Why do people create barriers that block their own success? First, do people create barriers to block their own success? Yes they do. Here are a few examples. 1) Negative thinking 2) Always believing what others tell you 3) Focusing on their weaknesses and not their strengths 4) Making excuses for why they can't succeed rather than excuses why they can succeed Negative thinking Do you hear people complaining about everyone and anyone? When people focus on looking for what is wrong with people, they are not looking for what is right with them. This probably includes themselves. Generally, this person may be an unhappy person, because they are always looking for something wrong or someone to blame. By always looking for the negative there is no time to look for the positive. It's the positive things that you see that will inspire you to make some mark on the world and be successful. Keep this fact in mind: Everyone is human. They all have a few positive aspects (things they are good at or do well at) and many negative aspects. Pointing out or looking for the negative things doesn't do anyone any good. By looking for the positive things you may just change someone's life - and maybe the someone will be you. Always believing what others tell you The first thing you need to do is look at the person's credibility. If the person is the greatest swimming coach in the world and tells you that you will never be a world class swimmer, maybe they are right. Did you notice I said maybe? That is because something may be holding you back from achieving your best and they may not see what your true potential is yet. But often times, I have seen people put others down to try to make themselves look like they are an expert. Knowing that everyone has a few strengths and many weaknesses does it really make any sense to point out and put anyone down for what they can't do? Wouldn't it be better to encourage people based on what they can do? Focusing on their weaknesses and not their strengths This is easy to do because we all have many weaknesses and only a few strengths that it's easy to get side tracked. Don't let that happen. Everyone was put in this world and has something positive to give. Have you ever heard of an idiot savant? idiot savant n. pl. idiot savants An intellectually disabled person who exhibits extraordinary ability in a highly specialized area, such as mathematics or music. An example is someone who is blind and mentally retarded, but can sing beautifully or can not only play the piano well but can remember every song they have ever heard, note for note, the first time they heard it. No matter how many weaknesses you have, you have some strengths. Everyone has some strengths. Making excuses for why they can't succeed rather than excuses why they can succeed It's amazing how many times I hear people come up with all types of nonsense reasons for why they won't be successful, so they don't even try. You may have a family member that does not want you to be a fireman, play in a band, and whatever else it is that you want to do. Well here is the big problem. It's your life and you need to live your life to the fullest. No one can live your life for you. Life is short: it could end tomorrow. If you were lying on your death bed today and asked yourself: Is there anything in life I wish I could have accomplished and the answer is yes then your are not living life to the fullest and doing everything you need to do. Why do people create barriers that block their own success? Well the answer is either one of two: They are afraid of success or they are afraid of failure. Chances are it's the latter of the two. After all, isn't it easier to just blame why you never accomplished your dreams on someone else rather than putting the time an effort into making your dreams come true and risk failing? You have only yourself to blame for both your successes and failures in life. No one can make you do what you don't want to do. Slavery ended years ago. You are not a slave and you are free to make changes in the world. Unlock your mind and unlock your potential Did you enjoy this article? Do you know of anyone that could benefit from this article? Please add a link to this article from your website, favorite blog, web board or forum that you visit if you think others can gain from this article. Please feel free to discuss ideas discussed in this article but please do not copy it in part or in full. All content on this page is copyrighted and is protected under copyright laws.