by From the moment we start our formal education, we’re being told that success is the only option and that being successful is key to a happy life. Yet, so many of us aren’t all that successful. The question is why? What is holding us back from reaching our full potential and becoming the person we’ve always wanted to be? Let’s find out!
Comparing Yourself to Others
The first factor that is holding you back is the fact that you’re comparing yourself to others. This phenomenon has become a major issue ever since social media became a thing. It’s so easy to look at your friends or acquaintances on social media and conclude that they must be so far ahead of you because they have the perfect partner, perfect job, are in shape, you name it.
In reality, you’re just seeing a very small snapshot of their lives, which is almost always tweaked to look good. Even so, it’s important to understand that success is a subjective thing. Everyone’s journey to the top is different.
Lack of Discipline
How many times have you heard someone complain about how they have no motivation to do X or Y? What that person, and all who think alike, don’t understand is that motivation is fleeting. It’s a temporary thing. Discipline, on the other hand, is a permanent solution. To reach success, you need to change habits. You have to build discipline one step at a time. That is the only way to regain control over your life and eliminate most variables that will hold you back.
Fear
The only thing worse than failing is never trying in the first place. Fear of success is one of the most prolific reasons why people aren’t successful. It’s that idea of actually making the right movies and reaching a new level that is oddly paralyzing for many people. In the end, it all comes down to leaving your comfort zone.
The level you’re at right now may not be perfect, or good for that matter, but it is familiar. You’ve learned how to deal with it. Taking your life by the horns and climbing the ladder of success forces you out of that familiar place and into the unknown. Don’t let fear hold you back.
Lack of Focus
Last but not least, we have to mention the lack of focus. You only have so many hours in a day and so much energy to spend. If you don’t remain absolutely focused on your goals, you’ll likely find yourself veering off-course.
One way to deal with this is to make a long-term plan, but also a number of short-term goals. That way you’re jumping from one objective to another.
There’s a Chinese proverb that says that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but the next best time is now. The same applies to personal success. If you have goals and aspirations, start working on them right now. Make a plan, set your goals, and start making moves.
