Motivation

5 Life Lessons from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2024)

Published

6 months ago

July 8, 2024

Empowerment

Have you had the chance to read the book ‘Think & Grow Rich’?

If you are a regular visitor to Wealthy Gorilla, then you must have read the book by now!

Written by Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich is widely regarded as one of the best self-development books ever published.

The book outlines the 13 principles for transforming your desires into wealth and is packed with valuable insights to help you change your life…

The 30 Major Causes of Failure

One of the chapters in Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill details the 30 major causes of failure. These are the reasons why 99% of individuals are failing in their lives.

The purpose of highlighting and explaining these ‘major causes of failure’ in this article is to demonstrate why people fail and how you can avoid making the same mistakes in your own life.

Here are the 30 major causes of failure as identified by Napoleon Hill:

1. Unfavourable Hereditary Background

This is listed first because Hill asserts that it is one of the most challenging issues for individuals to overcome.

Essentially, it implies that some people may not be naturally gifted or lack certain intellectual abilities. Despite efforts to enhance their knowledge and intelligence, they may still face disadvantages.

2. Lack of a Well-Defined Purpose in Life

Without a clear goal to strive for, a purpose to fulfill, achieving success becomes unlikely. Without a target to aim at, your direction remains uncertain.

3. Lack of Ambition to Aim Above Mediocrity

There are numerous reasons why individuals may lack the ambition to strive for excellence. Whether it is due to laziness, comfort, entitlement, or a disbelief in “success.”

Without the ambition to aim higher, one will never rise above mediocrity. This indicates that achieving more than average becomes unattainable.

4. Insufficient Education

Another significant cause of failure is a lack of adequate education. This does not solely refer to formal education acquired during one’s formative years.

In many instances, formal education is inadequate, but the real issue lies in individuals leaving school and believing they have completed their learning journey.

Specialized knowledge is essential for career advancement and can only be gained through on-the-job experience and self-study. Merely showing up for work each day is not sufficient for continued education.

5. Lack of Self-Discipline

Achieving success requires discipline and consistent effort over time. Developing productive habits is crucial to maximizing daily productivity and overall success.

6. Ill Health

Good health is a prerequisite for enjoying and achieving success. Poor health can hinder one’s progress towards success.

Factors contributing to ill health include:

Lack of exercise

Overconsumption of junk food

Unhealthy daily habits

Excessive indulgence in sexual activities

7. Unfavourable Environmental Influences During Childhood

Many individuals fail due to the adverse environmental conditions they experienced during childhood. Poor parenting, negative neighborhoods, or being born into impoverished families can impact one’s future.

While these circumstances pose challenges, many people allow them to dictate their future. It is crucial to remember that despite adverse circumstances, proactive steps can be taken to overcome them.

8. Procrastination

Procrastination is a common behavior where individuals delay taking action on their dreams. They often wait for the “perfect time” or until they feel fully prepared.

Time passes, but progress remains stagnant. There is never an ideal moment to start pursuing your dreams. Overcoming procrastination involves creating a sense of urgency and taking decisive action.

9. Lack of Persistence

Persistence is essential for success. It can be challenging to maintain persistence when results are not immediately visible despite dedicated effort.

Persistence is a key factor in achieving success. Every successful individual has faced failures but persevered, refusing to remain defeated.

10. Negative Personality

Individuals with a negative mindset tend to complain without taking action to improve their situations. Adopting a negative outlook leads to a pessimistic life, hindering progress and success.

Shifting from negative to positive thinking should be a priority to avoid failure caused by a negative personality.

11. Lack of Controlled Sexual Urge

The sexual drive can significantly influence behavior, distracting individuals from their goals and priorities more than any other energy.

Chasing after sexual desires can lead to distractions and prevent individuals from focusing on their objectives.

12. Uncontrolled Desire for ‘Something for Nothing’

Individuals seeking rewards without contributing or assisting others often end up disappointed. Success is achieved by helping others and providing value, not by seeking personal gain without giving back.

Businesses thrive by meeting the needs of customers and providing valuable solutions, rather than solely focusing on self-serving interests.

13. Lack of a Well-Defined Power of Decision

Being able to make prompt decisions and adjust them gradually is a critical skill for success. The ability to make quick decisions is vital for various aspects of life, including entrepreneurship.

Decision-making is a constant process, and the ability to make effective decisions is essential for progress and growth.

14. One or More of the Six Basic Fears

Hill describes the six basic fears that all individuals experience in life. These fears include:

Fear of poverty

Fear of criticism

Fear of ill health

Fear of loss of love

Fear of old age

Fear of death

One of these basic fears may contribute to failure. It is essential to recognize that everyone faces these fears, but overcoming them is crucial for pursuing one’s dreams.

