What has kept you from success in your profession, in your calling, in accomplishing your God-given purpose in life? What do you need to change to be successful?
My guess is your mind immediately framed the question in material terms, in terms related to achieving position, wealth, status, and fame. But the word "success" is more broadly defined as accomplishing any aim or purpose.
Regardless of how you define success, as achieving success in your profession, wealth, status, and fame, or achieving what you want to accomplish in fulfilling God's purpose for you, what keeps you from being successful?
Common Sabotage Habits
Here's a checklist of common things that can sabotage your efforts. After you review the list, choose the top five things that you need to address. Prioritize them and create a plan to begin changing.
Lacking the necessary knowledge to succeed.
Inability to listen to good advice and constructive criticism.
Listening to naysayers, including your inner critic.
Wasting time on the unimportant and with "time wasters."
Not caring enough to put in the time.
Seeking the easy shortcuts around the needed work.
Lacking the focus and being unorganized.
Lack of planning, purpose, and passion.
Procrastinating and believing your own excuses.
Envy that can stifle enthusiasm and motivation.
Regrets about the past, worry about the future, and fear of failure.
Giving up when facing challenges and failure.
Being stressed out instead of finding time to reenergize.
Living an unhealthy lifestyle that can rob you of energy.
Forgetting to do the little things right.
Striving for perfection instead of accomplishment.
Having trouble saying "no," stretching yourself too thin.
Finally, not relying on the Lord our God, the creator and sustainer of all that exists. Not relying on the Holy Spirit to guide you, help you understand what needs to be done, and give you the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual energy to get it done. Not giving the Lord honor and thanksgiving when you do succeed.
Scripture is clear!
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:3)
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)
"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (Jeremiah 29:11)
Other words of wisdom from an astronaut:
"There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened. To be successful, you need to be a person who makes things happen." Jim Lovell
From a successful basketball coach:
"Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming." John Wooden
Also visit: Small Successes Add Up to Big Successes
