The Biggest Threat to Future Success

What do you believe is the biggest threat to your future success?  Is it the economy?  Global warming? The tax code and government regulations?  Health care?  Increased manufacturing costs based on foreign competition?  Energy policy and resulting increased utility and fuel costs?  Need I go on?

     Although these are legitimate concerns, none of them are the biggest threat to your success.  In fact, some of those issues may hold the key to your future prosperity!   

     So what is the number one threat to your future success?

     IT IS WHAT YOU KNOW.  It is your existing knowledge and expertise. 

     Have I gone mad?  Have I lost my mind?  Am I really suggesting that the knowledge that has brought you your current success is the number one threat to your future success?  Absolutely.

     Think about it.  What you currently know prevents you from seeking what you do not know.  Being content with your current knowledge hinders your desire to research and investigate.  Another phrase for existing knowledge is comfort zone.  It is what you know that currently works that creates your comfort, satisfaction and confidence. 

     One of my biggest challenges is to challenge and inspire organizational leaders to set aside what they know and become curious.  Curiosity and a drive to question the status quo are the keys to future success.  Albert Einstein said that "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."  The knowledge that has brought you to your current level of success will not take you to the next level and will eventually take you backwards.

     So here’s a challenge.  Take a break from the media.  They are in business to talk about concerns that you can do almost nothing about.  Instead, become curious and seek new, fresh ideas for your business and life that you can begin to test and measure.  This challenge requires you to set aside your existing knowledge, filter out the noise of the day, and open your mind to new possibilities.  Once you test and validate a new idea, find a way to put it into action.  That’s when you really learn and grow!