There are many reasons people fail or fall short of their goals and achieving their potential. Over my career of conducting training and coaching sessions, I have heard the same reasons mentioned as to why people didn’t change or succeed by applying the concepts or ideas presented.
The following points are offered to encourage readers to examine their own life and realize so much more is possible and can be achieved by eliminating the excuses and reasons for lack of success. It may make us feel better to blame others and justify our failure or lack of success on their lack of support or interference; however, from my perspective it is seldom others who have been the reason for my failures or setbacks. I was almost always the one who caused them. It’s probably the same for you too. Usually we have given up or let fear stand in the way of achieving our goals or realizing our dreams.
Here are three top reasons people fail:
1. Unclear purpose
2. Poor self-image
3. Lack of persistence
1. Unclear purpose
Having a clear purpose creates the basis for satisfaction, happiness and success both personally and professionally. I am surprised to hear people say they are unclear about their life’s purpose even after five or more years of university and some with advanced degrees which have prepared them for an upward career trajectory. I believe the “average person” is average because they lack clear purpose and goals. If you do not have a purpose, you run the risk of becoming a resource or asset in helping someone else achieving their goal.
Strong purpose is the fuel of inspiration. Consider the following ideas to give you a jump start and to get more out of life.
- What do I want to be remembered for when I die? (What will be your legacy?)
- What do I need to do to double or triple my income?
- Who can serve as a role model to inspire and motivate me?
- What is the best use of my time right now?
“Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it” – Gautama Buddha
2. Poor self-image
Success can only be achieved and maintained through mental toughness. Start with what you don’t like about yourself and define the opposite attributes or traits that relate to success and positive self-image. This requires openness and being vulnerable with yourself and potentially getting input from a close friend or colleague. Finding your blind spots and creating a plan to improve, overcome or eliminate them is one of the first steps to create a positive self image. A useful tool to tackle this issue is the Johari Window. Follow this link to check it out. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johari_window
“It’s not what you say out of your mouth that determines your life, it’s what you whisper to yourself that has the most power!” – Robert T. Kiyosaki
3. Lack of persistence
Persistence is one of the key elements required to achieve success. Intelligence, education and working in a great environment do not guarantee success. Many people have begun a journey of personal development and growth only to give-up when things become difficult and challenging. If it were easy to be successful, everyone would be. Success is achieved after repeated attempts and often only through failure. Talent and persistence are a powerful formula, however talent alone does not guarantee success. I have coached people with tremendous talent that have been over-taken in the ascent up the corporate ladder by those that just wanted it more and were prepared to persist longer and dig deeper.
“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
What is stopping you from reaching your goals?
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