read more

November 19, 2019November 15, 2019

I’m Grateful for My FAmily

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I often struggle with two opposing principles of thought: I have a strong animosity toward Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), and I have a deep gratitude for life because of it. ... Read more

November 12, 2019November 8, 2019

I Can’t Let Fear Dictate My Next Steps

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

There is a first time for everything, right? That’s a phrase I often hear and it is true. A baby’s first words, a teenager’s first driver’s license, a first ... Read more

November 5, 2019November 1, 2019

Stubbornness Is Dangerously Close to Determination

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

The difference between determination and stubbornness is becoming more and more clear. With the recent fracturing of my hip and weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, I’ve found myself teetering on ... Read more

October 29, 2019October 25, 2019

Keeping the Endgame in Mind During Physical Therapy

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

If I didn’t know that the endgame for physical therapy is to be fully functional again, it’d be easy to come up with excuses to just stay in bed ... Read more

October 22, 2019October 18, 2019

A Fractured Hip Has Slowed Me Down but I Can Still See the Silver Lining

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

The topic of this column might be my ultimate excuse for not writing. Before I explain, I want to remind readers that I am an advocate for taking care ... Read more

October 15, 2019November 13, 2019

The People We Surround Ourselves With Matter

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

As I write this, I want nothing more than to go home and crawl into bed. Today has been longer and more exhausting than usual. I don’t write about ... Read more

October 8, 2019October 4, 2019

Focus on Results, Not on Excuses

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

Once again, this weekly writing exercise is proving to be more beneficial than I ever imagined. In a sense, writing and posting my thoughts for the world to read ... Read more

October 1, 2019October 23, 2019

When Good Intentions Aren’t Enough, We Need to Take Action

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I’m currently beating myself up a little, mentally speaking. I’m finding it hard to swallow my own “no excuses” medicine. I’m sure you already know that preaching the “no ... Read more

September 24, 2019September 25, 2019

Laughter Helps Us Keep a Hopeful Perspective

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I recently attended the Global Genes RARE Patient Advocacy Summit in San Diego. While there, I had the honor of co-facilitating a panel discussion during one of the main ... Read more

September 17, 2019September 19, 2019

We Shouldn’t Let Our Circumstances Justify Our Excuses

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I’ve noticed that I often get held up or feel paralyzed by the excuse of not knowing what to do. I label it as an “excuse” because I believe ... Read more

September 10, 2019September 18, 2019

We Shouldn’t Let Distance Weaken Our Bonds with Loved Ones

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I recently traveled to the bona fide destination wedding of some dear friends. The groom has had a significant and recognizable impact on my life so far. It so ... Read more

September 3, 2019September 11, 2019

There Are No Good Excuses for a Bad Attitude

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

There are more than 7 billion different opinions in the world — one for each person on this planet. I’m not an authority on much, but I think many of ... Read more

August 27, 2019September 11, 2019

My Expectations Set a Precedent for How Others Perceive Me

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

When the time came to sit down and write this column, I hadn’t given thought to a specific topic. This doesn’t usually concern me, because I often jot down ... Read more

August 20, 2019September 11, 2019

Placing One Foot in Front of the Other

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I know I have to practice before it is reasonable for me to meet my expectations or achieve what I set out to accomplish. Although practice sessions can be ... Read more

August 13, 2019September 11, 2019

If You Want to Get Better at Something, You Need to Put in the Practice

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

In my previous column, I focused on the thought processes that prevent us from doing our best. This subject has been on my mind a lot recently. In a ... Read more

August 6, 2019September 4, 2019

Excuses Are Built on the Foundation of ‘Good Enough’

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I’m learning to be cautious of the commitments I make, big or small. I don’t like to wear myself out for reasons I can’t get excited about or when ... Read more

July 30, 2019August 28, 2019

Fears Should Drive Us, Not Derail Us

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I appreciate the consistent mindset this column helps me employ. With every new day, new challenge, or new opportunity, I quickly find myself coming up with new excuses as ... Read more

July 23, 2019August 27, 2019

Small Steps Help Curtail Excuses

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

I am finding that change is so much easier when I tackle the changes I want to make with small, short-term goals in mind. I’ve heard that advice in ... Read more

July 16, 2019August 26, 2019

Choosing a Season of Rest and Rejuvenation

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

Sometimes I wish that life would slow down, and some days, I convince myself that it will. That’s probably not true, though. I tend to take on projects and ... Read more

July 9, 2019August 9, 2019

Skip the Excuses and Make Your Own Pullup Bar

Columns, No Good Excuse - a Column by Sean Baumstark

In a recent column, “Accountability Can Change Everything,” I gave credit to this column for helping me raise the bar in my personal performance by improving my awareness of ... Read more