4 big reasons why we fail

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Celebrity Derek Hough, best known for appearing on TV’s “Dancing with the Stars,” recently shared some words of wisdom on failure that really resonated with me. So I thought I’d share it with you, too.

“I know there is a lot of emphasis and guidance on what we should do to succeed,” wrote Hough on Instagram. “But I thought I would highlight and share 4 big reasons of why we fail. I think it’s important to not only focus on the positive of what we should do to triumph, but to be honest and aware of the negative habits and characteristics that lead to failure so that we may overcome.”

As someone who had failed for decades at diet and exercise, I can tell you from personal experience that these four things have EVERYTHING to do with succeeding in fitness and weight loss.

Hough’s four big reasons why we fail are taken directly from the classic self-improvement book by Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich. Here they are:

1. Lack of self-discipline

Discipline comes through self control. This means that one must control all negative qualities. Before you can control conditions, you must first control yourself. Self-mastery is the hardest job you will ever tackle. If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self. You may see at one and the same time both your best friend and your greatest enemy, by stepping in front of a mirror. 

2. Procrastination

This is one of the most common causes of failure. “Old Man Procrastination” stands within the shadow of every human being, waiting is opportunity to spoil one’s chances of success. Most of us go through life as failures, because we are waiting for the “time to be right” to start doing some- thing worthwhile. Do not wait. The time will never be “just right.” Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.

3. Lack of persistence

Most of us are good “starters” but poor “finishers” of everything we begin. Moreover, people are prone to give up at the first signs of defeat. There is no substitute for persistence. The person who makes persistence his watch-word, discovers that “Old Man Failure” finally becomes tired, and makes his departure. Failure cannot cope with persistence.

4. Lack of a well-defined power of decision

Men who succeed reach decisions promptly, and change them, if at all, very slowly. Men who fail, reach decisions, if at all, very slowly, and change them frequently, and quickly. Indecision and procrastination are twin brothers. Where one is found, the other may usually be found also. Kill off this pair before they completely “hog-tie” you to the treadmill of failure.

There are many additional lessons in Hill’s book. If you haven’t read Think and Grow Rich yet, be sure to pick up a copy and prepare to be inspired! It’s conveniently available from Amazon.

Which of these four reasons do you most identify with? Please share in the comments!