The 7 Dream Killers Preventing Your Success
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Success is something we all strive for, but the path to achieving our dreams is often riddled with obstacles that can deter us. These obstacles, or “Dream Killers,” can take root in our minds and lives, subtly sabotaging our progress. In our blog series, we’ve identified seven major dream killers that can prevent you from reaching your full potential. Here’s a recap of those dream killers and how to overcome them so you can unlock your success.
1. Fear
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” – Jack Canfield
Fear is perhaps the most common and powerful dream killer. Whether it’s fear of failure, fear of rejection, or fear of the unknown, this emotion can paralyze you and prevent you from taking risks necessary for growth. The truth is, fear will always be present when you’re venturing into new territory. However, successful people feel the fear and do it anyway. One powerful way to overcome fear is by breaking it down into manageable steps. For example, instead of focusing on the fear of launching a new business, break it down into smaller tasks like researching your market, building a website, or developing a marketing strategy. By taking small, consistent steps, you’ll gradually build confidence and reduce fear’s grip on you.
Example: J.K. Rowling faced repeated rejections before Harry Potter became a global phenomenon. She didn’t let fear of failure stop her; instead, she persisted, and now her books have touched millions of lives.
2. Low Self-Esteem
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Low self-esteem is the quiet voice that whispers, “You’re not good enough,” “You don’t deserve success,” or “You’re not capable.” This dream killer often stems from past experiences, negative feedback, or comparisons to others. To overcome low self-esteem, it’s crucial to recognize your worth. Begin by celebrating your small wins and acknowledging your strengths. Positive affirmations and surrounding yourself with supportive people can also help rebuild your confidence.
Example: Oprah Winfrey, once told she didn’t have the right look for television, defied all odds through self-belief and persistence. Today, she is one of the most influential women in the world.
3. Negativity
“You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.” – Joyce Meyer
Negativity can come from within (your thoughts) or from external sources like toxic relationships and environments. Constantly focusing on the negative can cloud your vision and diminish your enthusiasm for your goals. To combat negativity, actively practice gratitude and positive thinking. You can also protect your dreams by distancing yourself from negative influences and replacing them with sources of inspiration and encouragement.
Story: A mentor once told me, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” This simple statement changed my perspective. I evaluated my circle and realized I needed to spend more time with people who believed in me and shared a positive outlook on life.
4. Fixed Mindset
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
A fixed mindset is the belief that your abilities, intelligence, and talents are fixed traits. People with this mindset often avoid challenges, give up easily, and feel threatened by the success of others. The antidote to this dream killer is adopting a growth mindset, as coined by psychologist Carol Dweck. A growth mindset embraces challenges, sees failure as a learning opportunity, and believes that skills and intelligence can be developed through effort.
Example: Thomas Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” His growth mindset led to the invention of the lightbulb after countless attempts.
5. Discouragement
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
We all face setbacks, and it’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as planned. Discouragement can drain your motivation and lead you to abandon your dreams altogether. However, success is rarely linear. Instead of letting discouragement defeat you, remind yourself why you started in the first place. Reflect on your progress and focus on what you’ve learned along the way. Having a support system can also be instrumental in lifting you up when you’re feeling down.
Example: Walt Disney was once fired from a newspaper for “lacking imagination.” Rather than letting that discourage him, he pressed on and created one of the most imaginative brands the world has ever known.
6. Lack of Support
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
No one succeeds alone. Lack of support—whether emotional, financial, or professional—can hinder your progress and leave you feeling isolated. Build a winning team to help you achieve your goals. Surrounding yourself with the right people who believe in you and want to see you succeed is essential. Build a strong support network of mentors, colleagues, friends, and family who can offer guidance, feedback, and encouragement. Likewise, be open to helping others. When you give freely, you create a cycle of support that helps everyone thrive.
Example: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak famously collaborated to build the first Apple computer. Without the support of each other’s talents and vision, Apple as we know it might never have existed.
7. Unrealistic Expectations
“Expectations are premeditated resentments.” – Unknown
Unrealistic expectations can set you up for disappointment and frustration. Whether you expect instant success, believe everyone should like you, or think you can change other people, these faulty beliefs can lead to failure and unhappiness. To overcome this dream killer, start by grounding your expectations in reality. Understand that success takes time, effort, and perseverance. Be honest with yourself about your limitations, and seek out accurate information and feedback to set realistic, achievable goals.
Story: A client of mine once came to me devastated after her business didn’t take off within the first six months. She had expected rapid success, not realizing that most businesses take time to gain traction. We worked on adjusting her expectations, creating a more sustainable plan, and focusing on small, measurable victories. With a renewed mindset, her business steadily grew and thrived.
Final Thoughts
Dream killers are obstacles we all face on the journey to success. The key to overcoming them lies in self-awareness, persistence, and a willingness to adapt. By recognizing these dream killers and taking actionable steps to defeat them, you can protect your dreams and continue moving forward.
Remember, success isn’t just about talent or opportunity; it’s about resilience and your ability to navigate the hurdles along the way.
“Dream big. Start small. Act now.” – Robin Sharma
If you’re ready to dive deeper into overcoming these Dream Killers, I encourage you to check out my eBook, 7 Dream Killers Preventing Your Success, which is filled with actionable strategies to help you stay on track.
Click HERE to get your copy today, and take the next step toward becoming the CEO of YOU®!
