The #1 Cause Of Failure

last night I was back again at The Phoenician for their awards banquet.  Many trophies were given ouot for various categories.  I introduced the presenters.

During some “down time” while everyone was eating, I reflected on the past two days of this 5 day convention for upper management of this large company.  I thought about an aricle I published back in April of 2008, titled, “The #1 Cause of Failure.”

I decided to re-publish it here this morning.  It’s still true.

The #1 Cause Of Failure

where-to-go

What is the biggest roadblock to success?  What sabotages jobs or relationships?  What is the number one cause of failure?

In asking blunt questions like these, many answers may arise as to the real cause of failure. Some would answer by saying that a lack of education is the number one cause for failure. Others would emphatically state that the number one cause is a lack of financial resources.   Still others would be convinced that it must be missing out on opportunities.

Actually, hundreds of possible answers to this question exist.  And I would have to agree that the answers above definitely contribute to failure.  But they are not the real culprit.

In fact, in the least common denominator, there is only one basic reason for not succeeding.  It is sad that few recognize it, and fewer still believe it.  But it is still true.

What Is It?

The number one cause for failure in anyone’s life is what is going on inside their head. smile-thoughtsThat is the cause!  It’s not a lack of knowledge, but rather it’s the false knowledge that a person has put into their mind that they continue to accept as true.  It is that false knowledge that sabotages all our efforts.

Negative thoughts are defeating thoughts.  Now I know that there are people who scoff at the whole “positive thinking” idea.  That is their choice.  But their choice does not change what is true.  The Bible has a lot to say about the thoughts we think

Consistent negative thinking in the mind will absolutely bring negatives into a person’s life.  And it doesn’t matter if you call it, “The Law of Attraction,” or The Law of Vibration,” or any number of names.  It is simply the way God designed our brains to work.  That’s why we bring into our lives that which we consistently focus our minds on.

So if we choose to focus on negative thoughts, negative situations, negative possibilities, etc., we will absolutely bring those negatives into our lives.  How few believe this powerful, critical truth!  Our own thoughts are the number one cause of failure in our lives.

Want Proof?

We see proof of it every single day.  Do you know someone who consistently has problems?  What kind of things do they talk about?  What are some of the things that you hear that individual say on a very consistent basis?  I can guarantee you their talk, their outward expression of what’s on the inside, is negative.

What kind of thoughts do you think they harbor and incubate?  Do you think that they consistently think thoughts of prosperity and abundance; thoughts of health; thoughts of having great relationships?  Not hardly.

Do you know people who it seems like things are always going in their favor?  (You know the kind I mean, the ones who seem to get all the good breaks!)  Do you know people who seem to have God’s blessings just flowing to them?  Sure you do, we all do.

What do those people talk about, negatives?  No, they talk about positive things, and they talk about possibilities.  Their talk seems to indicate that they are expecting great things to happen to them.

Wow!  Isn’t that just such a great coincidence?  Not!

It is no coincidence!  It’s how God designed our brains to work.  We all have freewill to choose our own thoughts.

Guess What?

And here’s some really good insight.  Just thinking one positive thought or one negative thought will not bring it into your life.  There is a part of the mind, which is called by a number of different names.  But again, the name is not important.  What is important is understanding how your mind works.

heartThis is the part of the mind where you carry out who you are.  This is where your core beliefs are stored.  This innermost part of your mind is also referred to as your belief system, or, as the Bible refers to it, the heart.

Your life today is the result of what is inside your heart right now.  And if you don’t like what’s outside, and you are tired of the same results, then make the effort to change what’s inside; change your heart, your belief system, your core beliefs.

Make Some Important Mental Changes!

Identify the negative defeating thoughts that are in there, and then make a decision to remove those thoughts, and put in their place thoughts about the positive things that you do desire in your life.

Your own thoughts, the things you have stored up in your heart can be your worst enemy.  Replace negative defeating thoughts with positive thoughts of success and victory.  If you do, you will see the results that you desire in your life.

