Last Updated on by Michael Brockbank
A fail only happens if you’re not willing to learn from the situation. This is something I try to teach my children. That even the darkest of circumstances can provide knowledge in how to never do it again.
But, a lot of people will often view themselves as failures because they can’t seem to accomplish a task. However, many will fail because of a lack of effort rather than ability.
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A Big Difference Between Effort and Ability
I’ve seen many people who demonstrate a great deal of ability but lack the conviction to put in the effort. Frankly, I am one of those people. In the past, I really didn’t put in what I needed in order to be a success.
This has affected everything from my personal to professional lifestyles.
Procrastination
One thing that affects many people is procrastination. Why not put off till tomorrow what you can do today, right? That doesn’t sound like a great deal of effort, really.
Unfortunately, it is a common issue for millions including myself. In reality, this directly has an impact on success.
Part of this is being complacent where you are in life. Why strive for something better if you are secure where you are? For me, this was so the wrong choice. In fact, this way of thinking pretty much turned my life inside out.
You Will Be Unsuccessful at 100% of the Things You Do Not Try
If you don’t at least put in the effort to try, how do you expect to be successful? As a writer, this can mean anything from applying for jobs to spending the hour or two writing that novel you’re working on every day.
It’s OK to dream big, but nothing will happen if you don’t finish the things you start.
Learning to Improve Yourself
Ability is much easier to develop than improving your effort. Virtually anyone can learn a new skill or master one they already have. However, it takes a great deal of mental dedication to affect your personal drive.
Being the best there is at any one thing doesn’t mean much if you have no focus on accomplishment.
One of my favorite stories to tell on this website is the friend I have who gave up after a single attempt to work on a dream of his. It fits so well in many of the things I bring up on this website.
Here is the gist of it: he attempted to write and was told he wasn’t as good as he once thought. Instead of working on his ability and becoming the writer he wanted to be, he gave up.
He lacked the effort to accomplish what he set his mind to. Instead of taking the time to learn more about how to improve his abilities, giving up was the easier option.[template id=”2087″]
Not Everything Good Has to Be Easy
Not everyone can view a project as being easy. Some of us actually have to struggle in order to keep our focus let alone succeed in a task. This doesn’t mean we should give up.
It merely means we need to develop the abilities necessary to accomplish our goals.
Unfortunately, this is often the result of mental status. Those who suffer from depression, low-self esteem or a lack of confidence can find it extremely difficult to succeed let alone put in the effort needed to do so. And this is where things get difficult.
Before change can come, you have to realize the problem and take steps to fix it.
What one person views as common sense and simplistic could be ultra-difficult for someone else. Take me, for instance. I know what needs to be done to succeed, but I often lack the effort for a myriad of reasons.
Some people can stay on target and write thousands upon thousands of words per day. But I often lose interest and become complacent with sitting in my chair for hours on end staring at the screen.
Yes, I have a mental condition. However, I am different in the regards that I am taking steps to make changes in my life. No matter how difficult the decision is for me, it needs to be done or I will sink even further into depression and anxiety.
Understanding Your Shortcomings
No one likes to find the negative in themselves. It can lead to sadness, frustration, anger, and a plethora of other negative issues. However, it needs to be done if you want to figure out what the problem is.
Without understanding what is causing you to fail, you’ll never succeed.
Living Habits
Many people form habits while living. I’m not just talking about smoking or anything like that.
No, I am talking about the habits you form simply by living.
For example, I have the habit of not following through with a good idea. I also have the habit of isolating myself in my office/bedroom because I feel safe, even if I am miserable.
It’s often these kinds of habits that affect the amount of effort you put into virtually anything. You have no idea how many stories I have started as a writer that I simply haven’t finished because of these life-sapping habits.
In some ways, habits like these can be more difficult than quitting cigarettes. It’s the mental addiction to your safe space that prevents you from using your abilities to enhance your life.
Unlike physical withdrawals that will go away with time, mental ones don’t disappear so easily. Many people may not even be able to break these habits without external intervention.
For me, I am completely removing myself from my safe space. I will no longer have a safety net. It’s all about forcing myself to change or I will be unsuccessful. Now, I don’t think everyone needs to take such drastic measures.
My situation is much different. There is more going on with me than simply not having the effort to write my novel or accumulate more clients.
Getting Out of the Comfort Zone
Whether you want to be a writer or President of the United States, you need to break out of your comfort zone. You can’t be afraid of failure. Remember, a true failure is merely something you don’t learn from.
It may be scary taking those steps out of this zone, but it needs to be done if you want to get more out of life and your abilities.
How does the saying go, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained?” This quote is far more true than what you may realize. If you don’t put in the effort and get out of being safe, you’ll find it more difficult to accomplish your goals.
If you find yourself in a rut, take baby steps if it’s easier on you. Start to get away from what you view as safe and strive for something greater. After all, it may be vastly important to your mental health.
Otherwise, you could sit in a room by yourself wallowing in self-pity and depression until it finally consumes you completely.
Your Effort Will Dictate Success
Life doesn’t have to be tart. To quote Doctor Emmet Brown, “The future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.” It’s one of my favorite sayings, and I am finally taking those words to heart.
How about you?
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