You Won’t Be Successful

I’ve got some bad news for you; chances are you are not going to be successful.

Not Successful

Only 8 percent of people actually achieve their goals.  For every 100 people you know, only 8 of them will ultimately be a success, and the probability is high that you will not be among the successful 8 percent.  The odds are just against you.  Sorry for the bad news.

What Not to Do.

My guess is, however, you really want to be successful.  That’s good news and is a great starting point.  If you don’t want to be in the 92 percent group, then here are several things not to do anymore.

1. Don’t define your success. Success will not just fall into your lap.  How will you know if you are successful if you have not defined what it is?  All successful people know what their success looks like.
2. Procrastinate. There is no better time to start being successful than now.  If decisions need to be made, make them, if research is required, start, and if commitments are necessary then fulfill them.
3. Make lists of goals. You only need one list of goals, and those are the goals you intend to meet.  The goals you identify as necessary for your success are the most important goals in your world.  Furthermore, all goals need to have a set of actionable steps associated with them, and these steps are actions you are currently taking.
4. Pleasing people. You cannot make everyone happy.  When you are doing things to please others, you are sacrificing your time and energy away from the things needed to be successful.  Sure, you need to be helpful and friendly to those around you, but stay away from commitments that simply help the self-interests of others and not move you forward closer to your ultimate success.
5. Avoid risks. You cannot leave your success to chance.  All change requires some level of risk, and to be successful; things will need to change from where they are today.  Taking risks requires you to evaluate alternatives, make decisions, and get out of your comfort zone.
6. Think you can do things by yourself. To be successful, you will need to engage others for advice and the skills they bring.  You will always need someone to be objective in helping you see how you are progressing.  Success is a journey, and the more people you can enjoin who have mutually beneficial circumstances will make your journey easier and less lonely.
7. Make excuses. Successful business people have no time for excuses.  There is too much to be done and too little time.  Replace the time spent making excuses with time figuring out how to get one step closer to your success.
8. Be prideful. Be willing to listen to the ideas of others, and to give them all the credit.  You are not the only person with good ideas.  Humility will carry you through the rough times and the good times.  Remember to thank the people who have helped you on your journey to success.

The Bible

Psalm 37:23-24 says.

The Lord makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;

 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

All journeys toward success are difficult.  They will be filled with challenges, setbacks, and failures.  Some may even tell you that you won’t be a success and that you are a failure.  Your drive to succeed will be challenged and often be lonely.  So, when the road to success turns ugly, who will you turn to?

Having God as the driver for your success will make the journey much easier, and much secure.  For with God, anything is possible, so certainly will be your success.