Success is a subjective thing. We all define it differently and reach for it in different ways. But certain things remain constant in our quest to succeed: we must be clear about and dedicated to our goals. As we lead up to our annual International Convention, some basic themes have been running through my mind. I tell these to interviewers and conference attendees time and time again because they are true. If you want to succeed, you have to be dedicated to it. And if you feel that you are failing, it may be time to take stock in your projects and methods. Ahead, I’ve listed some of the essential reasons you may not be reaching your perceived goals. With a bit of tough love, I share these insights in hopes that they may help you reach the ambitions you’ve set for yourself. Ready to take notes? Read on.
8 Reasons Why You’re Not Succeeding
#1. You’re Not Taking It Seriously: If your intended project is not at the top of your list, you’re not serious about making it happen. It doesn’t always have to be the first –family will often come first, of course—but it should be near the top in a very active and visible manner. Allowing yourself a sliver of time to work on your goals is not abandoning your family; rather, it helps make their situation better, too.
#2. You Don’t Believe in Yourself: This one is simple. If you don’t believe in yourself, don’t expect anyone else to. No one will back you if you can’t back yourself.
#3. You Don’t Believe in the Project: You can’t align yourself with something that you don’t believe in. Money can only motivate you so far. Simple as that. What do you believe in? Are you willing to give up the limited hours in your day to work on it? If you can’t answer yes to that question, it may be time to find a new avenue.
#4. You’re not Making Time for It: You can always say that you don’t have time right now to do something. But the truth is that you’ll always make time for things you really want or need to do. So even if it’s just 20 minutes a day working towards your goal, make the time for what really matters. If you’re not making the time, ask yourself if you really want to be working on this project.
#5. You’re not Telling People about It: If you’re keeping projects to yourself, you’re less likely to hold yourself accountable for your actions. Instead of just daydreaming, discuss these ideas with trusted friends and family who can hold you accountable by asking how you’re doing from time to time. Sometimes, setting up a weekly call with a trusted confidant is enough to get your motivation going.
#6. You’re Not Setting Goals: Abstract thinking is great for brainstorming but it can only get you so far. If you’re not setting concrete goals and outlining them for yourself, you will not get ahead. Make lists, set clear goals, and measure them daily, weekly, and monthly to chart growth and make course corrections as necessary.
#7. You’re Not Taking Action: You can think about your goals all you want, but if you’re not taking any measurable action, you’ll never get anywhere. If you don’t take the first step, there will be no second or third steps, either.
#8. You’re Not in the Right Mindset: Even if you’re doing all of the above, if you’re not in the frame of mind of believing you will succeed at this task, you just won’t. Something JR and I always tell people is that “what you think, you become.” Your thoughts turn into actions and your actions, in turn, create your life. So be careful of your thoughts because they’ll shape who you become and how your success unfolds.
What are some of your tips for succeeding at your goals? How do you stay on course?
