Why Do People Fail?

I came across this article on Inc.com entitled 5 Reasons People Fail (& What To Do Instead). The target audience is mostly for entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs but in my opinion, it still holds relevant for anyone who has had a goal in the workplace or in their personal life as well. Let’s review the reasons:

1. Uninspiring goals– The author claims that people are actually seeking a positive emotion and not so much a specific thing. Example: that new, hot car you want…really you want that confidence driving it would give you. Another point in my own life- unrealistic goals. Yeah, shoot for the stars, but goals needs to be attainable and measurable  otherwise you may end up discouraged and quit!

2. Fear of Failure– Failure is inevitable if you want to acheive a goal. The author points out that failure is a temporary state. I think it’s also a great learning opportunity- what works, what doesn’t. Big marketing campaign flop? Learn from what went wrong and try a new strategy.

3. Fear of Success– This was interesting…a fear of changing relationships or lifestyle if you do find success.

4. Unrealistic Timetable– “Most people vastly overestimate what they can do in a week and vastly underestimate what they can do in a year.” So relevant. Hello failed weight-loss…again. Hello frustrating, never-ending work project! Mini-goals to space out a long-term project allows for mini-celebrations of progress.

5. Worry About “Dry Spots”- summed up perfectly- plateaus mean you are on the brink of success…don’t give up, you are almost there!

Ultimately, for any work or personal goal, you have to make realistic goals that are attainable and measurable and what you truly want. If they are big goals, breaking them up into mini-goals helps you keep your eye on the prize while moving towards your ultimate state helps you keep focused. If you hit a plateau, keep persevering and celebrate your accomplishments up to date! Do you have any other ideas while people fail or works of advise?