People often times begin a venture, such as applying for a job, approaching a romantic prospect, starting a business, wanting promotion or a pay increase and fall prey to 3 detrimental behavioral pillars. As long as these three traits reside in your psyche, success is almost impossible.

1. Having a fixed mindset

“In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them.” - Carol Dwek

At the onset of a pursuit are several hurdles to overcome. The first one is how you view the challenge and if you can see beyond it. That means opening your mind to having to fail, learn and adapt. Those with a fixed mindset will manifest their own demise before they take the first step. If you can’t adapt, embrace the change in wind direction, or welcome and accept feedback or coaching, the odds of achieving the goal are slim to none.

Darwin and life teaches as the value of adaptability. Even the master learns new lessons every day and welcomes them as a part of the journey. Growth, development and improvement are never-ending. You can’t remain the same person and expect growth and better results.

2. Lack of Belief.

In 1993, I auditioned for Cirque du Soleil while living in Manhattan on the most meager of budgets. Prior to that audition, professional rejection had become common-place… it never stopped… audition after audition and seemingly no progress. My dream was dying. Though I experienced doubt, deep down I always believed. It’s that inner belief that kept me going. It’s that inner belief that made me try one more time. And one day, that one more time became a life-changing opportunity. Had I stopped believing, I would have given up. When you believe, you simply can’t stop pursuing the dream. When you don’t believe, you will become exhausted and void of hope or enthusiasm… may as well say goodbye if you don’t believe.

3. Caring about what others think or say is kryptonite.

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During the entire first couple of years of Manhattan life, I was constantly pre-occupied with what others thought about my abilities, what they thought about my "foolish" American dream and what they'd say if I failed.

The more we worry about the opinions of others, the more we are shackled, the harder it is to become our best self and succeed. Our purpose is not based on what others think. Our purpose is based on what compels us to do what we do; our WHY? We must not allow our reason for being to be distracted by the values and expectations that others place upon us.

Never feel the need to validate or explain your values, dreams and desires to others. Most won't understand. Others don't care. Not to mention, many are secretly hoping you fail anywayl. Deny the naysayers and doubters. It's your dream.