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10 Potential Roadblocks You Need To Avoid On The Route To Success

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On any successful journey, there are going to be bumps in the road, the little twist and turns along the way, but if we are to meet our goals we need to ensure that these do not deter us.

We need to make sure that we take the right precautions to ensure that we can surpass these motivation blips and reach the target.

Here are 10 roadblocks that we need to navigate successfully in order to achieve our goals:

1. No clear focus

We need to have absolute clarity over our goals and destination. Only then can we ensure that we’re on the right track. This is the first and also the most important step in hitting our goal. When we have the wrong focus, no matter how hard we work we will not hit the target. Create clear goals. The more detailed, the better

 

2. No real purpose

In order to achieve anything it has to have some significance for us. There has to be some meaning or purpose behind it. When I tried to run 10k just to get fit, I gave up, the reason why wasn’t big enough for me.

Yet one year later I was able to complete a marathon. Why? Because I had a strong purpose. I wanted to do it to help raise money for friends struggling with cancer. We need to understand why our goal is important to us as this will keep us going through the difficult times.

 

Courage
 

3. Unrealistic goals

Impossible goals are, by their very nature, not possible to achieve. We need to be realistic about our capabilities and set attainable goals. We can set bold goals, or stretch targets, but impossible goals will just kill our motivation. We need to be bold but realistic in what we aim for.

 

4. Lack of belief

People are not afraid of hard work, they are afraid of failure. To increase our success we need to create plans that show us how we will succeed, or we need to find examples of others who have succeeded to give us the belief that we can do it too. When I ran my first marathon at the age of 52, knowing Farujah Singh a 100-year-old Indian had completed the London Marathon, gave me the belief I could do it too.

We need to have clear plans or examples of others, like ourselves, who have achieved success.

 

5. No recognition

We repeat what gets recognized. We need to share our goals with our friends, family, or an accountability partner and keep them informed of our progress.  Their recognition of our efforts will keep us motivated.

 

6. Being overwhelmed

When we are overwhelmed we become paralyzed and it’s usually because it feels like there is too much to do. But in reality, this is often because we just don’t know where to start.  We panic, not sure what to do next. We look at all the possibilities and then we just freeze. We need to just start, pick something, pick anything. Look to make some progress. We will soon figure out whether it’s the right thing or not much quicker than by being overwhelmed

“The journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step”.  – Lao Tzu

7. Distractions

Shiny object syndrome is a killer, especially when the going gets tough or if things become repetitive. Small distractions easily divert our focus and then any progress we were hoping to make gets lost. The best approach is to schedule our work for when we are most focused.

For me this is early mornings between 6-9am. The better we know ourselves, our habits, and our preferences the easier it becomes to schedule the important work and avoid those times when we are easily distracted.  It also pays to create a quiet space with as few distractions as possible.

 

8. Setbacks and failures

Failures and setbacks are inevitable and we need to make sure that they don’t derail our attitude or confidence, in our pursuit of our goals. They are a natural part of the process and we should not only expect them but plan for them. So that when they happen we can actually see this as progress. A natural progression of our efforts.

“The phoenix must burn to emerge.” – Janet Fitch

9. Burnout

When we set bold goals for ourselves we need to set realistic timescales and pace ourselves. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither were bold goals achieved. Bold goals take time and we need to make sure that we give ourselves every chance to be successful. We need to not only start strongly but look to have the energy to finish strongly too.

 

10. Lack of progress

When we fail to make progress more often than not, it’s that we lack visibility into our real progress and this can cause us to give up when the finishing line is just around the corner. We need to have a clear plan of expected progress and track our actual progress against it so that we can see our performance and be motivated by our progress.

If we can avoid these ten potential pitfalls we will give ourselves a much better chance of succeeding.

Which of these potential issues causes you the most problems and why? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below!

Gordon Tredgold is a former corporate warrior who now writes, speaks, and coaches on leadership, achieving results and driving success. Gordon preaches simplicity in everything and has developed the ‘FAST Approach to Achieving Success’ and his mission is to help people exceed their potential and achieve amazing results. If people want to join him you can go to www.gordontredgold.com or follow him on twitter @gordontredgold.

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Change Your Mindset

The Secret Daily Routines Behind History’s Most Brilliant Thinkers

Uncover the daily rituals and hidden habits that powered history’s most brilliant minds to success.

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Why Daily Rituals Matter

Every great achiever has one thing in common: discipline. Behind the novels, inventions, discoveries, and masterpieces are small, consistent habits repeated daily. (more…)

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Did You Know

How to Turn a Simple Link-in-Bio Into a Powerful Brand Hub

Transform your forgotten bio link into a high-impact gateway that fuels engagement, clicks, and conversions across every social platform.

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Social media is one of the greatest marketing tools in 2025. According to a recent study, some 86% of marketers globally use platforms like Facebook and Instagram for advertisements, while 94% use it for content distribution.  (more…)

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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Success Advice

Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)

The surprising truth about leadership styles that can make or break your team’s success.

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Why one-size-fits-all leadership doesn’t work
Image Credit: Midjourney

Leadership has always been as much about people as it is about performance. Ken Blanchard, in his influential book, “The One Minute Manager”, put it simply: different strokes for different folks. (more…)

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