The Top 10 Assumptions That Kill Success – By Jim M. Allen

The Top 10 Assumptions That Kill Success – By Jim M. Allen **
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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:

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.

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).

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.

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 manyof
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.

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.

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!

8. I am being unrealistic

Most of the great successes in history were thought to be sill,
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.

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!

About the Author:
This piece was originally submitted by Jim M. Allen, The Big Idea Coach,
who can be reached at JimAllen@CoachJim.com, or visited on the Web at
http://www.mynewattitude.com/. Jim M. Allen, The Big Idea Coach wants you
to know: Get more ideas to help make your ideas real, visit my self-help
website, MyNewAttitude.com or read THE BIG IDEA blog at:
http://bigidea.typepad.com/bigidea