Today it is generally accepted that each of us initially strives for happiness, well-being and self-development, and negative circumstances, which so often spoil our lives, are the only thing that prevents us from achieving success in it. But is this really so?! Are the reasons that prevent us from “moving forward” really just life circumstances beyond our control, or is there something else that we are quite capable of influencing? It turns out that our success or “unluck” largely depends on what exactly we focus on. Depending on these guidelines, our thoughts and actions can be aimed either at achieving success or at avoiding failure. It seems like nothing significant, but in fact, the difference between these two categories is colossal. People focused on avoiding failures seem to set the bar for themselves in advance at a very average level, without particularly hoping to overcome this height. Subconsciously convinced of their probable failure, they devote most of their time and energy to “laying straw in the area of ​​probable fall.” Most often, such people try to avoid making responsible decisions, choosing, albeit ineffective, but already proven patterns of behavior. Moreover, this manifests itself not only in work, but also in personal life, everyday life, relationships with loved ones. People who strive to achieve success have a completely different mindset. If obstacles arise on the way to their Goal, they look for ways to overcome them. They are characterized by self-confidence, persistent optimism, and most importantly, readiness for success, which will be a natural development of events. It is the readiness for success that is the cherished condition on which almost everything ultimately depends. And it itself manifests itself in how confident you are in the value of your Business and the efforts that you have made. And it turns out that “the success of a business directly depends on your readiness for it.” As life shows, the rule “what thoughts are directed towards, that’s where you’ll come from” works flawlessly for people of both groups. So, if you feel like life is constantly forcing you to stop at insurmountable circumstances, ask yourself where your attention is focused, and are you truly ready for your success? And when you put aside thoughts of possible defeat, victory will not be long in coming. After all, “if you don’t take the white flag to battle, you simply have to win.” Wishing you victories in life and, of course, good luck! Artyom Skobelkin, crisis psychologist, logotherapist.