Darius Foroux (pronounced as Da-reeus Fo-roo) is the author of 7 books, and the creator of 6 online courses. He writes about productivity, business, and wealth building. His ideas and work have been featured in TIME, NBC, Fast Company, Inc., Observer, and many more publications. Until now, more than 30 million people have read his articles.
Recently, he wrote an article in the Business Insider. He suggests that success isn't about copying other people's habits, or following one prescriptive path. The surest way to find success, he writes, is to avoid being unsuccessful, that we need to let go of the "if I do x, I'll be successful or happy" way of thinking and to study what makes you unsuccessful, unhappy, broke, stupid - then, eliminate those things out of your life.
Here are the 10 things he writes about:
1. They're always distracted.
Don't live your life in the future or past, lost in thoughts and worry. Be present and good things will happen.
2. They only talk the talk
What's better than talking about something? Doing it. In 2010, Derek Sivers gave a TED talk called "Keep your goals to yourself," where he presented scientific evidence that talking about your goals is counterproductive. Saying you want to run a marathon and actually running a marathon are two different things, right? In your brain, those things are actually not that far apart. Derek Sivers says:
"When you tell someone your goal and they acknowledge it, psychologists have found that it's called a 'social reality.' The mind is kind of tricked into feeling that it's already done. And then because you've felt that satisfaction, you're less motivated to do the actual hard work necessary." Be someone that does things, not someone who talks about things.
3. They spend time with losers
Spend enough time with losers, and you'll become one. Apply this analogy to any type of person. Do you want to get fit? Hang out with fit people. People feed off each other's energy. Spend time with those who motivate and inspire you to be a better person.
4. They hate everything
Having a bad day is okay — everyone gets irritable once in a while. But if you always hate everything, you'll have a bad life. Unsuccessful people especially hate people that are doing well. Be happy for other people, give people some love, it won't kill you. You can still be cool and be positive.
5. They procrastinate
What's the benefit of putting things off? I once asked my college professor to extend a deadline for an essay. He said: "I'm perfectly happy to extend your deadline by a week. The only thing I'm asking you is will your essay be better if you hand it in a week from now?" My answer was "no," so I worked my ass off to finish it on time. Only delay things when you'll do a better job later. What's the point of delaying something if you get the same outcome? Do it now, or do it better later.
6. They don’t listen to others
We listen to others because we care about them. How else can you show you care? Everyone can give a hug, but not everybody calls you just to ask "How are you?" Ask, listen, care, repeat.
7. They're lazy
Never feel like doing anything? We've all been there: Not feeling like studying, or going out with your family or friends. There’s a time and place for solitude and selfreflection, but let's face it, if you’re not engaging, it could be because you're lazy. Engage with your family, friends, be active and try new things. Participate in life.
8. They don’t learn
Learning is one of the most difficult things in the world. It's not a surprise many people never read a book, never finish school, or never learn from their mistakes. Learning is a struggle. But think about it: We live in the most exciting time in history for learners. The access to information has never been this easy. You can be anything you wish — you just need to learn how to do it.
9. They are not nice
Some people think it's cool to be nasty. Honestly, it's way cooler to be nice. You don't have to be a Buddhist Monk or anything, just be a nice, kind person. Try it some time, you might make a few new friends.
10. They are quitters
I saved the worst for last. "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." — Thomas A. Edison There's nothing I can add to that. Actually, there is: never give up.