The Bible says, “As he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Michael A. Verdicchio
First published, April, 2008

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A Day At The Phoenician

phoenicianI spent the whole day yesterday doing announcements for an annual national conference for a large company.  It was a freelance voice job for me. I’ve emceed plenty of business meetings in the past.

Throughout the day I heard many 20 minutes speeches.  Of course at business meetings like this there was no mention of God; in fact, not even a polite, “Thank God for our success.”  But, on the other hand, they were promoting a number of sound biblical principles, like serving the customer, honest work and ethical decisions.

They Were Enthusiastic And Positive

It was encouraging to see the enthusiasm and optimism they have despite the economic conditions of today.  Their focus was growing their company by being proactive, not reactive.  They were encouraging their mangers to look for ways to improve the product and service in order to see growth.

And even though no one mentioned looking to God for His help and direction, I couldn’t help but think that in this group of over 800 general managers and upper management, that there were some in the group who believe and trust God to help them in their area of responsibility.

Okay, I’m Optimistic

Call me optimistic, but I believe that there are men and women all over the country who are asking God for His help concerning their company and their job. I believe that by operating sound biblical principles, asking God for His help and direction, and then having confidence in Him, things will turn around in our country, sooner or later.

I was reminded again that it is a good idea for all of us to pray for the companies we work for, as well as for all those who are making decisions. That, as well as doing our very best at our job can really have an impact on the company you work for.

At any rate, it was fun to spend the day at one the best resorts in Arizona, The Phoenician.  I’m gong back tonight for their awards banquet.

Michael A. Verdicchio

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John 3:16 Part 5

And now, the exciting conclusion!  Part 5 of this series on John 3:16, the most famous verse in the Bible.

In this 5th video (3:26), I clear up a common misunderstanding and point out the greatest possession ever.

By the way, I have been thinking about putting together a montage of all five parts on one video… maybe…until then, there are links below this video.

Part 4
Part 3
Part 2
Part 1

We’d love to hear what you think.  Please type your comment below.

John 3:16 Part 4

Here is Part 4 of this 5 part series on John 3:16, the most famous verse in the Bible.  In this fourth short video (2:29), I talk about the greatest person ever.

Enjoy the video.

Part 3
Part 2
Part 1

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How To Get Rid Of The Stress

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In the middle of very trying and stressful circumstances, you really can have peace.

In this short podcast (10:56), discover a great key in having peace on the inside regardless of the circumstances on the outside.

Enjoy the podcast.

[If you cannot see the player below, just click the title above]

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John 3:16 Part 3

Here’s Part 3 of this 5 part series on John 3:16, the most famous verse in the Bible.

In this third short video (1:58), discover the greatest invitation ever extended along with the greatest simplicity.

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Part 2
Part 1

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John 3:16 Part 2

John 3:16 is the most famous verse in the Bible. I have 5 short videos taking a closer look at this wonderful verse.

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3 Prayer Keys

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In this short podcast (6:42), I have three simple and practice keys on prayer.  You and I both know that in these days that we are living in, there are many people who need help.  And, more people are praying and asking God to help them than ever before.

But, sometimes people get frustrated because they are expecting God to answer their prayer the way that they think that He should answer it. These 3 simple keys will help you in receiving answers to your prayers.

Enjoy the podcast.

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John 3:16 is the most famous verse in the Bible. And for good reason.

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Baby Boomers – This Is For You!

A Special Weekend Posting

My friend Duke sent me this link.  If you were born in the 50’s or early 60’s you will enjoy it; I did!  It brought back a lot of memories for me; good memories.

You need Power Point on your computer to watch it.  If you do, just click the link below, and it will ask you if you want to open it in Power Point. Click “Okay” and turn up your speakers and enjoy.  If you do watch it, feel free to leave a comment below.

Click Here If you Have Power Point

(If you weren’t born in the 50’s or early 60’s you just might find this amusing!)