Everything any of us need to find true success is already within us. The tools you need for immensely fulfilling professional and personal lives are things you already have. Isn’t that empowering to think? But, if this is the case, why aren’t you unlocking your true potential right now?
So often it’s because we hold on to the negative, destructive habits that hold us back. We can know something’s bad for us, but do it anyway. Because it’s easier to keep going through the motions, stuck in the same mindset, than it is to put in the hard work necessary to reverse the damage.
Well, I’m here to say no more. Let’s explore some of the ways you might be holding yourself back from true success.
Worrying about others
How can we focus on our own growth and development if we’re preoccupied with what other people think? We spend so much time worrying about other people’s opinions that we end up stifling our own success. We don’t want someone else to judge our choices, so much so we refuse to make any choice whatsoever. We question what our friends will think, what our coworkers will think, what our partners will think. When all that really matters is what you think.
Similarly, we love to compare our journey to someone else’s. We doubt our own capabilities because someone else has done better. But there will always be people ahead of you on their journey. And that’s okay. Your journey is unique, special, and just that – yours. Just because Steve might have got where he wanted to go quicker, it doesn’t reflect on you in any way, shape, or form.
If you’re being authentic and honest to yourself, that’s all that matters. You’re the person who has to live your life, not anyone else.
Refusing accountability
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. As humans, we love to place the blame on others.
“I’m not as successful as I’d like to be because I had kids and now most of my time is taken up at home.”
“I have big dreams for my professional career, but my business partner is holding me back.”
You and I both know if you really, truly wanted something, you’d make it happen. But instead, we make excuses for why we’re not making it happen. Your journey is your responsibility. And it’s important you take accountability for your own actions and success.
Self-doubt
This leads us into our next one: self-doubt. Perhaps you’re refusing to take accountability because you’re scared of trying and failing.
But if you believe that you can’t achieve something, you never will. You have to eat, sleep, and breathe your success. Visualise yourself already on that mountain top. Self-doubt will achieve nothing but inaction. And if you’re not moving, you’re not making progress.
Perfectionism
Mistakes are healthy. And fearing making mistakes, to the extent we don’t take any chances, will be ten times worse in the long run than trying and failing a few times on your way to true success.
We think if we can’t get it right the first time, we should wait. Or, if all the stars aren’t aligned, we should hold fire. We say we’ll wait until the ‘timing is right’. That age old phrase. But will the timing ever be perfect? At some point, you need to stop worrying and start doing.
So often we’ll be holding ourselves back in life. We can blame others or our circumstances until we’re blue in the face. But you’re the one in control of your journey. The sooner you break down whatever barriers are stifling your growth, the sooner you’ll see the results you’ve always dreamed of.
If any of this resonated with you, I’d be happy to help. Together, we can rethink your behaviour and actions to carve the path for true success and fulfillment. Get in touch with me to find out more or schedule a conversation.
