For nearly twenty years I’ve worked with people in an entrepreneurial setting, encouraging and coaching them to fulfill their dreams and goals. I’ve seen people come and I’ve seen people go, and through it all there emerges a pattern of behavior.
I’ve often been asked, “What’s the difference between those who ‘make it’ and those who don’t?”
Giving this some thought recently resulted in what I’ll call my “Top 10 Reasons People Quit Something Worthy.” This isn’t revelation from God, it’s not infallible, and it’s probably not even complete. But it is mine, and now it can be yours, too. I hope it helps!
10. Pride: Unwilling to “look the fool” while going through the necessary failures along the way.
9. Besetting Sin: An addiction or something destructive in their lifestyle that tears their life apart.
8. Lack of Character: They have to take their “game” elsewhere because they’ve been “found out.”
7. Distractions: Men fail by “broken focus.”
6. Comfort: The “lure of lesser things.”
5. Dream Not Big Enough: Without a powerful dream there is no focus, no passion, and no long-term vision.
4. Relational Challenges: Can’t get along with others.
3. Unwillingness to Accept Personal Responsibility: Blame others for lack of results.
2. Self Doubt: Can’t see themselves having the big victory.
1. No Mental Toughness: Don’t have the discipline and/or courage to hang in there when times get tough.
Of course, we could debate the order of these items, and even add a few more to the list, but the point is to provide some thought starters you can use to hold up against your own life.
And don’t get me wrong: Part of success in life is knowing what to quit! You can’t do everything, and in order to succeed mightily you must focus. So quitting “unworthy” or “lesser” things is actually a part of success.
The situation to which I’m referring in the list above is when people quit something worthy, something central, something that has been their heart’s desire, something into which they’ve poured hours and energy and hopes.
Now, a couple questions:
- Are you chasing something great in your life?
- Are you seeking to live a life of purpose and meaning?
I hope the answer to both is a hearty “yes,” and if so, then perhaps this list can help you identify weaknesses you can shore up against failure. Figure out where you’re susceptible and do something about it.
It’s these ten you’ll have to beat if you’re going to “make it.”
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Chris Brady co-authored the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Business Weekly, USA Today, and Money Magazine best-seller Launching a Leadership Revolution.
He is also in the World’s Top 30 Leadership Gurus and among the Top 100 Authors to Follow on Twitter. He has spoken to audiences of thousands around the world about leadership, freedom, and success.
Mr. Brady contributes regularly to Networking Times magazine, and has been featured in special publications of Success and Success at Home. He also blogs regularly at Chris Brady.
He is an avid motorized adventurer, pilot, world traveler, humorist, community builder, soccer fan, and dad.
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