4 Common Reasons Why People Fail in Life

Introduction

One of life’s most intriguing questions is why some people succeed while others fail. According to the Pareto Principle, only 20% of the population controls 80% of the world’s resources, leaving the remaining 80% to share just 20%.

Success isn’t an accident of birth—anyone can achieve it. The key lies in habits: what successful people do, failures often neglect. 

In John 5:1-5, we find an example of failure embodied in the man at the Bethesda pool, who remained in his condition for 38 years.

John 5:5-7 says,

“Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’ The sick man answered Him, ‘Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.’”

His story provides key insights into why people find themselves trapped in the cycle of failure. Below are four key reasons.

1. They Live in a Comfort Zone (v. 5)

You can never change what you tolerate. This man had been sick for 38 years, yet he remained passive about his situation. His condition reflects the plight of many who settle for less in life, paralyzed by past experiences or fears.

Les Brown, the American motivational speaker, once said, “If you put yourself in a position where you have to stretch outside your comfort zone, then you are forced to expand your consciousness.” Growth occurs only outside your comfort zone. Until you decide to break free, your potential remains untapped. To achieve your best life, you must let go of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown.

2. They Lack Personal Initiative (v. 7)

Success begins with a personal decision. The paralyzed man lacked the drive to act. Despite knowing the healing opportunity when the water stirred, he made excuses instead of trying.

Every great journey begins with a single step, as the adage goes: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Personal initiative is the bedrock of achievement. Even entrepreneurs know that the first investment often comes from their savings. If you fail to take that first bold step, life will pass you by. Inaction cripples progress.

3. They Lack Connections (v. 7)

The man complained, “I have no one to put me into the pool.” While connections are valuable, relying solely on others for your success will often lead to disappointment.

If others who succeeded had relied on excuses, they would never have progressed. Remember: no one is responsible for you—they are responsible to you. Connections are meant to inspire action, not replace it. Instead of depending on others, rise to take responsibility and make things happen.

4. They Blame Others (v. 7)

Blaming others for personal failure demonstrates a lack of responsibility. The man blamed others for getting into the pool before him, rather than reflecting on what he could do differently.

Successful people take 100% responsibility for their lives. For many years, I too blamed others—be it the government, politicians, or external circumstances—for my struggles. It wasn’t until I took full ownership of my life that things began to change. Blame discourages progress, while responsibility ignites motivation. See others’ success as an inspiration, not a demotivation.

Conclusion

Failure is often the result of repeated poor choices. Just as no one attains a first-class degree in college without consistently good performance, success in life is built on daily decisions.

If you have failed in the past, don’t despair. It’s never too late to make better choices:

• Break free from your comfort zone.
• Take personal initiative.
• Position yourself to create and maximize opportunities.
• Stop blaming others, and take ownership of your destiny.

Success requires deliberate effort. Decide today to rise above excuses and live a victorious life. Refuse to fail!