Knowing is half the battle..

The list below isn’t comprehensive, but it should make you think.

1: Debt

Consumer debt will prohibit you from taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. You will be stuck in a job you hate because you rely on a paycheck to pay your car loan, student loan, credit card, or more.

2: Fear of failure

Failure happens to all of us. Successful people learn from failure. They also put failure in its proper place and refuse to dwell on it unnecessarily.

3: A desire to please everyone

If you aren’t growing to your full potential, you will never have this happen. You will never (EVER) be able to please everyone. People will mock your ideas, goals (if bold enough), plans, and more. They will knock your desires out of their insecurities. 

4: Analysis Paralysis

Quit overthinking plans. At some point, you need to STOP planning and act. In the military, two sayings work incredibly well here: “The enemy always gets a vote” and “No plan survives contact with the enemy.” As soon as you start to execute, there is a great chance you will have to adapt. The sooner you do both, the better.

5: Not understanding your VALUE

We guise our fears in many different ways and, in the process, convince ourselves we aren’t worthy of doing what we set out to do. Know the value you bring to your efforts, know the value of your experiences and don’t be shy in letting others know it.

6: Your comfort zone

If you always stay where you are comfortable, you will never reach your full potential. Period.

7: Complacency

When coupled with your comfort zone, complacency will convince you not even to try. Complacency will convince you that you are ok where you are. It will convince you that you aren’t worthy of the success you crave. It will convince you the deck is stacked against you. Complacency will kill your dreams.

8: Undisciplined time management

Successful people own their calendars and successfully control their time. They are intentional with WHO they spend time on and on WHAT they spend time on. Own your calendar, or let it own you.

9: Not asking for help

Everyone needs support at times. Don’t let pride get the better of you and continue to suffer rather than seek the help you need.

10: YOU

Yes, you are your greatest problem. YOU are also your greatest chance for success. Sometimes, it is just a matter of getting out of your head and deciding on the next step.

So, to wrap this up. Take a hard look at where you are versus where you want to be. Put goals in place. Set up milestones to hit along the way. Adjust as necessary. Remember, this life we are blessed to live is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t expect immediate results; stay the course and keep the faith.

How do you eat an elephant? One single tiny bite at a time.