One of the biggest factors affecting whether or not a person will fail or succeed at any particular endeavor is the belief he holds in his mind when he embarks on it. My experience as a life coach is that most people have a remarkable knack for making assumptions about their goals that are just ...One of the biggest factors affecting whether or not a person will fail or succeed at any particular endeavor is the belief he holds in his mind when he embarks on it. My experience as a life coach is that most people have a remarkable knack for making assumptions about their goals that are just incredibly, wildly, mind-bogglingly incorrect. These assumptions, in addition to being incorrect, serve to enhance people’s fears and insecurities, deflating their dreams and sounding a death knell for the success they seek.
I’ve also found that by tackling these assumptions head on and focusing on the truth, people can change their starting beliefs and greatly improve their chances of being successful in everything they do.
Here are the ten deadliest assumptions that I’ve encountered. Consider this a “most-wanted” list of killer assumptions to avoid.
1. I Know Exactly What’s Going On
Warning! If you find yourself saying or thinking this, it’s time to stop and ask a few more questions. And then a few more.
Obviously, at some time you have stop asking questions and start taking action, but that should only happen once you have both a respectable level of confidence in what you are about to do and an understanding that your knowledge of any situation will always be, in some way, limited.
Invariably, the moment at which you think you see everything is usually the moment at which you have the smallest field of vision. Recheck your facts, get more information, and then proceed.
2. I Have a Foolproof Plan
No plan is foolproof. At best, you might have a plan that is “fool-resistant,” and only a fool has just one plan. Chuck this assumption fast, and get to work on plans B, C, and D. Consider worst-case scenarios and as many “what-ifs” as time will allow.
3. I Don’t Need (or Can’t Get) Help
Success does not occur in a vacuum. Very few truly “solitary” successes (those who created success on their own, without the help of others) can be found in history. A second opinion, a spare set of hands, and a fresh perspective seldom go amiss.
If you think you don’t need help, then you probably do (reread assumption 1). If you think you can’t get help, I’d encourage you to ask first and then decide. If you’re not sure where to go, start by visiting your local library, college, or telephone directory.
4. I Don’t Have the Education
Ideas put to action create success, not diplomas. There are plenty of high school and college dropouts who are wildly successful, so stop using this excuse to delay getting started on your endeavors.
If you absolutely must have a formal “education,” there are many ways to get one. They may not be traditional means, but they can be just as effective.
5. I Don’t Have the Money
Not having the money now does not mean that you cannot get the money in the future. Rather than focusing on what you lack, focus on how you can save, earn, or borrow what you need.
6. I Don’t Have the Time
Actually, you have all the time in the world. You may need to reschedule some things, change priorities, and stop doing other things, but you’ll never have more time than you do right now. What are you waiting for?
7. I Am Too Old (or Not Old Enough)
You’re only “too old” when you’re dead. If you’re old enough to worry about being old enough, then trust me, you’re old enough.
8. I Am Being Unrealistic
Some of the greatest successes ever are the ones that were thought to be the least realistic. Dream big. Be bold. Let the critics debate whether it’s realistic or not, while you make it happen.
9. I Don’t Deserve to Be Successful
Well, if you don’t, who does? And anyway, what if you’re wrong? Why not just go ahead and find out? You may just have a surprise (and a success) headed your way.
10. Nobody Understands What I Am Trying to Do
Maybe nobody you know now understands, but look around, and you’ll find a world full of wonderful people who, just like you, are each struggling to create success in their own ways. Open up and share your dreams with them, and you’ll soon find more supporters than you can count!
** This article is one of 101 great articles that were published in 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life. To get complete details on “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life”, visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/greatways.html
Jim M. Allen, “The Big Idea Coach,” is a professional life and business coach with clients from around the world who are ready to make their small ideas big and their big ideas real.