Ask anyone what the keys to success are, and most people will tell you what you need to do to reach you dreams: be disciplined, have a positive attitude, believe in yourself, build a good support network, and so the list goes on. But did you know that there are a few things that you need to stop doing in order to be successful, too?

We often subconsciously prevent ourselves from achieving success in life (either on a personal or professional level) by seeing things in a certain, fixed way. And it is only by re-evaluating the way we see things that we can truly achieve success.

So here is a list of 14 things that you need to stop doing if you want to be successful:

1) Stop thinking you don’t have time

Time is the one thing that we have plenty of! There are 24 hours in a day: 6 for sleeping; 3 for grooming, eating, and exercising; 1 for resting — and you’re left with 14 whole hours to be productive!

2) Stop thinking the timing isn’t right

There’s no better time to take action than now. Stop delaying something to the next day, week, or year. Take a leap of faith and simply jump at the next opportunity that shows itself.

3) Stop doubting yourself

If you don’t believe in yourself, why should anyone else?

4) Stop relying on others to get things done

If you keep waiting for others to give you what you need, you’ll never get to where you want to be. If others are taking too long, rather get things done yourself. Others will notice your proactive behaviour, and it might just encourage them to start doing the same.

5) Stop waiting for a sign

Are you waiting for the universe to let you know when the right opportunity has arrived? Stop waiting and start doing! When you begin to challenge yourself to try something new, and you have a positive attitude about it, success will be sure to follow.

6) Stop thinking you don’t have enough money or resources

There are a lot of ways to get started on a new project without having exactly what you need. Use your contacts to ask for sponsors or investors if you want to start up a small business, host a fundraising event in your neighbourhood, or make a trade of resources or talents.

A trade of resources or talents means that you find someone who has something that could be of value to you (e.g. they have good events planning skills and could help you to organise your fundraiser, and you offer them help in the form of your talents in return (e.g. they need someone to help them grown their business’ social media platform).

7) Stop thinking everything will turn out the way it’s meant to

Take your fate into your own hands — you are in charge of your own destiny.

8) Stop thinking you’re too old or too young

Age is only a number, and should never be used as an excuse for why you can or can’t do something. You’re never too young to start your own business, and never too old to learn new things.

9) Stop doing things just to make others happy

Do something because you really want to, not because you think that you will impress others or earn their approval. Rather aim to impress yourself and earn your own approval!

10) Stop pushing yourself to the very limit

All work and no play makes for a very dull life. Allow yourself to take a break now and then — whether it is watching the sun set or going away on a holiday. This will rejuvenate your body and mind, and give you the boost you need to get back on the road to success.

11) Stop surrounding yourself with people who don’t support you 100%

They will only discourage you, and distract you from your goals. Rather surround yourself with friends and colleagues who encourage, support, and motivate you.

12) Don’t be afraid to fail

Remember that failing at something doesn’t make you a failure. Rather see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.

13) Stop thinking money is the only measure of success

You can also measure your success in terms of your own peace of mind, your own happiness, or the number of lives that you’ve touched in a positive way.

14) Stop sweating the small stuff

Lastly, keep in mind that you don’t have control over everything, and that that’s okay. Tackle each challenge with a positive attitude, and you will see how the road to success opens up right in front of you.

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Do you have your own suggestions for what you need to stop doing if you want to be successful? Let us know in the comments box below!