In Mike Murdock’s widely received book “Wisdom of Winning,” he outlined some obstacles to success, several deep reasons why some people fail while others thrive amid confusion, calamity, and misfortune in their lives.
Just to illustrate this point, two best friends have almost similar grades in university. Both graduated with honors and both with excellent potential. But after ten years, one ends more successful than the other. What made the difference?
Mr. Murdock, a renowned pastor and author of many books, has deciphered several obstacles to avoid, based on biblical principles, if people want to succeed. Let me simplify these ideas and break them down to five.
First obstacle, arrogant behavior
Successful people think and act like a child. I don’t mean though that they act childish or immature. When I say they’re like a child, they have significant curiosity and thirst for learning.
People who don’t want to be taught, those who are not willing to learn from others, or those who are too arrogant to receive counsel are guaranteed to fail.
Be humble and try to be like a child. Always open your mind to new ideas. You are doomed the moment you believe that you know everything. Advancement comes from people who are always curious, from those who always ask questions.
Second obstacle, wrong associations
Successful people create a team and partnerships that can help catapult them to greater heights. They choose who they want to spend their time with and carefully select whom they want to be associated with.
Stay away from people who can put you at risk and can jeopardize your reputation. Avoid those who make you feel negative about your existence.
To succeed, you need to choose your friends and partner for life. Anyone, especially those closest to you, can influence your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. So you have to desire the company of people who can encourage, affirm, support, and inspire.
Third obstacle, impulsive speech
Words are powerful. They can make or break a man. They can build or destroy life.
Successful people use words to advance and inspire; while they avoid those words that hurt and discourage. They use words to live life to the fullest NOW and to affirm their blissful life in the future.
What you say to yourself and others is what you will become. Hurtful, negative, proud, and loud speech can spell your misery and frustration. Decide that only positive words should come out of your mouth and let them define you as a person.
Fourth obstacle, undiscovered talents and gifts
We have talents and special skills. God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us gifts that we can use to advance ourselves and our community. Your prime duty is to discover those talents and gifts.
Once you find them, use and sharpen them often. Develop that golden voice that can mesmerize millions. Write and develop that author within you. Create products and let your inventions help others.
Our talents and gifts exemplify our uniqueness as individuals. Discover and use them for the betterment of humanity.
Fifth obstacle, lukewarm commitment
In life, commitment is a game changer. Successful people are more committed than others. They know that lukewarm commitment produces small results.
Determined to have a full life, successful people are more passionate than others in what they do. They work harder and longer, practice more, get more advice from experts, read more instructions, and attend more seminars and educational forums. Also, their focus is more intense than ever before.
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To attain immeasurable achievements amid difficulties and challenges that life will throw at you, you need to be unwavering and be committed.