Ethan Sterling
There’s a huge gap between successful and unsuccessful people. That gap, quite often, is worry.
Unsuccessful people tend to get caught in a loop of concern and anxiety, focusing on things that hold them back.
They let their worries dictate their actions, leading to stagnation rather than progress. What worries?
Well, the seven we will cover today are key offenders according to psychology.
Ditching them might just help you step onto the path of success.
1) Fear of failure
Psychology tells us that fear can be a powerful motivator, but when it comes to the fear of failure, it tends to do the opposite. It often leads to procrastination, perfectionism, and, eventually, stagnation.
These individuals spend countless hours worrying about the potential negative outcomes of their actions, so much so that they often choose inaction over the risk of failing.
But here’s the twist: failure is an essential part of growth and success. Every successful person you know has likely failed numerous times before eventually finding their winning formula.
Unsuccessful people worry about failure so much that it stops them from even attempting to succeed. And that’s a worry you definitely want to shake off if you’re aiming for success.
2) Comparison with others
Another worry that constantly nags people who never seem to make it is the habit of comparing themselves with others.
I can remember a time in my life when I was guilty of this. As an aspiring writer, I used to constantly compare my work with established authors. I would spend hours reading their books, dissecting their style, and then beating myself up because my writing didn’t measure up.
This constant comparison left me feeling inadequate and led to a great deal of self-doubt. It stopped me from appreciating my own progress and unique voice.
The truth is, everyone has their own journey, their own pace and their own unique set of skills. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should be focusing on our personal growth and development.
The only person you should be competing with is the person you were yesterday.
3) Dwelling on past mistakes
Constant dwelling on past failures can be a severe roadblock to moving forward and achieving success.
In fact, studies have found that people who ruminate on their past mistakes are more prone to depression and anxiety.
This is because dwelling on past mistakes keeps us stuck in a cycle of negative thinking. It also prevents us from learning from those mistakes and applying those lessons to future actions.
Those who achieve success time and time again view their mistakes as learning opportunities. They reflect briefly on what went wrong, learn from it, and then move on. They understand that they can’t change the past, and they don’t let it dictate the present.
4) The need for approval
A need for approval can stem from various sources – societal norms, peer pressure, or even family expectations. But it can lead to people making decisions based on what they think others would approve of rather than what they genuinely want or believe in.
Constant seeking of external validation can also be draining and often leads to dissatisfaction and regret. Basically, it hampers personal growth and prevents individuals from discovering their true potential.
Successful people understand the importance of self-belief and trust in their own decisions. They recognize that they cannot please everyone, and they focus instead on staying true to their values and goals.
This self-assurance allows them to take risks, make tough decisions more quickly, and ultimately achieve success.
5) Lack of self-worth
One of the most heartbreaking things to see is someone who doesn’t believe in their own worth and this is so common in unsuccessful people. They often worry that they’re not good enough, smart enough, or capable enough to achieve their dreams.
This lack of self-worth manifests itself in various ways. It could be a reluctance to take on new challenges for fear of not being able to meet them. It might be a tendency to settle for less rather than striving for more. Or it could be a stifling of one’s own potential out of fear that they don’t deserve success.
It’s important to remember that we all have intrinsic value just by virtue of being human. We all have unique talents and abilities that we bring to the table. Recognizing and believing in our own worth is the first step toward achieving our dreams.
6) Fear of the unknown
Change can be terrifying, especially when it involves stepping into the unknown. I remember when I had to switch careers, leaving behind a stable job for a path that was unfamiliar and uncertain. It was scary, and there were many sleepless nights filled with worry.
Unsuccessful people often allow this fear of the unknown to prevent them from making necessary changes in their lives. They prefer to stick with what’s familiar, even if it’s not fulfilling or leading them towards their goals.
But here’s the thing: life is full of uncertainties, and that’s what makes it exciting and worthwhile. Every new experience, every risk taken, and every change made brings with it new opportunities for growth and learning.
The key is to see the unknown not as something to fear but as a chance to explore new possibilities. This shift in perspective could be the difference between remaining stuck and moving forward toward success.
7) Negativity
Last but not least, people who struggle to achieve success often focus on the negative aspects of situations, expecting the worst outcome in every scenario.
This negative outlook can be self-fulfilling. By expecting the worst, they may inadvertently act in ways that bring about these negative outcomes.
Successful people, on the other hand, cultivate a positive mindset. They understand that while life is not always easy or fair, maintaining a positive attitude can help them overcome challenges and move forward.
They choose to see difficulties as opportunities for growth, setbacks as temporary, and success as achievable. This positive mindset fuels their resilience, determination, and, ultimately, their success.
Final thoughts: It’s all about mindset
The connection between our thoughts and our reality is a phenomenon that psychology has been exploring for many years.
One of the key findings is the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy, a belief or expectation that influences people to act in ways that make the belief come true.
This concept is particularly relevant when we’re looking at unsuccessful people. They worry about failure, they fear the unknown, they harp on past mistakes, and they drown in negativity.
And these worries, fears, and negative thoughts often lead them to act in ways that bring about the very outcomes they dread.
The good news? Mindsets can be changed.
Understanding these common worries and how they influence our actions is the first step towards breaking free from them. By cultivating a mindset of positivity, resilience, and self-belief, we can start making decisions and taking actions that lead us toward success rather than away from it.
