You're not making it a priority.
It might seem obvious, but it's astounding how many people claim they desperately want something, yet fail to put in the effort. Often, the excuse is, "I just don’t have the time." However, if something truly matters to you, you’ll find the time. Ask yourself honestly—could you skip a few hours of Netflix or TikTok?
You're limiting yourself before you even start.
Many people believe they don’t have the money to start a business, aren’t smart enough to learn coding, or think they're too old to go back to college. This self-limiting belief sets you up for failure before you even begin. It's crucial to adopt a mindset that believes in possibilities, regardless of your starting point.
You're comparing yourself to others.
It's unhelpful to compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. This habit can diminish your own achievements. For example, if I compared my own successes to someone earning $10 million a year, I’d feel deflated. Instead, focusing on personal accomplishments and potential growth fosters a much healthier perspective. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique.
You're relaxing too soon.
Success requires consistent effort. If you haven’t reached your goals yet, now's not the time to relax. Just because you see others working remotely from a beach for a couple of hours doesn’t mean you’re at that stage. Dedicate your free time to advancing towards your goals, rather than spending every Saturday hanging out with friends. Your dedication now will pay off later.
You're hanging out with the wrong crowd.
There’s a saying that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. If your friends have goals that differ vastly from yours, it can be challenging to stay on track. If your trying to accomplish your goals your can’t be hanging with people blacking out at the bars every weekend. Conversely, surrounding yourself with people who share your aspirations, like starting a business, can provide mutual motivation and support.
Bonus tip: Be cautious about where you get your advice. Listening to someone who lacks experience or knowledge in your area of interest isn’t helpful. You wouldn’t take driving lessons from your child, would you? Choose your advisors wisely to stay on the right path.