What’s The Greatest Enemy to Success?

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Success is the result of action. Whether action of mind, body or spirit. Action is always the principle cause.

When people fail it usually isn’t because they couldn’t succeed or circumstances precluded success, but that they gave up, or simply didn’t give their all while trying.

Those who’ve triumphed over “impossible” odds or merely succeeded at something noteworthy definitely experienced failure on the journey. I bet they experienced discouragement, too. But very briefly, if at all. Because unlike failure, discouragement is the greatest enemy to success.

Anything that impedes action, the principle cause of success, is enemy to success. Hey man, I didn’t make the physics, that’s how this world was built. Action is everything.

You want to know what every self-help book ever compiled says? Simply this: Act in spite of it all. Act with all your mind, body and spirit. And whatever you do, don’t make discouragement your companion because then you lose.

It’s well known that failure is a natural, core component that leads to success. Discouragement, however, isn’t natural at all. In fact, it’s a state of being that your mind manufactured. It’s your subjective mind saying “I had it… it’s not working… this is hopeless.”

The above is light years from objective; it’s your mind’s creation. One that by no means helps you. You can revel in discouragement or use your mind in ways that lead to success. It’s up to you.

This isn’t to say one shouldn’t change strategy when necessary. Changing strategy is often the smartest thing you can do. It’s been said that the definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

Anthony Robbins writes:

“The truth of the matter is that there’s nothing you can’t accomplish if: 1) You clearly decide what it is that you’re absolutely committed to achieving, 2) You are willing to take massive action, 3) You notice what’s working or not, and 4) You continue to change your approach until you achieve what you want, using whatever life gives you along the way.” [Bold emphasis mine]

Next time you’re indulging in discouragement, think twice. It might be what’s preventing your success.