The 7 Deadliest Threats to Success

“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.” — Thucydides

We all face things in our lives that are subtle and dangerous, and they’re even more dangerous when we ignore or don’t understand them. The deadliest threat for each of us is different, but it’s there, lurking underneath the still waters of our daily lives. We can choose to fill ourselves with paralyzing fear, or to prepare ourselves so we’re not afraid when it attacks.

When my family was living in Orlando, Florida, we drove home on a nice summer evening. It was quiet and the sky was beautiful — with orange light bursting from the clouds. We drove past the houses in our neighborhood, watching families walk by in the fresh, crisp summer weather.

As we pulled into our driveway, we noticed something strange: a group of people standing in a circle on the sidewalk. I stopped the car. They were all staring at the ground. What were they looking at? I finally saw it for myself…a cottonmouth (water moccasin) snake coiled on the sidewalk, ready to pounce. My neighbors had stopped to watch it and make sure we knew it was there, so we wouldn’t get attacked.

We were able to catch the snake and get it off our property. Later, I reflected on the stark contrast between the calm we’d experienced just moments before, while deadly, impending danger sat right around the corner.

How often in our lives are we simply enjoying life without recognizing lurking threats hovering just beneath the surface, waiting to pounce?

We have to be vigilant and stay committed, even when it’s difficult, and especially when things are going well. If we do, and avoid the temptation to be lulled into a false sense of security, we can stay focused on matters most.

Facing our deadly threats takes respecting the reality of what we’re up against so we’re prepared to confront it. Here are some of the deadliest threats in life and their solutions:

Deadliest Threat #1: Lack of Focus.

This includes taking on projects without filtering for importance, and then trying to multi-task our way out of being overwhelmed. Instead it’s about saying “No” before the inbox of life overloads. Warren Buffett suggests listing the top 25 things you want to do in the next few years, circling the top 5 and forgetting about the other 20. Buffett advises, “Everything you don’t circle becomes your ‘avoid at all cost list’. No matter what, these things get no attention from you until you’ve succeeded with your top 5.”

Solution: Get Clear on the Goal

Deadliest Threat #2: Anger.

It hits us in moments when we least expect it, starting with stress, leading to frustration, then to a potential explosion. In a flash, anger can destroy relationships and ruin careers. Whenever it starts to circle under the waters of life, take a few minutes to get collected. Allow the negative emotions some space for a few minutes while pondering the next step, and then focus on a positive response. By meditating before we act, we become powerful.

Solution: Meditate in the Moment

Deadliest Threat #3: Living the Status Quo.

Most people go with the flow, don’t like to rock the boat, and want to keep things as-is. And that’s a problem. Life isn’t about laying low, it’s about being bold and having an impact. Like the Apple slogan says: “Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

Solution: No Conventional Thinking

Deadliest Threat #4: Apathy.

This strikes us in stealth ways and stops us from doing big things. Instead, the key is to take action. My wife, Julia, is an example of this. Julia’s niece Skyla was once injured terribly in a car accident that tragically took the life of her friend — and their families had a difficult time. Instead of sitting idly by and waiting for someone else to do something to help, Julia launched a fundraiser on crowdrise, got herself on the news and radio to share that important story, and raised over $14,000 for the families.

Solution: Take Action Now

Deadly Threat #5: Technology Addiction. Many people are so hooked to their devices they’re losing out on key moments of life. Nothing can replace face-to-face listening, sharing, and collaboration. So, why should we let our devices woo us away from what we know we all need most? Put it away at night, keep it in your pocket or purse or glove box when you’re driving, and bury it under folders or in your bag during meetings. Studies show that powerful people favor in-person relationships over cellphones.

Solution: Take a Break from the Tech

Deadliest Threat #6: Selfishness.

This one creeps into our lives and before long, we’re in it just for ourselves. And it slows us down, unless we shift instead to a selfless lifestyle, like Jason Kreis. Hired as the youngest coach in professional soccer history at age 34, Kreis preached to his players the power of selflessness. As coach of Real Salt Lake he didn’t want Rock Stars like David Beckham. He wasn’t interested in the player who’d light up the field only to bask in their own glory. No, Kreis wanted the opposite — guys who loved the game and would give everything for the team to be successful. Kreis converted Real Salt Lake from a struggling franchise into a selfless force that overwhelmed opponents. In the 2009 MLS Cup, Real Salt Lake went head to head with Beckham and the Galaxy and beat them soundly.

Solution: Serve Others

Deadliest Threat #7: Arrogance.

Being the smartest guy in the room isn’t what it used to be. While it once impressed, now it annoys. Be open to new ideas, treating everyone with respect regardless of title, status, or wealth. Don’t focus on being a know-it-all, instead focus on being a connect-it-all with the power of humility, kindness, and empathy for other people.

Solution: Stay Humbly Confident

Whatever the Deadliest Threat is for you, apply the solution now. Don’t delay.

Call to Action

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