I've discovered that people have this knack for making assumptions about their lives and their goals that are just incredibly, wildly wrong. Worse, these assumptions aren't just incorrect, they are deflating and deadly to the success they seek.
I've also found that when people put these assumptions aside and get focused on the truth, they begin making progress quite quickly.
Below are the top 10 assumptions I've run across. Consider this a "most-wanted" list of killer assumptions to try and avoid:
Below are the top 10 assumptions I've run across. Consider this a "most-wanted" list of killer assumptions to try and avoid:
1. I know exactly what's going on
Uh-oh, look out!
When you catch yourself believing this assumption, then it's definitely time to stop and ask some questions.
All too often it is the moment when we believe we see everything that we actually have the smallest field of vision.
Re-check all facts, get more information, be open to the possibility that an important item might be missing, and THEN proceed.
Uh-oh, look out!
When you catch yourself believing this assumption, then it's definitely time to stop and ask some questions.
All too often it is the moment when we believe we see everything that we actually have the smallest field of vision.
Re-check all facts, get more information, be open to the possibility that an important item might be missing, and THEN proceed.
2. I have a foolproof plan
Foolproof? No plan is foolproof. If you're really lucky, you might come up with one that's fool resistant...
Examine as many WHAT-IFs as possible, plan for worst-case scenarios, and then some (i.e., have alternate plans ready).
Foolproof? No plan is foolproof. If you're really lucky, you might come up with one that's fool resistant...
Examine as many WHAT-IFs as possible, plan for worst-case scenarios, and then some (i.e., have alternate plans ready).
3. I don't need (or can't get) help
A second opinion, a spare set of hands, and a fresh perspective seldom go amiss. And they are much easier to find that you think.
Ask those close to you for their input. If necessary, visit your local library, college, or Yellow Pages for other ideas.
A second opinion, a spare set of hands, and a fresh perspective seldom go amiss. And they are much easier to find that you think.
Ask those close to you for their input. If necessary, visit your local library, college, or Yellow Pages for other ideas.
4. I don't have the education
Look, ideas put into action create success, not diplomas! This is just an excuse, not a real reason to not get started.
There are plenty of ways to get the education you need for any project. Formal education is, perhaps surprisingly, really not necessary for many of the things one wants to do, so don't overlook nontraditional avenues (apprenticeships, mentoring, etc.)
Look, ideas put into action create success, not diplomas! This is just an excuse, not a real reason to not get started.
There are plenty of ways to get the education you need for any project. Formal education is, perhaps surprisingly, really not necessary for many of the things one wants to do, so don't overlook nontraditional avenues (apprenticeships, mentoring, etc.)
5. I don't have the money
Maybe you don't RIGHT NOW, but that doesn't mean you can't have it in the future. Focus on how you can save, earn, or borrow what you need.
Maybe you don't RIGHT NOW, but that doesn't mean you can't have it in the future. 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, or stop doing other activities, but you'll never have as much time to do the things you want to do as you have RIGHT NOW.
Actually, you have all the time in the world.
You may need to reschedule some things, change priorities, or stop doing other activities, but you'll never have as much time to do the things you want to do as you have RIGHT NOW.
7. I am too old (or, I am not old enough)
If you're old enough to worry about not being old enough, then you're probably old enough.
And you're only too old when you're dead. Until then, you're the perfect age to make your dreams come true!
If you're old enough to worry about not being old enough, then you're probably old enough.
And you're only too old when you're dead. Until then, you're the perfect age to make your dreams come true!
8. I am being unrealistic
Most of the great successes in history were thought to be silly, unrealistic dreams. Luckily, the people behind those ideas pressed on, just as you would be wise to do.
Be bold, dream big. BIG!
Let the critics debate whether your idea is realistic or not... while you make it happen.
Most of the great successes in history were thought to be silly, unrealistic dreams. Luckily, the people behind those ideas pressed on, just as you would be wise to do.
Be bold, dream big. BIG!
Let the critics debate whether your idea is realistic or not... while you make it happen.
9. I don't deserve to be successful
Really? Why not? Anyway, if you make it happen, you deserve it.
Really? Why not? Anyway, if you make it happen, you deserve it.
10. Nobody understands what I am trying to do
The world is a big place filled with a lot of wonderful people who are struggling to make their own dreams a reality. Get to know them. Listen to their ideas, their dreams, and share yours with them.
Soon you'll discover that you have more supporters than you count!
The world is a big place filled with a lot of wonderful people who are struggling to make their own dreams a reality. Get to know them. Listen to their ideas, their dreams, and share yours with them.
Soon you'll discover that you have more supporters than you count!
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