According to Napoleon Hill one of the 31 major causes of failure is a negative attitude. Part of the reason is because a negative attitude can lead to so many of the other causes of failure as well, like inability to cooperate with others, choosing the wrong mate to marry as well as the wrong business partners. A negative attitude will close doors of opportunity because people just don't want to deal with, or be around someone with a negative personality. Today we breakdown 9 keys to perfect a pleasant personality according to Dr. Dennis Kimbro in is companion work to Napoleon Hill, "Think And Grow Rich, A Black Choice." Implement these keys into your life and watch your whole world change.

Today we wrap up another amazing series. The feedback that I've received has been incredible. Please be sure to comment below, we'd love to hear from you. I've personally had some breakthroughs myself. Now we focus on the solutions for overcoming failure. Please share.

Today is all about solutions. In parts 1-3 of this series we broke down the 31 major causes of failure but today we want to break down 4 powerful solutions. We all have ups and downs and that's part of life but if you never identify the things that are causing you to fail you'll never address them. Some of these causes are part of your life and have to be over come, others you want to be aware of so that you can avoid them altogether. It's my hope that this series has blessed you like it has blessed me. If so do me a favor and share with others and leave us a comment to let us know specifically how you've been blessed by it. Also be sure to support out sponsors, After all, it's because of our sponsors we're able to bring you this show. Make sure you let them know that you heard about them from Talking Money in the Morning LIVE!

I hope you've taken inventory of the things that are causing you to fail so that you can overcome them once in for all. Sometimes admitting to yourself that you're struggling in one or more of these areas is the hardest thing to do. However it's a necessary part of the solution.

Solution #1: Acknowledge the problem - Just like with any other problem the first step is acknowledging that the problem exists. You'll never take the proper steps to address a problem if you refuse to admit that it exists in the first place. In fact most people spend too much time trying to fix everyone else when they are the problem. I know its hard to admit, in a world that is good at pointing the finger and blaming others, that you are the problem. Personal responsibility and accountability is the place to start if you're serious about removing your causes of failure.

Solution #2: Recognize the damage caused - Chances are if you have not admitted and take responsibility for your part in your failure, you've also NOT seen the damage that it has caused. Or if you have seen the damage causes you certainly don't see your self as responsible. Just as your success is tied to many people that you know and love, so is your failure. Think about your children for a moment and the difference your success will have on their lives. What about your community, think it'd be better if you were wildly successful. So whatever is causing you to fail must be identified and eradicated. One of the greatest motivating factors is a serious look at the damage your failure is causing all around you.

Solution #3: Recognize the triggers - Life is but cause and effect. The sooner you realize that there are triggers that cause you to behave a certain way you can avoid those triggers, create new triggers or cause those triggers to illicit a new response. Some triggers are deeply rooted in beliefs about ourselves others are deeply rooted in our fears. Whatever the cause you need to identify the triggers so you can anticipate the behavior they evoke and adjust accordingly.

Solution #4: Change - Now that you've taking ownership of your failure, recognized the damage it has caused you personally and those dependent upon and connection to you. Now that you know what triggers those behaviors in you that is causing the failure, it's time to get on with the most difficult part of healing, CHANGE!

• Change your daily routine. Chances are, many of your triggers in in your daily routine and you don't even know it. Besides we know that success isn't built in a day but it is built daily. If you're not not significantly closer to your definition of success chance are your moving in the wrong direction. Just as success isn't built in a day in most cases failure happens over a period of time as well. Change your daily routine and get a fresh look at the world by switching things up a bit. You'd be surprised at the difference it could make. If you get up a 7 every morning try getting up at 6. If you take a nice hot shower to start your day, try taking a cold shower in the morning. Alter your route to work, try a new coffee shop along the new route. All of these new things will trigger new thoughts and disrupt old thought patterns.
• Change your media consumption. The books your read, things you listen to, tv shows you watch they all have a profound affect on your life. Just like a computer your brain function in the same manner. You'll never get a different outcome until you change the input. It will require some conscious thinking in the beginning you might even have to force yourself but it will be worth it. Sit down and listen to a podcast that you wouldn't normally be attracted to. Go see a movie that doesn't wet your appetite from the previews. Thinking outside the box comes easier to those that live outside the box every now and again.
  
