1. LACK OF A WELL-DEFINED PURPOSE IN LIFE. There is no hope of success when you don't have a central purpose, or definite goal at which to aim. Ninety-eight percent of people are followers who have no definite idea of their ultimate goal. What to do: As an absolute first step in your personal or professional success, know your passion. What is your higher purpose?
2. LACK OF AMBITION TO AIM ABOVE MEDIOCRITY. If you don't like where you are, you must find a way to change that. What to do: Becoming a fulfilled Home Executive or accomplished Business Leader will occur only when you consistently strive for excellence.
3. NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENT As the saying goes, "you are who you know," so it is of the utmost importance to have only those people in your life who support you and what you believe/desire yourself to be. What to do: Control the amount of doom and gloom you allow into your life, creating an environment that is filled with people and things that are supportive of your higher purpose.
4. POOR HEALTH. It is impossible to enjoy outstanding success when you lack physical and emotional health. Obtaining this goal is an ongoing process. What to do: Consume a healthy, well-balanced diet of nutritious food and, also, exercise regularly. This regimen will lead to both physical and emotional well-being.
5. UNFAVORABLE ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES DURING CHILDHOOD. "As the twig is bent, so shall the tree grow." This isn't a curse, its a challenge. Anyone can overcome their childhood difficulties. What to do: Surround yourself with people who emulate who you want to be, study the behaviors you like about them and change the behaviors you don't like about yourself.
6. PROCRASTINATION. This is one of the most common causes of failure. "Old Man Procrastination" stands within the shadow of every human being, awaiting his opportunity to spoil one's chances of success. Failing at life is the result of waiting for the "time to be right" before starting to do something worthwhile. What to do: Don't wait! The time will never be "just right." Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have. You can be sure that better tools will be found as you go forward.
7. LACK OF PERSISTENCE. Most of us are good "starters" but poor "finishers" of what we begin. Moreover, people are prone to give up at the first signs of defeat. There is no substitute for PERSISTENCE. What to do: Watch out for this one! Snuff it out the minute you feel it creep in. You'll notice it when you procrastinate or feel stagnant in your daily living.
8. NEGATIVE PERSONALITY. There is no hope of success for the person who is offensive because of their negative personality. What to do: You have power in your presence, so use your winning/positive personality instead of manifesting a negative character.
9. UNCONTROLLED DESIRE FOR "SOMETHING FOR NOTHING." Recent discussions around movies such as The Secret have some talking about manifesting what you desire out of thin air. This simply does not occur. What to do: You can sit on your sofa wishing for a million dollars 23 hours of everyday, not paying your bills because the money is right around the corner, and get your house taken away in the process due to non-payment. Desire is necessary but it is only the beginning - an action plan as well as ACTION are both essential.
10. LACK OF ABILITY TO MAKE A DECISION. Those who succeed reach decisions promptly (no procrastinating!), because they know there are no failures - only tests. What to do: Know that everything is happening according to your divine order. Keep this in mind and you will never suffer from indecision.
11. INABILITY TO TAKE RISKS. The person who takes no chances, generally has to take whatever is left when others are finished choosing. Over-caution is as bad as under-caution. Both are extremes to be guarded against. What to do: Take chances. Remember, there are no failures! Live your life in the divine flow and remember that everything is happening according to plans.
12. LACK OF CONCENTRATION OF EFFORT. The "jack-of-all-trades" seldom is good at any of them. What to do: Concentrate all of your efforts on your higher purpose in life, then, with laser focus, continue on that path that brings you passion.
13. LACK OF ENTHUSIASM. Having no enthusiasm generally means you don't enjoy your current lot in life. Whatever you are doing, as long as you are moving in the direction of your higher purpose, will make you enthusiastic. What to do: Test yourself. Are you not enthusiastic? This is a sign you're on the wrong path and need to re-evaluate your higher purpose.
14. INTOLERANCE. The person with a "closed" mind on any subject seldom gets ahead. Intolerance means that one has stopped acquiring knowledge. The most damaging forms of intolerance are those connected with religious, racial, and political differences of opinion. What to do: Be respectful of and open to any idea, statement, judgment, or opinion that comes your way. Respecting another's beliefs or ideas does not mean you have to accept them as your own. Always be open to alternative views. You just might learn something about yourself along the way!
15. GUESSING INSTEAD OF THINKING. Most people are too indifferent or lazy to acquire FACTS with which to THINK ACCURATELY. They prefer to act on "opinions" created by guesswork or snap-judgments. What to do: Check your facts and do your research. Thinking is your most powerful tool because what you think, you will be!

(Adapted from Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill.)

Copyright 2007 I Choose Change