10 Reasons Why Successful People Sometimes Fail?

My friend sent me this little story by email and I thought I had to share it with you, because it really shows, perfectly, why many people who should be extremely successful only achieve part of their dreams or none at all.

A learned scientist, after a lot of practice and effort, developed a formula of reproducing himself. He did it so perfectly that it was impossible to tell the reproduction from the original.

One day while doing his research, he realized that Death was searching for him. In order to remain immortal he reproduced a dozen copies of himself. The reproduction was so meticulous that no one could tell the difference between him and them. When Death came down, he was at a loss to know which of the thirteen people before him was the original scientist, and, confused, he left them all alone and returned to his domain.

But, not for long though. Being an expert in human nature, Death came up with a clever idea. Addressing all thirteen scientists, he said, “Sir, you must be a genius to have succeeded in making such perfect reproductions of yourself. However, I have discovered a flaw in your work, just one tiny little flaw.”

The scientist immediately jumped out and shouted, “Impossible! There can be no flaw. Where is the flaw?”


“Right here,” said Death, as he picked up the scientist from among the reproductions and carried him off.

The scientist lost his experiments and his life because he could not control his ego and his pride.

We tend to allow ourselves to be ruled by our ego and puffed up pride in the bid to make everything perfect. The moral of this little tale is to let that EGO go. Don’t hang on to it to the detriment of the more important things in your life. Stop the search for perfection today. Be satisfied with gradual excellence, rather than trying to erase every perceived flaw in a futile way. It is not possible. It merely robs you of resources, time, and greater achievements.

Why Successful People Sometimes Fail?

When it comes to failure, there are two key things we may take away. First, and logically, we are doing something entirely incorrect. The second lesson basically tells us to get back up and keep pursuing our dreams, but it also shows us that we can always overcome failure.

Michael Jordan a basketball player said, “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost nearly 300 games. I was supposed to make the game-winning shot, but I didn’t. I’ve experienced repeated failures throughout my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Barbara Corcoran says failure is her “specialty. According to the real estate magnate turned Shark Tank investor, the secret to success for all successful people is how they deal with failure.

Successful people can sometimes fail for various reasons, and these failures are often part of the overall journey toward success. Here are some common reasons why successful individuals may experience setbacks or failures:

1. Complacency:

Success can breed complacency. When people achieve a certain level of success, they might become comfortable and stop pushing themselves to improve. This lack of continuous growth can lead to failure when circumstances change.

2. Overconfidence:

Success can sometimes lead to overconfidence, causing individuals to underestimate challenges or neglect crucial details. Overconfident decision-making can result in failure when unforeseen obstacles arise.

3. Risk-taking:

Successful people often take risks to reach new heights. While calculated risks can lead to success, they can also result in failure. Not every risk pays off, and some ventures may not go as planned.

4. Lack of Adaptability:

The business environment and personal circumstances are dynamic. Successful individuals may fail if they are not adaptable to changes, whether it’s in technology, market trends, or other external factors.

5. Burnout:

Constantly striving for success can lead to burnout. Successful people might experience fatigue, stress, or a loss of passion, affecting their ability to make sound decisions and navigate challenges effectively.

6. Failure to Innovate:

Success might make individuals hesitant to change what has worked for them in the past. However, industries and markets evolve, and failure to innovate or adapt to new trends can lead to eventual decline.

7. Poor Decision-Making:

Even successful people can make poor decisions. Factors such as emotional stress, external pressures, or a lack of information can contribute to decision-making failures.

8. External Factors:

Sometimes, failure can result from factors beyond one’s control, such as economic downturns, changes in regulations, or unexpected market shifts. Even the most successful individuals may struggle in the face of external challenges.

9. Neglecting Personal Well-being:

Success often comes with demanding schedules and high expectations. Neglecting personal health, relationships, or well-being can lead to burnout and, ultimately, failure.

10. Over-confidence:

Excessive pride or arrogance can blind individuals to their own weaknesses. Ignoring constructive criticism or failing to seek advice can contribute to failure, as no one is infallible.

It’s important to note that failure, in many cases, can be a stepping stone to greater success. Learning from mistakes, adapting, and persevering are key components of long-term success.

What successful people say about failure:

1. Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert has an incredibly positive view of failure. He discussed some of his prior mistakes and the lessons he took away from them in a Wall Street Journal article.

2. Jeff Bezos calls failure and invention “inseparable twins.”

3. What J.K. Rowling one of the world’s richest women says about her early failures:

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.”

4. This quotation by Abraham Lincoln about his failure was:

“My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.”

5. Oprah Winfrey Quote:

“There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction.”