15. Wrong Selection of a Mate in Marriage

Choosing the right life partner can significantly impact one’s career and personal life. A supportive and harmonious relationship can enhance career success, while a tumultuous marriage can hinder professional performance.

It is important to select a life partner wisely to create a positive and supportive environment for personal and professional growth.

16. Over-Caution

Taking risks is often necessary to achieve significant progress in life. Playing it safe may limit one’s potential for growth and success, as risks are intrinsic to personal and professional development.

Individuals who are overly cautious and avoid venturing into uncharted territories may miss out on valuable opportunities for growth and advancement.

17. Wrong Selection of Associates in Business

Choosing the right business partners and associates is crucial for success. Working with individuals who lack essential qualities or make poor decisions can jeopardize one’s efforts and achievements in business.

Selecting reliable and competent associates is a critical decision that can impact the outcome of business endeavors.

18. Superstition & Prejudice

Superstition and prejudice can hinder progress and success by clouding one’s judgment and perception of reality. Believing in false notions and biases can lead to missed opportunities and poor decision-making.

It is essential to maintain an open mind and critical thinking to overcome superstitions and prejudices that may impede personal and professional growth.

19. Wrong Selection of a Vocation

Choosing the wrong career path is a common mistake that many individuals make. Pursuing a vocation that does not align with one’s passions and interests can lead to dissatisfaction and unfulfillment.

Many people settle for jobs they dislike, dreading Mondays and merely working for a paycheck. It is crucial to find a vocation that ignites passion and purpose to achieve long-term success and happiness.

20. Lack of Concentration of Effort

Maintaining focus and concentration is challenging in today’s fast-paced world. Concentrating on tasks for extended periods, especially those that are not enjoyable, can be exceptionally difficult.

21. The Habit of Indiscriminate Spending

Engaging in unnecessary and impulsive spending can hinder financial growth and stability. Investing in personal development rather than material possessions is a key differentiator between the wealthy and the less affluent.

Think twice before making frivolous purchases and consider investing in yourself for long-term success and prosperity.

22. Lack of Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is a driving force behind success in any endeavor. Without genuine passion and excitement for your work, achieving long-term success becomes challenging.

Individuals motivated solely by financial gain are unlikely to persevere through challenges and setbacks. True passion sustains dedication and effort regardless of external rewards.

23. Intolerance

Being open-minded and accepting of diverse perspectives is essential for professional growth and success. Intolerance towards others and their ideas can damage relationships and hinder collaboration.

Openness to new ideas and willingness to work with a diverse range of individuals are key attributes for achieving success in business and personal endeavors.

24. Intemperance

Intemperance, characterized by excessive anger or lack of self-control, can hinder productivity and damage relationships. Managing emotions and practicing self-discipline are crucial for success in personal and professional life.

25. Inability to Cooperate With Others

Collaboration is essential for success in any field. The ability to work effectively with others and build positive relationships is critical for achieving shared goals.

Success is achieved by helping others succeed, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and teamwork in personal and professional endeavors.

26. Possession of Power Not Acquired Through Self-Effort

Individuals who attain power without earning it through hard work are likely to misuse and mishandle it. Without the necessary skills and experience, unearned power can lead to failure and misuse.

Relinquishing control to individuals who lack the expertise and knowledge to wield power responsibly can lead to detrimental outcomes and setbacks.

27. Intentional Dishonesty

Dishonesty, whether toward oneself or others, can erode trust and credibility. Engaging in deceitful practices can tarnish one’s reputation and hinder personal and professional growth.

Remaining truthful and authentic is essential for building strong relationships and maintaining integrity in all endeavors.

28. Egotism & Vanity

Excessive ego and vanity can impede personal growth and hinder collaboration with others. A closed-minded and self-centered approach inhibits learning and inhibits progress.

Individuals who prioritize their ego over growth and development are likely to face challenges in achieving long-term success and fulfillment.

29. Guessing Instead of Thinking

Engaging in guesswork rather than critical thinking can lead to poor decision-making and misunderstandings. Forming opinions without proper research or analysis can result in conflicts and setbacks.

Avoid making assumptions and prioritize critical thinking and research to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary complications.

30. Lack of Capital

Financial constraints can hinder individuals from pursuing their dreams and business ideas. Insufficient capital often limits the ability to start or expand a business.

With a solid business plan, individuals can seek investors or explore low-cost alternatives to initiate their entrepreneurial ventures.