Why Do People Fail?

This is a loaded question, because people do not fail--they quit. A bridge or a piece of equipment might fail, but it does not quit. It has ceased to do that for which it was created. Many try something and when it does not work for them as planned they simply throw up their hands in despair and quit. What they did not realize is that they simply found a way that did not work, and by continuing on they could have found a way that did work.

It is inherent in human nature to always be doing something. We cannot stand a second or minute of the day not being filled with some type of activity. Even in those times where there is no physical activity, you will find your mind working like a straw caught in a tornado.

We are continually moving and changing, whether toward or away from something. Many of us get stuck in what is termed our "comfort zone." This is the zone in which we feel comfortable and secure and do not want anything to threaten this comfort or security.

What we do not seem to realize is that there is no permanent comfort or security. Whatever there is we make for ourselves. Few, if any, are guaranteed life-long job security and comfort. Knowing this it would behoove each and every one of us to continually strive to better our conditions.

It takes as much or more effort to remain in our comfort zones than it does to stretch and become all we are capable of being.

I would venture to say your thoughts right now are moving along the lines of, "Well, it certainly doesn't take any effort to lounge on the couch and watch the television shows." Doesn't it? You find yourself momentarily distracted from the same old things you do at work day in and day out, from your financial problems, from spending quality time with your family and any combination of a dozen other things.

How effective has this temporary distraction been up to this point in your life? If you need temporary distractions to keep you going, you cannot be satisfied. Dissatisfaction, when faced, can be a strong determinant in the success you will meet in your life.

It can be the stimulation and motivation you need to seek ways of improving your mental, physical and spiritual conditions. When there is enough dissatisfaction you will be impelled to do something to eliminate it.

An individual sitting on a warm stove has no incentive to move. Heat that stove to white hot and watch that person move. Strong dissatisfaction with your life can do the same thing--it can get you moving.

Life is eternally moving. You either advance or you regress. There is no standing still. The choice of the direction your life will take is yours to make. Nobody else can make that choice for you.

You will find that once you have made a commitment to doing something, the only thing capable of stopping you is you. Naturally, it will have to be something within reason which also forces you to stretch yourself in order to attain it. When you do not stretch, you do not grow.

Do you really want to succeed in life? Never quit. When something isn't working as it should, try another approach. Think of the word QUIT as fouler than the foulest word you have ever heard. Get it completely out of your vocabulary. Be persistent and consistent and you will succeed.


Robert Taylor