• Change the places you go. Another form of changing your media consumption is to change the physical locations that we frequent. Different places have different energy signatures because of the people they attract. You need to shake things up in all phases of your life, not just in the physical realm but in the unseen realm as well. Cross over to the proverbial "other side of the tracks" where people think differently than you. This could give you a fresh perspective, cause you to generate new ideas, break down old strongholds you may be carrying. Getting into new environments will be uncomfortable as all get out, but it's just what you need to create the mindset shift needed to induce true change.
  
• Change your associations. This is not me telling you to fire all your friends. However getting around different people or perhaps introducing someone new into your circle every now and then is not a bad thing. Those friends at work that invite you to hang, who you're sure you have absolutely nothing in common with, go! That's the point, you have nothing in common with them which means you're guaranteed to learn  and experience something new, Remember, new is good. Everything is cause and effect, something new will cause you to have new thoughts, ideas and feeling which just might spawn a new relationship or business partnership. Remember, intolerance, major cause of failure #23 or in other words, having a closed mind. Don't let that hold you back from associating with different people. Might just be the breakthrough you need.
  
• Change the conversation you have with yourself. We all talk to ourselves daily, the question is, "what are you say?" Most people actually indulge in more negative self talk than positive. Can you honestly say that you're the opposite? If not now then get started. It'll take practice but you can turn the tide. What you say to yourself is important but how you say it is equally important as well. Your words, when filled with emotion can activate your subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is connected to Infinite Intelligence with the power to bend the universe to your will but if you're saying the wrong things you could actually be calling down death and destruction upon your life. So speak to yourself with conviction about how great your are and the big things you're going to accomplish and watch for signs that God is listening.
  
• Finally change your belief about yourself. Because most of us are constantly engaged in negative self talk we have negative beliefs about ourselves and what we can and cannot accomplish. Changing the conversation will help with your belief but also continue to recall your most successful moments. Those times where you didn't think you could do something but you gave the ole college try anyway only to find out it turned out incredibly well. Use those memories to fuel your belief and talk yourself into doing bigger and bolder things. Celebrating little success along the way is another good way to fuel belief as well.
  

At the end of the day success and failure are in the palm of your hands. You get to cast the deciding vote as to which one will show up in your life. Study the 31 Major Causes of Failure but also implement the solutions and will yourself to success.

Part 3 of the series we touch on causes 21-31. This study has been truly eye opening. I think the name of the game is to identify any of these traits in yourself and overcome them as soon as possible. In parts 4 and 5 we'll take a comprehensive look at some strategies for overcoming these causes of failure.

So...how did you do? Of the 31 major causes of failure how many are you struggling with. Remember it's ok to admit your faults. In fact until you admit them you'll never do the necessary work to correct or overcome them. The purpose for studying these causes is to see where we fall short and why so we can do something to change it. Also too, it's good to recognize these causes so we can look at our children to see if they are establishing habits that will lead them down the road of failure.

Today we wrapped up all 31 causes the rest of the series we'll focus on solutions for overcoming failure and avoiding the causes altogether. If you need to go back to see both the recorded show and my written commentary of the first 20 causes of failure use the links below to do so.

31 Major Causes of Failure part 1 - Causes 1-10
31 Major Causes of Failure part 2 - Causes 11-20

#21 The habit of indiscriminate spending - Most people will quickly equate money to success. In fact in a lot of ways for some it's the "only" way to measure success. How many people look at how a person handles their money as a cause of failure? Money problems cause stress and stress causes disease and poor spending habits is a major cause of poverty especially here in America. Being disciplined with money, in particular how we spend our money can keep us out of the way of failure.

#22 Lack of enthusiasm - Have you ever heard the saying, "Success loves speed?" Well success loves positive energy too. Enthusiasm has the power to transform a person, situation, a room. Ever been in a room and that one person, that ball of energy walk in and the entire mood of the room changes. Imagine harnessing this power to transform your business, your finances, your marital relationship, your social group. If you want to be successful, you have to be "Fired Up!"

