5 Ways You’re Holding Back Your Own Success

We are our own worst enemies and we get in our own way too often. Especially when it comes to being successful. Many people want it but hold themselves back from reaching their desired level. We all are or have been guilty of either one or a few of these things on this list. I’ve been guilty of them all at some point and have had to learn these lessons the hard way. This list isn’t meant to beat anyone up or tear anyone down. Yet it’s meant to shed light on common issues that set people back from becoming the version of themselves that they want.

1. You don’t believe that you can be successful.

We have to believe in our OWN success first and foremost. If we don’t, why should the next person? Why should a customer or client trust you? Furthermore, how can you become successful when you don’t believe that it’s even possible? You have to envision it and believe in yourself. The truth of the matter is anyone can do anything once they set their minds to it. Imagine what you can create or who you can become once you change your thought process.

2. You compare yourself to others.

Comparing yourself to others has always been a sure fire way to set yourself back. You can’t compare your chapter 1 to someone’s chapter 4. But you also can’t compare your chapter 4 to someone else’s chapter 4 either. Success looks, and is different for everyone. You don’t know about their workflow, sacrifices, or dedication. And most importantly, you’ll crash your car trying to look through someone else’s windshield. Focus on your own lane. Trust me, you’ll arrive at your destination much faster if you focus ONLY on where you’re going and not on everyone else’s path.

3. You don’t work as hard (or as smart) as you should.

Any form of success takes work. However, a lot of people lack delayed gratification and want everything NOW. Nothing quick and easy lasts. Success is the same, no matter what you’re aiming to accomplish. You must put in the work required, you can’t easy bake oven success. So as I like to say, you must fall in love with hard work if you desire success. On the flip side, don’t get caught up in doing ‘busy’ work and color it as working toward your goal. The work you set out to do should be done wisely as all of us have a limited amount of time on earth. Say you want to become a writer, but you’re only spending time reading books about becoming a great writer and have yet to actually write. You are just doing busy work if you aren’t actually getting out there!

4. You think you should be more successful than you are.

Remember, you are where you’re supposed to be. And no matter where you are find something to be grateful about! If you don’t like where you are, work to change it. Thinking you should be further ahead holds you back from where you want to go and ultimately gets you nowhere. Don’t get caught in the cycle of living a present that doesn’t actually exist. People waste days, months, and even life times because they cant get past where they think they should be. Instead, envision the life you want and work toward obtaining it. It wont happen over night, but you’ll be thankful that you did.

5. You quit when it gets tough.

Lastly, never give up. The path to success isn’t a straight and easy one. It’s treacherous, unpredictable, and life changing. If you give up at every sign of trouble then you won’t ever reach your goal let alone develop the mental fortitude to handle the level of success you’re striving for. The trials we experience during success prepare us for the even bigger ones we will face as we climb the ladder. The problems don’t just go away. They get harder. But guess what? YOU GET STRONGER! With each level of adversity you learn lessons that prepare you for the next obstacle. Do yourself a favor and push past your fears and limits. You’d be surprised by how much you can actually accomplish if you keep going instead of quitting.

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These are just a few ways among many that can hold back a person from success. Ask yourself, do you have any of these traits? If so, what can you do to overcome this self defeating behavior? I will talk a bit more about overcoming self defeating behavior in an upcoming blog. What ways have you held yourself back & how did you break this mindset and/or habit?