Without a doubt, the primary reason we don’t achieve higher levels of success is fear.
The fear of failure is so strong that many people don’t even try to get ahead.
Some play small. Others play the victim. Still others act as heroes.
Each person’s role is the result of a payoff they feel.
You see, as humans, we settle where we feel most comfortable, especially as we get older.
In fact, our brain doesn’t fully develop until age 26. Up until this point, we try many things -- some with success and others become failures. Then, once 30 rolls around, we usually settle into a job, which creates a life with a comfort zone.
Now this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The problem is, people don’t change until the pain or reward of staying where they are is greater than not doing anything. So if someone feels comfortable where they are, they won’t make an effort to change.
The other issue is, humans (in general) hate change. It’s scary because change brings about the unknown.
For many people, they’d rather just maintain a life that they can define. Maybe you’re “the husband,” “the smart one” or “the moody person.”
Whatever the case, you might not be living the best life, but it’s one you can define and understand. Yet where does this leave you when you’re 25, 35 or 45 years old?
Love and hate are as closely related as happiness and anger, as well as success and failure. The difference in how you see life depends on the lenses you look through.
Again, comfort and settling is not wrong. But when you rest one day off from the gym, cut a few non-important corners at work, or stop working on your relationship with your spouse, time can get away from you fast.
In life, building trust and integrity takes a long time -- and it can be lost in seconds.
However, just because you’ve faltered doesn’t mean you have to stay down. Work to repair what you lost and get back today to that person you’re striving to become.