There are no short cuts to any place worth going. Making changes that are tangible come from yourself. Ask yourself this: 'Am I on the right route to get to where I want to be or am I aimlessly wandering around, stuck because it's safe and familiar?' Do you have a strategy for your life? Do you know the rules of the game and have a map, a plan and a timeline?
Successful people do not deceive themselves: they know they are accountable for their choices, behaviour and actions.
Over the years I have researched extensively, read endless authorised biographies, studied body language and carefully observed the communications skills of high-profile, confident people. I have learned that it isn't about luck but about having the right attitude, taking action, changing behaviour, taking one step, one goal, one priority at a time, a day at a time.
We all have the same ability; what matters is how we apply ourselves.
Here are seven reasons why some people will never succeed.
1. They don't take action.
Unsuccessful people talk a great talk but don't walk their talk. They fantasise which is different from visualisation. Fantasising is not the same as visualising, it's dreaming of success but not taking action. They spend ages in meetings and planning ideas but don't follow through with taking action.
2. They don't value their time.
Unsuccessful people have no boundaries. They are often late for appointments as they don't value other people's time either. They have no structure, no priority lists, they wander aimlessly and float through life. They can't be bothered to spend time laying the foundation for their goals, let alone spend time focused on their goals.
3. They can't say No.
Unsuccessful people say yes when they mean no as they want to be liked by everyone and seen as the good guy. They are not loyal to themselves or their dreams as they are too busy people pleasing and looking for approval. They worry about what others think of them because they are not sure of themselves.
4. They have limiting beliefs
Unsuccessful people constantly advertise their weaknesses and say things to themselves and others like ' I am not smart enough' and ' I can't see how I could be a famous actor or start my own business'. By keeping hold of their limiting beliefs they keep their lives small as they stay within their comfort zone.
5. They set unrealistic goals
Unsuccessful people set the goal and not the path. Often in a frantic effort to make the goal, they miss the side turning that would offer a simpler route or a short cut. They then plough on regardless of whether their actions are effective or appropriate.
6. They are resistant
Unsuccessful people don't like opening themselves up to change. They don't look at their options then play devils advocate and look for the angles they may have missed. They have set opinions and therefore they don't look to see how many paths there are available to them that they can easily identify.
7.They lack focus
Unsuccessful people allow themselves to be easily distracted, checking social media during their work day, checking emails every few minutes. They cannot centre on something for more than a few minutes at a a time. They don't force their mind to focus on a plan of action and concentrate on it until it's finished.