# 23 Intolerance - The person with a closed mind has volunteered to stop growing. There are only two states of being, you're either growing or you're dying. To be intolerant is to begin the process of dying. Most people keep a closed mind for fear of having their opinion swayed. If you're so week in your position that you can't hear another's argument, you may need to rethink your convictions. Rigid thinking literally puts you on the express lane to failure.

# 24 Intemperance or over indulgence - Napoleon Hill lists in "Think & Grow Rich" the 3 most dangerous as sex, alcohol and eating. Today you'd have to add drugs, gambling, pornography and a list of other things but the bottom line is this. Too much of just about anything can be unhealthy but you can have some unhealthy habits and still have success. The aforementioned list will flat out cause almost immediate failure when you over indulge.

# 25 Inability or unwillingness to cooperate with others - At some point we'll dedicate an entire blog to this one but for now lets just say this is probably one of the biggest causes of failure of all time. No one has success on an island, it's always a collaborative effort. People with the inability and unwillingness to work with other will turn people off and cause does to close very quickly around them. In which case it's easy to find yourself on an island but in this case is one in which your forced to do things on your own. That's not a good place to be if you want long term sustainable success.

#26 Possession of power that was not earned through self effort - This is the sudden success or instant riches syndrome. When one acquires wealth, power and position through their own efforts, over time, there is a certain character development that takes place. Give someone the same measure of wealth, power or position who has not earned it and that in 99% of cases is a sure recipe for failure.

#27 Intentional dishonesty - This one goes without saying. You may get by with it a time or too but eventually the law of reciprocity will catch up with you. Quite easy to see what this results in failure.

#28 Egotism and vanity - If you want to run people away from you this is a sure fire way to do it. That is why it leads to failure, no one wants to work with vain people with ego problems. 

#29 Guessing instead of thinking - Critical thinking is a skill that has been long absent from the lion's share of society. We are taught in schools to memorize facts instead of think, then outside of school 90% of our opinions are given to us by the media and entertainment outlets. Guessing though and making decision without even the slightest attempt to fact check and come to your own conclusion can definitely lead to disaster.

#30 Lack of capital and creativity - Lack of capital is definitely an issue when it comes to business but a lack of creativity can cause utter failure in almost every other area in your life. Success is not built in a day and it's never easy. A creative mind though can make it easier as there will be times when you run into obstacles. Often time the difference between overcoming a challenge is one's own level of creativity.

Part 2 of our series on the 31 Causes of Failure according to the great Napoleon Hill. Be sure to catch part 1 if you missed it.

There are lots of reasons that people fail. Napoleon Hill in his classic book "Think & Grow Rich" narrowed it down to 31 major causes. As we continue with our study don't be afraid to be brutally honest with yourself and assess whether or not you have any of these traits or habits. The only way to overcome them is to first recognize they exist, the analyze their negative affects then work diligently to change them.

#11 Lack of Controlled sexual urge - Sexual urge is a powerful driving force. Just as with any force of power if not properly controlled it could cause irreparable damage. I can testify to the fact that transmuting this energy to something positive and creative can elevate a person. However turning this control over to someone else on the other hand can be outright detrimental. We've seen men rob, cheat and steal while under the control of a woman manipulating control of sexual urge. Likewise we've seen women battered, bruised and coerced to do strange things when they hand over control of this energy to men.

#12 Uncontrolled desire for "Something for nothing," - Seems as if this one plagues the black community more than any other culture, but I could be wrong. I have experience and encountered countless lottery players, gamblers and opportunity seekers that are all looking for success and not willing to put forth any effort. All looking for an easy way out or a way to get rich quick with minimal effort. We all have a little bit of this in us. Society is quick to highlight those that have some measure in which the have literally done nothing to achieve, therefore it creates a false sense of hope in millions of people. They're hoping if they find themselves in the right place, at the right time they'll receive a windfall of success that they did not work for. 

