While it's true that we can't have success without failure, it's also true that we must learn from our own failures, and the failures of others. We don't have the luxury of enough time in our lives to make and learn from all the mistakes that can be made, so we must learn from the mistakes and mis-steps of others.
The following are ten of the most common causes of failure. Remedy some or all of these and you have eliminated the biggest barriers to your personal success.
1. Always blaming someone other than yourself for a failure. Rather than constantly blaming others or external circumstances for something that didn't turn out the way you wished, ask "what could I have done differently?"
2. The opposite of the first cause, blaming yourself for every problem. Self-pity defeats more people than anything else. Look outside of yourself for real circumstances leading to a failure. Be forgiving to yourself.
3. Having low goals that don't stretch you. Set goals that will grow you and then take positive action to accomplish them.
4. Choosing the wrong goals for yourself. Make sure each goal you have set is yours, has value, and is mutually beneficial to all involved.
5. Seeking the shortcut, or path of least resistance, to success. The shortcut is a myth. You must prepare adequately and put in the effort required to truly succeed.
6. Again, the opposite of the previous one; taking the longest road to your destination. Choose to take the most direct route to your objective as guided by mentors, books and courses of study.
7. Not paying attention to the details. How many stories have we been told where one little detail made all the difference? Pay attention to the little things and deal with them.
8. Giving up too soon. Have you heard that nothing can take the place of persistence? Here's the infamous quote:
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” ~ Calvin Coolidge
9. Carrying the burdens of the past around with you. Yes, learn from the past but live in the present and face the future.
10. Believing success is the end in itself. Each success is but a spot along the journey, keep moving forward. As Talleyrand reportedly said, "A man can do everything with a sword but sit on it."
Which one of these roadblocks is most dominant in your life today? Now that you know what it is, how will you deal with it?
Post inspired by the Ultimate Success Program and Og Mandino's University of Success
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