Ask anyone who has not lived up to their full potential what is actually holding them back… and you will hear a plethora of reasons ranging from their lack of education to the government, and of course, their parents.
All these reasons may have a kernel of truth in them. That is what makes these excuses so insidious. The element of truth in them makes them very plausible and convincing.
However, no reason is so strong that it can hold one back if they are determined to progress. In reality, there are other factors at play, and most are in your own mind.
As hard as it may be to accept, most of us are architects of our own misfortune and hold ourselves back. Let us look at the most common reasons why people fail… and it has very little to do with our parents or the excuses we tell ourselves.
- Procrastination
This is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to stopping people in their tracks. We delay doing what we must because what we must do to succeed is usually uncomfortable and makes us step outside of our comfort zone.
Yet, doing what you do not feel like doing is key to succeeding in life. If you are tired of working at your day job, stop procrastinating on your dream. Go out there and start building your own business which generates profits so you can ditch the day job and lead a more fulfilling life.
2. Distractions
We live in a society where college students complain about the ills of capitalism while they post about it on their mobile phones. The irony goes over their heads because they are so distracted by the noise and are emotionally stirred up by entities with an agenda.
In the same vein, if you let distractions distract you from your goals, you’ll lose time and energy on meaningless activities. Social media, TV shows, the news, etc. are all distractions vying for a very precious resource – your attention.
Stop giving it to them and instead focus on working towards your goals. Ultimately, your focus will determine your reality.
3. Unwillingness to be a student
You would be amazed at how many people never pick up a book once they leave college. Formal education has left a bitter taste in their mouth and learning has become anathema to them.
Yet, if you wish to succeed at business, you will have to learn quite a bit to succeed. The good news is that everything you learn will be up to you… and you only need to study what helps your business to progress.
There is no need to clutter your mind with useless trivia. So, be prepared to be a student again and focus on self-educating yourself so you achieve your goals. Here I speak from experience. I have made it my business to attend at least one course per year.
4. A sedentary lifestyle
Nothing exists in isolation. A healthy body will lead to a healthy mind. Very often, you will notice that people who lead a sedentary lifestyle often have an almost empty bank account. Their job is nothing to write home about either.
It may seem like life dealt them a bad hand. In reality, detrimental habits have seeped into different spheres of their lives and impaired their performance in each area.
If you exercise daily, you will feel better and burn more calories. You will start watching what you eat and shed the excess pounds. When you feel better, you will work better and have more energy.
Success breeds success. If you want to succeed in life and in business, take care of your health and exercise.
5. Poor habits and self-doubt
Millions never chase their dreams because they fear they will fail… or they believe that they lack what it takes to succeed. This self-doubt keeps them rooted in their current situation and causes unhappiness, and they feel the never-ending regret of unfulfilled potential.
You MUST give yourself a chance to succeed. Fearful? That’s ok… but get started anyway. Action will dispel fear.
Do not have what it takes? That is fine. Start learning and hustling to give yourself the advantage you need. Be resourceful and creative. You can still progress.
To win the game, you must first get on the field and start playing. If you are a spectator to your own life, you will have a humdrum show to watch. You deserve better than that.
Look at your current habits. They are shaping your life without you even realizing it. Be proactive and develop good habits so that they transform your life for the better.
Your success is in your hands. Whether it is your business or health or relationship, you have a lot more control than you believe.
You can reach the pinnacles of success in any endeavour you set your mind to – but first, you will need to work on your mindset, your habits, and your approach to life.
Once you do that, the world will be your oyster and success will be a badge you wear every single day. It all starts with you… and ends with you. Get started.
ALEX J NAGEL
October 24, 2022
