10. BEING OVERLY IMPATIENT WITH LONG TERM PROGRESS
People tend to set huge goals for themselves that demand a sense of urgency. They’ll say they want to retire at 40 or get six-pack abs in a month or two. But audit their daily routine, and you’ll find a total lack of urgency. They’ll skip workouts to go to happy hour or binge Netflix instead of working on their side business. Then they complain about not making progress and blame a system or technique. The best system doesn’t work unless you do. It’s fine to take a break – none of us can stay disciplined all the time. But ask yourself: am I making sacrifices in proportion to my goals?

11. REPEATING THINGS THAT DON’T WORK
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result. Few would admit to acting insane, but so many of us repeat the ineffective techniques. It’s easy to spot when you’re not taking enough action. It’s harder to know if you’re making the right moves. Smart, ambitious people often fall into this trap. They’re used to being right, so they’re usually susceptible to hubris. Remember that two of our most significant barriers are our egos and blind spots. Don’t get stuck in the trap of repeating something that isn’t working. Pause, step back and take a different look at the problem. Seek unbiased experts that will give you a second opinion. Find mentors to hold you accountable, and put guard rails in place if you are doing the wrong thing.

12. NEGLECTING FRIENDS AND FAMILY
It’s a big mistake to let your personal relationships wither from neglect. No one does this intentionally, of course, it just happens. Work, school, errands, bills and a whole lot of other busyness consumes our focus. In short, life just gets in the way. Years go by and you start wondering why close friends and family don’t call as much. Instead of feeling alienated, take the initiative and call them. Or write a letter, FaceTime, Zoom, text — anything to let them know you care. One of the biggest regrets of the dying is they wish they had stayed in touch with their friends. Don’t wait until it’s too late to reconnect and restore your close relationships.

1 Peter 5:6–7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”