1. Comparing your success to Bill Gates … or anyone else for that matter.
It doesn’t do you any good to compare what you’ve done or what you’ve been able to accomplish to another person. They have a different set of tools, a different set of networking possibilities, a different set of attitudes, and a different passion ^[2] for things than you. Compare yourself to what you CAN accomplish and set your goals accordingly.

2. Running from your fears like Adrian Monk
^[3]When I was a freshman at The University of Alabama, my roommate and I went on a run through a new neighborhood. Since he was much faster than me, when a giant Doberman started chasing us, Bob was easily able to outrun me. Instead of running away from the dog, I started running toward him. The dog didn’t know what to do and started throwing on the brakes and running from ME! That’s how it is with your fears. Run toward them with the intent of attacking them and they will melt away.

3. Leaving a job undone like the satellite installation guys.
Okay, they aren’t celebrities, but they’re notorious for failing to finish a job. Nothing kills success like failure to follow through with everything that needs to be done. The race isn’t over until you cross the finish line.

4. Feel sorry for yourself like Orlando Bloom ^[4]
No one feels sorry for someone who feels sorry for himself. And certainly none of us “little people” feel sorry for actors or rock stars …

5. Speaking like Ozzy Osbourne
No explanation needed here.

6. Dressing like Brittany Spears
Now, I’m not known for being the king of style, but even I can spot a style faux pas ^[5] like this. Dress like a professional, not someone experimenting with how little lace is needed to actually be labeled as “clothed.”

7. Having a Jon Stewart attitude
Criticism has it’s place but constant cynicism only makes you look like a bitter old fool.

8. Not learning to network like a Hollywood Pro ^[6]
One of the greatest ways you can help further your own success is by being a genuine person and learning to network. People are generally more than willing to help someone, they just rarely get asked in a genuine way.

9. Selling yourself short like Aladdin
In the Disney story, Aladdin thinks he is just a “street rat” who can never catch the eye of a princess. His wording is “I can’t.” Those two little words have done more to squash success than any others. Most people who have achieved great levels of success have done so by looking at what they could do, so stop saying “I can’t” and start looking for ways that you can. You just might surprise yourself … and everyone else, too.

10. Having more regrets than dreams and goals like the consummate American businessman.

Nobody on his deathbed ever said, ‘I wish I had spent more time at the office’.
Paul Tsongas

Believe it or not, there ARE things more important than performance issues at work, making X percent more net income, and creating yet another spreadsheet … those things are called family, friends ^[7], and faith.

photo ^[8] credit: Hot Rod Homepage ^[3]
photo ^[8] credit: Growl Roar

About the author

Ron has written 1080 articles on The Wisdom Journal.

The founder and editor of The Wisdom Journal ^[9] in 2007, Ron has worked in banking, distribution, retail, and upper management for companies ranging in size from small startups to multi-billion dollar corporations. He graduated Suma Cum Laude from a top MBA program and currently is a partner in a national building materials company.

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