Top Ten Achievement Destroyers

Sometimes, we ourselves can be the biggest culprits in blocking our own potential. In this week's "Ten-to-Win," Kim shares "Top Ten Achievement Destroyers...And What to Do Instead." Enjoy.

1. Holding on to mistakes of the past. You can’t change what has happened in the past, but you can definitely learn from it. Spending time and energy on anger, sadness and regret of the past distracts you from using your creativity to create that which you truly desire right now.

2. Waiting for "your ship to come in." That is, without sending any ships out in the first place. Make sure that you're sending out ships every day. Better yet, set a goal to send out 3-5 ships per day, and keep a log. A thank you or congratulations note, a call, an email, a proposal, a press release, flyers . . . keep “sending out those ships” and watch how abundance and prosperity comes to your shores from all directions.

3. Seeking revenge. While it may feel good for a nano-second, the "karma" you create for yourself by seeking revenge is just not worth it. Nix the mindset of "an eye for an eye" and extend grace and mercy. Take heed of Romans 12: 19 "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." The battle is not yours. It's the Lord's.

4. Being unfocused. I'm not speaking about ADD or ADHD here. What I'm referring to is the need to focus on that which is happening . . . and the ONE THING that NEEDS to be happening . . . at THIS point in time. Multi-tasking for the most part is a farce. Studies have shown that the brain can only FOCUS on one thing at a time. Attempting to do more creates chaos that can create a drag on your success.

5. Throwin' shade. The fragrance remains in the hand that extends the rose . . . as does the poo. “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can do me no harm” is a bald-faced lie. Words DO hurt and once they’ve been spoken they are VERY difficult to take back, IF at all. Plus . . . you tend to lose credibility. Sure, people will listen and participate in your negative and often hurtful "news" but you're probably not going to be on the top of their list of people that they can trust and confide in.

6. Envying other people's possessions, position or accomplishments. There is a beautiful, magnificent, purpose-filled life that was designed JUST for you, your gifts, talents, skills and abilities -- your passions -- your loves -- that was designed especially for YOU, and as unique TO you as your fingerprint. Get in touch with that which truly makes YOUR heart sing. If you love doing it, that's a pretty good sign that there is a huge contribution that you are to make in your community and in the world with it.

7. Thinking negatively. People can be mean, but often we can be vicious in the negative words that we speak to ourselves through our own thinking. God only knows the number to beautiful business, projects and dreams that have been crippled -- or downright failed to launch, due to negative thinking.

8. Being a procrastinator. Procrastination is a thief of time that makes easy things hard, hard things harder. Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy.

9. Lack of accountability. As entrepreneurs, when all is said and done, we really answer to no one, but ourselves. But if we have no goals, no one ever knows. If we have goals that we fail to reach, no one ever knows. Partner with a colleague or friend and hold each other accountable for meeting your goals and objectives. Set a specific time each week to meet and allow nothing to take precedence over it. Knowing you will be held accountable to another person forces you to dig deeper and try harder to ensure you're meeting your goals.

10. Rationalizing inferior performance. You can have excuses and rationalizations for inferior performance -- or you can have extraordinary results. But you can't have both. When you find yourself performing at unacceptable levels, accept responsibility and initiate corrective measures immediately.

Kim Anthony is the author and creator of the “Urban Excellence Master Planner” and founder and lead trainer of the Urban Excellence Trainings. For speaking engagements, mastermind groups, one-to-one coaching and upcoming workshops, seminars and events visit www.UrbanExcellence.net.