98% of people never accomplish their goals, here’s why

98 percent of people will die and never accomplish their goals. This is a strong statement that seems lofty and in my opinion, sounds a bit pessimistic. However, it’s a harsh reality that an overwhelming majority of people will not reach their dreams before their time is up on earth. If you are not a believer, do your own research. There are multiple studies done on this topic and the percentages are very high that most people fall in the category of unfulfilled dreams. One influential figure that comes to mind is Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The irony in Dr. King serving as the quintessential “dream achiever” is that his life was taken at the young age of 39. However, look at what he was able to accomplish in such a short amount of time. Undoubtedly, Dr. King probably reached more of his dreams than the average person will accomplish in an 80 year life span.

I started my business Unlocking Potential LLC because I already had an idea that these statistics were real, but once I started to research and read about it, I was truly grieved. It’s been said that the graveyard is the richest place on earth and it makes complete sense. Think of all the ideas, dreams, cures for diseases, and leaders that never came to life. My life’s goal is to change this narrative and help more people be courageous enough to reach their dreams and goals.

Now, I am sure there are a myriad of reasons why so many people do not reach their dreams, but here are a few of my observations:

1. Unresolved trauma and pain – When you experience physical pain it can be very debilitating. If you’ve ever stubbed your toe, you know how that pain can cause you to stop everything you are doing and sulk in your pain. In this same way, if you do not deal with the trauma or emotional pain you have experienced in life, it will stifle and debilitate your growth. Furthermore, it will become a lens through which you filter everything, which is very detrimental. Go to therapy, have that conversation, do what is needed to get free otherwise you run the risk of forfeiting your dreams.
2. You lack consistency – Many people can start something, but how many can actually sustain it and finish it? Perhaps you’ve seen the gym in January and how packed it is. By February, you will no longer see the majority of individuals because we often lack consistency. Every time you fail to follow through, you let yourself down and I believe you lose faith in yourself. So I challenge you to show up–every time. When you don’t feel like it–show up. When it seems inconvenient–show up. You will thank yourself later.
3. You are connected to the wrong people – Sometimes, I don’t think we realize how much other people can affect our lives. For example, I recently shared a decision with an individual that I knew wasn’t the best for me. This person questioned my decision and planted a seed of doubt in the back of my mind. Although I was very confident in my decision, I realized that I started to think about my doubts more after my interaction with this individual. If this one instance stood out to me, imagine what people can do who talk down to you, cast their fears onto you, or don’t support you in the way you need it. Make a decision today to cut that umbilical cord and move on. These people only have power in your life if you allow them to stay connected.

These are just a few of my observations, but I challenge you to think about what has been holding you back. Once you identify what it is, make a plan to get past it and stick with it.