IMG_2101For 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."

 

Posted in

16 responses to “Top 10 Reasons People Quit Something Worthy”

  1. Cathy - Team Rascals Avatar

    Chris,
    What a great and thought-provoking list! Thank you for sharing it.

    Like

  2. Gene Turner Avatar
    Gene Turner

    Makes a person think. I really appreciate your concluding words.

    Like

  3. Jay Homewood Avatar
    Jay Homewood

    Great stuff !

    Like

  4. Jim Martin Avatar

    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

    Like

  5. claude hamilton Avatar
    claude hamilton

    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

    Like

  6. Tim McNeil Avatar
    Tim McNeil

    Chris,
    Great list! I’ve copied it and added: Attempting to be “Smarter than Orrin”.

    Like

  7. BZ Avatar
    BZ

    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!

    Like

  8. Michael Collins Avatar

    Chris, thanks for the thought provoking list. I am affected by one in particular and am going to work on it.

    Like

  9. Chrissy Avatar
    Chrissy

    Couldn’t have a more timely article. My sister died, which goes to #1 and 7. A great list. Thank you.

    Like

  10. Derrick McCuller Avatar
    Derrick McCuller

    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)

    Like

  11. Greg Johnson Avatar

    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.

    Like

  12. Sheri Lucas Avatar
    Sheri Lucas

    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!

    Like

  13. Ross Goldsmith Avatar
    Ross Goldsmith

    Chris,
    Another great article!! Seems you are looking right into my head! Got more than a few of your list running through my head and taking up space! Thanks for all you and the rest of the Leaders do for us!!

    Like

  14. Normjohnson62 Avatar

    Excellent post Chris, you hit the nail square on the head. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.

    Like

  15. Mouena Richards Avatar
    Mouena Richards

    Thank you for your leadership and with all heart.

    Like

  16. Mouena Richards Avatar
    Mouena Richards

    God bless younfor your leadership, and will all heart wisdom.

    Like

Leave a reply to Michael Collins Cancel reply