For nearly twenty years I've worked with people in an entrepreneurial setting, encouraging and coaching them to fulfill their dreams and goals. I've seen people come and I've seen people go, and through it all there emerges a pattern of behavior. I've often been asked, "What's the difference between those who 'make it' and those who don't?"
Giving this some thought recently resulted in what I'll call my "Top 10 Reasons People Quit Something Worthy." This isn't revelation from God, it's not infallible, and it's probably not even complete. But it is mine, and now it can be yours, too. I hope it helps!
10. Pride - uwilling to "look the fool" while going through the necessary failures along the way
9. Besetting Sin - an addiction or something destructive in their lifestyle that tears their life apart
8. Lack of Character - they have to take their "game" elsewhere because they've been "found out"
7. Distractions - men fail by "broken focus"
6. Comfort - the "lure of lesser things"
5. Dream Not Big Enough - without a powerful dream there is no focus, no passion, and no long term vision
4. Relational Challenges - can't get along with others
3. Unwillingness to Accept Personal Responsibility - blame others for lack of results
2. Self Doubt - can't see themselves having the big victory
1. No Mental Toughness - don't have the discipline and/or courage to hang in there when times get tough
Of course, we could debate the order of these items, and even add a few more to the list, but the point is to provide some thought starters you can use to hold up against your own life. Also, don't get me wrong. Part of success in life is knowing what to quit! You can't do everything, and in order to succeed mightily you must focus. So quitting "unworthy" or "lesser" things is actually a part of success. The situation to which I'm referring in the list above is when people quit something worthy, something central, something that has been their heart's desire, something into which they've poured hours and energy and hopes.
Now, a couple questions:
Are you chasing something great in your life?
Are you seeking to live a life of purpose and meaning?
I hope the answer to both is a hearty "yes," and if so, then perhaps this list can help you identify weaknesses you can shore up against failure. Figure out where you're susceptible and do something about it. It's these ten you'll have to beat if you're going to "make it."
Chris,
What a great and thought-provoking list! Thank you for sharing it.
Posted by: Cathy - Team Rascals | January 24, 2012 at 01:10 PM
Makes a person think. I really appreciate your concluding words.
Posted by: Gene Turner | January 24, 2012 at 05:43 PM
Great stuff !
Posted by: Jay Homewood | January 26, 2012 at 12:55 AM
Wow Chris I think I had all those thoughts go thru my mind at some point in the last 10 years. Thank God for Ed Zentner and Tim Marks to have the belief in me to make the right answer, and that was to continue reaching for greatness and not the easy road. I appreciate you.
God Bless
Jim Martin
Posted by: Jim Martin | January 26, 2012 at 12:40 PM
Chris
Your tweets and articles seem to always hit me at the right time, this one is so good i printed it off and will use it for myself to get better in all 10 of those ways and also when i help others try to move forward!
see you this weekend!
Claude
Posted by: claude hamilton | January 26, 2012 at 01:16 PM
Chris,
Great list! I've copied it and added: Attempting to be "Smarter than Orrin".
Posted by: Tim McNeil | January 26, 2012 at 01:31 PM
Thanks for posting Chris! I have dealt with more than 2 on this list. I'm going to write these down on an index card and look at them as reminders of what not to do...I would never quit the LIFE business or on my dreams, but I know I can't move forward with any of these in the way. God bless!
Posted by: BZ | January 27, 2012 at 04:56 AM
Chris, thanks for the thought provoking list. I am affected by one in particular and am going to work on it.
Posted by: Michael Collins | January 29, 2012 at 10:32 PM
Couldn't have a more timely article. My sister died, which goes to #1 and 7. A great list. Thank you.
Posted by: Chrissy | February 02, 2012 at 10:18 AM
Chris,
Perfect I love the fact that everytime I get on a PC blog I grow another mile in my journey! Wow this was my "Monalisa" (um maybe I didn't use that right or didn't spell it right oh we'll sounded smart to me) (probably wasnt the best decision used word Boldness Decision Making Tim awesome job by the way)! Holy cow how did I get way over there oh yes top ten reasons to quit! Wow Chyis I am not totally sure u don't follow me around writing down what I do! I have struggled with all of these, and it seems that every time I have all the planets in line something always pops up I don't know it just always does! Thank u for putting up with all the garbage so I could have a chance! Not to put my hero's (PC and my Dad) in the same boat but JC came to this earth go give me a chance! Jesus would have done all that for just me and that's what u studs did rescued me now it's time to give back my turn! Can't wait to turn on my cd player got a long drive today got in 8 of u champs yesterday and going to shoot for 10 cd's today! Thank you,
Derrick Mcculler (Blue)
Posted by: Derrick McCuller | February 02, 2012 at 12:54 PM
Chris,
With all the distractions of life and the fact that all men and woman have imperfections in their life it is so important to have a mentor or coach to help us through the times when we need to stay on track.
Thanks for the reminders.
Posted by: Greg Johnson | February 04, 2012 at 08:43 PM
Chris...thanks so much for the great list! How many people out there never wonder what their purpose in life is...how they can make a difference...I've been yearning to know what mine is and, at last, I have found it in "LIFE". Thanks for sharing with us to help us become better leaders!
Posted by: Sheri Lucas | February 19, 2012 at 10:37 PM