I've discovered that people have this knack for making assumptions about their lives and their goals that are just incredibly, wildly wrong. Worse, these assumptions aren't just incorrect, they are deflating and deadly to the success they seek.

I've also found that when people put these assumptions aside and get focused on the truth, they begin making progress quite quickly.

Below are the top 10 assumptions I've run across. Consider this a "most-wanted" list of killer assumptions to try and avoid:

1. I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT'S GOING ON

Warning!

If you find yourself saying/thinking this, it's time to stop and ask a few more questions. Invariably, the moment we think we see everything is usually when we have the smallest field of vision.

Recheck your facts, get more information, and then proceed.

2. I HAVE A FOOLPROOF PLAN

No plan is foolproof. (At best, you might have a plan that is "fool resistant".) Consider worst-case scenarios and as many "what-ifs" as time will allow.

3. I DON'T NEED (or CAN'T GET) HELP

Few people in history have created success solely on their own. A second opinion, a spare set of hands, and a fresh perspective seldom go amiss...

And they are all much easier to find than you think. Just check your local library, college, or telephone directory to get started.

4. I DON'T HAVE THE EDUCATION

It's ideas put to action that create success, not diplomas, so stop using this to delay getting started.

If you absolutely must have formal "education" there are plenty of ways to get it. They may not be traditional, but they can be just as effective.

5. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY

Not having the money now does not mean you cannot get the money in the future. Focus on how you can save, earn, or borrow what you need.

6. I DON'T HAVE THE TIME

Actually, you have all the time in the world.

You may need to reschedule some things, change priorities, and/or stop doing other things, but you'll never have more time than you do right now.

7. I AM TOO OLD (OR NOT OLD ENOUGH)

You're only "too old" when you're dead. And if you're worried about not being "old enough," then trust me, you're old enough.

8. I AM BEING UNREALISTIC

Some of the greatest successes ever are the ones that were thought the least realistic.

Dream big. Be bold.

Let the critics debate whether it's realistic or not.... while you make it happen.

9. I DON'T DESERVE TO BE SUCCESSFUL

Really? Why not just go ahead and find out? I think you'll be pleasantly surprised to discover that you're wrong.

10. NOBODY UNDERSTANDS WHAT I AM TRYING TO DO

Maybe nobody you know now, but take a look around. The world is filled with wonderful people who are all struggling to create their own success.

Open up, share your dreams with them.

You'll soon find more supporters than you can count!

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Jim M. Allen, The Big Idea Coach, is a professional life, business & guerrilla marketing coach and the editor of MyNewAttitude.com. For more great ideas, read his Big Idea blog or subscribe to his free bi-weekly ezine.