This post concludes Napoleon Hill’s list of 30 Common Causes of Failure; and just to keep it interesting, there’s a bonus at the end of it, too.
Rounding Out The List
26. Possession of power not acquired through self effort. (Sons and daughters of rich and famous, and others who inherit money they did not earn). Power in the hands of a person who did not acquire it gradually, is often fatal to success. Quick riches are more dangerous than poverty.
27. Intentional dishonesty. There is no substitute for honesty. It is possible from time to time that a person might be temporarily dishonest by force of circumstances over which he or she has no control without permanent damage. But, there is no hope for the person who is dishonest by choice. Sooner or later, his deeds will catch up with him, and he will pay in loss of reputation, and perhaps even loss of liberty.
28. Egotism and vanity. These qualities serve as red flag warning others to keep away. They are fatal to success.
29. Guessing instead of thinking. Most people are too indifferent or lazy to acquire facts enough to think accurately. They would rather act on “opinions” created by guesswork or snap-judgments.
30. Lack of capital. This is a common cause of failure among those who start out in business for the first time without a sufficient reserve of capital to absorb the shock of their mistakes, and to carry them until they have established a reputation.
31. Your cause here. Under this, name any particular cause of failure from which you have suffered that has not been included in the foregoing list.
Ending With A Bang (?)
If you left the list thinking it was kind of flimsy in its list of causes, or disappointed with your bonus #31, that’s probably a good thing; it means you’re getting the point. It means that you are realising that the real causes of failure are not all that strong; and if the bonus didn’t impress you, it means you are human and don’t like to admit that you might be your own cause of failure—but nevertheless the ability to own up to that and face your failures is a strong step towards success.
Sean Rasmussen
Success Communicator
Aussie Internet Marketer © 2004 – 2009
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
most excellent ! no. 31 is truly the most poignant, most powerful tool for ‘knowing thyself’ and being prepared to be flexible and creative opens doors to a whole new vista..
G’day Sean,
My feeling is that lack of Persistence and Focus are the worst offenders. Follow those with excessive negativity.
Reduce Negativity here http://easytoblog.uwcblog.com/Flushing and Burning Negativity – this one works well.
Cheers
Harry
I really don’t know which is worse. Too much of an ego, which can be pretty bad at first, but can usually be tamed through the usual barrage of obstacles…until the whiff of success is again in the air. Or the opposite, low self-confidence, which can make a person simply buckle under the pressure of those same obstacles.
One I would like to add for number 31 – Being non-authentic. Perhaps people fear not being accepted that they put on a front. Let people know who you really are, you might be surprised by the response!
Being authentic requires far less energy than being someone your not. It’s such a huge turn off – for want of a better phrase!! I think someone has something to hide when they are not being authentic.
Authenticity, is so utterly important to me. I can’t help but be me. I have no idea who else I am meant to be.
Thanks Sean I have enjoyed reading the common causes of failure. I have to say “Possession of power not acquired through self effort” – is something we see way too much off in popular culture. Hopefully, Paris Hilton will serve as a lesson for any young person who will look at that example as something NOT to be.
Know yourself through people who have qualities that you do not desire.
Samantha Banfield´s last blog ..Sean Rasmussen and his crazy talk!
My 31 could go on for a very long list! LOL! But I agree with Sam, not being true to yourself is a big one.
Lina Nguyen´s last blog ..How to make comments online and build your online persona
Lina there are many others that you could add to the list but I chose what I chose as THE one at the top of my long list.
How can you be successful and know your true path in life if you can’t be honest with yourself?
Samantha Banfield´s last blog ..Sean Rasmussen and his crazy talk!
I agree – once you lie to yourself it’s really hard to achieve anything, because you just ignore life. And life is bigger than the individual ego, so it will probably win.
Renee´s last blog ..Motivational Music
Hi Lina, Sam and Renee,
I agree too. You have to be able to be your authentic self. Sometimes I think it’s easier said for some people than done.
You have to be honest with yourself and be yourself in the world. You are enough just as you are. You don’t have to be anyone else. If you can’t do this, then I think success will be a very elusive thing.
Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Sean Rasmussen – Aussie Internet Marketer Making a Difference
Hi Sean,
Okay, so I have some work to do on strengthening the areas that are weaknesses for me. Unfortunately I do see myself appearing on this list and I’m willing to work hard to get off the list.
I certainly don’t want to be the one to get in the way of my own success.
Hi Sean,
I think it’s a great list. For #30 there should be the banks, but these days I feel they are more part of the problem than of the solution
Renee´s last blog ..Motivational Music
Hi Sean
I think this is a great list of the 30 common caused of failure.
I will read through this list every Sunday night before the work week begins to see how I can avoid the pitfalls of failure and improve myself every day.
Please excuse the typo, I meant ‘30 common causes’