#13 Lack of defined power of decision - This one is another one that is seems easy to overcome but it's obviously not because so many people struggle with it. These are the people that can't make up their mind, the sit on the fence for weeks before making a decision and in most cases the circumstance makes the decision for them. They wait and wait until the opportunity is gone, always talking about what they were going to do, but waited too late. This issue is crippling the black community, because if you can't make a decision you can't take action. That's what we see a lot of in our community, no action and it's because people are afraid to make a decision.

#14 One or more of the six basic fears - We all struggle with fear and it's understandable. However, the only way to overcome fear is to educate yourself about that which makes you afraid. If you continue to live in fear because you refuse to educate yourself then fixing that problem is an inside job.

#15 Wrong selection of mate in marriage - The bible speaks of being "unequally yolked" spiritually, and that can be very detrimental to a marriage. Being unequally yolked in other areas can also be as detrimental if not more. Think about the area of finance, how long and a serial spender stay in a relationship with a serial saver. Ambition is another area that must be consider, can a go getter stay with a no getter? One of the 7 common keys of self-made millionaire is the fact that they married well. Not married a person with money but married a person that they were equally yolked with in several areas of life.

#16 Over Caution - One of the contributing factors to indecision is over caution. How long does it really to take to do your research, weigh the pros and cons and make a decision. There is nothing wrong with a healthy skepticism but some people literally take it too for. It's my belief though, that they use this tactic as we way to keep from making a decision. People literally stay in study mode forever. At some point you have to get in the field and put into practice that which you have learned. So there is a such thing as too cautious. Life is filled with both risks and rewards but you'll never get the latter until you're willing to sacrifice for the former.

#17 Wrong selection of associate in business - Just as you want to select the right person in marriage, business partnerships are similar to that of a marriage. The same applies, there must be balance and you must be equally yolked, not in as much as having the same beliefs but definitely wanting the same things. Do your skill sets compliment one another or do they contradict one another. 

#18 Superstition and prejudice - To be prejudice means you're pre-judging, I'm sure that has ever been an effective way to evaluate anything. it's almost like being over cautious, your judging whether or not something can be effective in helping you achieve success before giving it a shot. Superstition is just another form of fear. Not that fear is bad, as fear in terms of respect is a good thing and causes you to proceed with caution but at the end of the day you proceed. Some superstitions are just without merit and should be dismissed.

#19 Wrong selection of vocation - The ultimate goal should be to find 1 or 2 ways to get paid for 1 or 2 things that you absolutely love to do. However until you find that perfect situation, especially if you have youth on your side, you should be looking at a vocation that creates the most opportunity to create positive cash flow in your life. In addition to positive cash flow you should be looking at other upsides as well like knowledge that can be gained, relationships that can be leveraged in the future etc. Robert Kiyosaki said in "Rich Dad Poor Dad" that wealthy people don't work for money. While I believe that to be true they do work for other forms of wealth that can be leveraged and easily converted into money. All of these things should be considered when choosing a vocation.

#20 Lack of concentration of effort - The proverbial "Jack of all Trades, master of non!" In today's society all the big bucks are doled out to those who specialize. Just ask yourself, "who makes more money?" is it the general practitioner or the brain surgeon? Most people have heard it said the wealthy people have multiple streams of income and they try to put their hands in many things in hopes to become wealthy. What they fail to realize is those wealthy people have multiple streams that all derive from the 1-2 things that they specialize in. Take one of my virtual mentors for instance Grant Cardone who specializes in sales and real estate. He has an explosive sales training company the creates a stream from that expertise, he has books, seminars, digital products and more that create additional streams from that one area of expertise. 

Cardone is also an expert real estate investor. He makes a ton of money from own multi family apartment complexes. out of that expertise he also sells books, digital products, and workshops on how to become a successful real estate investor. I wouldn't be surprised if he owned a property management company to manage his properties and those of others creating even more streams of income but they all come from his area of expertise. If you're not careful you can very easily end up with multiple puddles that don't amount to much of anything in your pursuit of multiple streams.

Be sure to stay tuned for the rest of this series. Also leave us a comment below and share this blog if you got value from it. Until next time, get your money up because you absolutely can do it, but more importantly, you deserve it.