August 2004

The seven major blocks to success

by Dr. Dennis Nikitow

The most common desire we have is to succeed. It's an inner drive built into each person by God. Although our definitions of success vary, we can break it down into to two basic categories: worldly success or God's success.

Worldly success is defined as basically fame and fortune. Godly success, on the other hand, is achieving God's purpose and plan for your life and becoming the person God wants you to become. What is common to both categories of success, however, are the things that block us.

I've observed people struggle and force themselves only to gain more frustration and dismay about achieving their goals and the success they truly deserve. They apply correct goal setting principles but, never seem to get anywhere.

Part of the problem is they've never identified the "success blockers" that need to be addressed and handled. It's like having a race car stuck behind a truck that's blocking the road. Until the truck is moved, the car can't go anywhere no matter how great it is.

The FIRST block is fear. People have fears of failure, rejection, others' opinions, poverty and even success. The major reason for these fears is doubt. Doubt is the complete opposite of certainty. When we doubt we become "double minded" and are assured to get nothing. When we believe with certainty, we receive. This is not only a biblical principle but, a promise from God.

There are several causes of doubt.

One is ignorance to the promises God gave us. God doesn't make failures nor does he endorse flops! He always wants the best for us.

Another is past failures. Remember, you are not a failure because you failed at something. Everyone has. This helps build our character. Past failures should be looked at as learning lessons. They are really success steps to push off of to propel you to the next level. Don't let failures step on you. You step on them to continue your climb towards success in life.

Doubt also comes from guilt. Confront the guilt, ask for forgiveness from those you've wronged, and God. God is the great forgiver. If your friend doesn't forgive you the burden becomes his/hers. Next, change your ways and move on. Forget the past and press on toward the future, but change your actions toward service of others.

Doubt also comes from negative influences. Claim God's promises and remember He does not make failures. Remember, "misery loves company." It's easy to agree with other negative thinkers because they're in doubt, too. It's easier to fail and then make excuses. Negativity keeps you from God's plan for your life. Negativity does not come from God, only positivity and possibility does. So trust Him.

All these lead to the foundation of doubt. A distorted self image. God loves you and is on your side. He made you just the way He wanted to with a purpose and plan in mind. So love yourself enough to want to change and improve. To handle fear, therefore, do these three things: Claim God's promises, recall past victories and make a list of them, and reject doubt and replace it with certainty.

The SECOND success blocker is excuses.

Excuses come from you excusing responsibility. Remember, you have 100% influence on every situation. Every excuse is a shovel full of denial that digs you deeper into your hole of failure. If you want to be successful, put down your ego and pride and take up humility. Start admitting fault, asking for forgiveness, and love yourself enough to change.

Practice God's principles and you'll stop making excuses and become more responsible. Be a victor instead of a victim and you'll stop blaming others and flee from selfishness and watch your excuses disappear and your strength return.

The THIRD success blocker is procrastination.

Procrastinators are usually your perfectionist types. They are afraid to take the first step because things are not perfect. They fret and worry over challenges because of their fear of failure. They analyze and analyze until they become anxious and talk themselves out of it because things weren't perfect enough to act.

Remember, God can only direct a moving object, If you trust the fact that He has a plan for you, trust the fact that He knows the steps. Realize that failures are the steps to success and start taking actions. Remember Indiana Jones at the bridge he couldn't see? A step of faith will please God, and set you on the bridge to success, but you have to take the first step. Be excited to see what He'll do.

The FOURTH success block is poor time management.

Time is driven by priorities. Priorities are driven by circumstances and desires. Life's circumstances make us adjust our schedules. Job changes, sick children, winning the lottery or getting a flat tire will all force us to prioritize our time.

Desires are either purpose driven or self driven. If you know your purpose you'll manage your time towards accomplishing it. Without purpose your time can become engrossed with your own selfishness. Gain purpose and establish balance to give time to it, yourself and others.

The FIFTH success blocker is distractions and lack of concentration or focus.

You have to set goals and point to point steps to keep your focus. If you don't chunk things down to steps, you'll get lost on the goal road and get distracted and lose focus. Think of walking or driving somewhere. You know the destination, but you can only see so far. Focus on getting to that point, then look to the next one. This will prevent distractions.

The SIXTH block to success is greed.

Greed is the insatiable hunger for more than you need and more than you can use. It is a bottomless pit. Greedy people step on others to get more. Greed occurs because They are envious because they want what belongs to others. Money and possessions control them and they can never get enough.

The best way out of greed is to realize God owns it all and you are only a steward. If you are a good steward with little, you will get more. God always provides us with what we need. Stop comparing yourself with others and be thankful for everything you have. You will never meet a greedy person who is happy, peaceful or content.

The FINAL success block is laziness.

Laziness is just doing enough to get by. It is a violation of the talents God gave you and a slap in the face to God. God will never reward laziness and you can't imagine you'd be successful if you are lazy. Motivate yourself by gaining purpose and realizing God rewards those who try.

If you handle these blocks you will be assured to open up your road to success.

(To learn about Certainty Practice Products and Dr. Dennis Nikitow's upcoming seminar schedule, call 800‑544‑3884. Outside the United States, 303‑721‑6202.)

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