Here are four of nine ways to guarantee failure… In some cases one item can guarantee but often, it’s a normally a ‘concoction’ of a couple of them…
- Do nothing! No matter how good your plans or vision or goals are, nothing will guarantee them not being realized than inactivity. This can be brought by just being lazy or procrastination. Rule number one to failing – don’t do anything! Perfectionists are often the greatest causalities in this area. Waiting for something to be ‘perfect’ before they can make forward movement or waiting for the perfect conditions to act. The truth is there will always be some condition that can be better. Embrace that perfection is a process and journey embarked on, not a destination.
- Procrastination is not only a thief of time, but a thief of success and progress. Always pushing things to be done in the future can can rob you of possible opportunities. Some moments may not come again or you may not be able to get the same impact or results another time.
- Always cower in the face of risk. I’m not advocating for reckless risk taking but playing it safe will definitely not guarantee success! If you’re going to be successful you will need to take risks at some point! An element of risk makes up the formula of success.
- Listen to everybody. The fact that ‘everyone’ can share an opinion with you doesn’t mean you have to follow it. What is relevant to you and what will add to you advancing. I like what Bill Cosby said; “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody”
BONUS: Check out the rest of the 9 ways to guarantee failure in this follow up post: 5 of 9 Ways to Guarantee Failure