It is critical you write a plan with a list of targets and objectives so you have a long-term vision for your business. Beside yearly goals, you should also make you sure you have weekly plan with a list of short term goals for the coming week.
Researches show that the physical act of writing your goals and revisiting them on regular basis will strengthen certain neural pathways within your brain.

2. Ineffective use of time

Achieving our goals is very much dependent of how we use our time. One of the reasons why most business fails is due to ineffective time management and deferment of important tasks to a later time. Prioritization of the most important tasks at the beginning of the day and maintaining clear focus on those tasks during the day will bring you closer to accomplishing your goals.

3. Inadequate systems and processes

Systems and processes are operational procedures that, once implemented, reduce the need for further human input. This can include effective ways to follow-ups or Task allocations. If you streamline your operation by identifying tasks that are duplicated throughout the day and then implement effective processes, you will be able to have more control and free some valuable time.

4. Not pushing out of the comfort Zone

Most people drift through their daily life, follow routines without pushing out of their comfort zones. Our mind always finds a way to return us to a level that we have been conditioned so it is crucial to constantly improve and expand your knowledge in all areas of life, especially those related to your main goals. We can do it by constant learning and then experiencing what we’ve learnt

5. Poor financial management

There is tendency among business owners to rely on the end of the year results instead of taking control on their financials on daily basis. Inability to know where you stand financially Each and every day can be very unhealthy and dangerous.
By tracking expenses and income, you can discover where your money goes and have a better decision making process. You can use simple systems such as Excel or an inexpensive online system.

6. Not selling yourself properly

It is important to understand that we are ALL in Sales. We sell to our parents; We sell to our friends; We sell to our significant others and We sell to our employers. As an employee for example you sell a product called YOU and you get paid for it.
Understanding why and when people buy will take your business to the next level.
To sell or market yourself properly you will have to focus on the needs of your clients and looking at your business through the eyes of your customers. Selling is simply an emotional exchange. The formula is pretty simple, people are motivated by one of two things: to gain pleasure or to avoid pain. So you need to make people realise the amount of pain they will be in if they don’t buy, or the amount of pleasure they will receive if they do.

7. Not developing your network

It is important that you develop a business network where you can get support and share ideas with other like-minded. You can effectively use social networks by joining a group in your area of interest. You can join an online network such as facebook.com or physically meet your group on a regular basis with networks such as meetup.com
Most people feel uncomfortable to approach “Strangers” in physical meetings however this is the best way to start building your network and boost your confidence.
Another option is to find a mentor who has the experience & knowledge in what you’re trying to achieve. Once you find someone, simply pick up the phone or send an email, Most people would be happy to accept such a request.

8. Not adopting technology

Technology can help reduce workload and boost overall efficiency. The internet is not only a great source of new knowledge but also an excellent and cost effective way to market yourself and your skills.
In addition, the use of the right softwares for example will make your business more organized & accurate.

9. Lack of Motivation

We usually very motivated in the beginning of starting a new process or learning a new skills. However most of us lose the enthusiasm and motivation along the way when difficulties arise.
You have to remind yourself on a daily basis what your goals are and why you are putting yourself through this.
Simply start your day by focusing on the benefits of what you’re doing & more importantly, take action. Even small scale action creates momentum towards achieving your goals.

10.Running on Fear

Most decision makers are running on fear of making incorrect decisions which leads to chronic indecisiveness & a tendency towards over-analysis. We are scared of being tagged as a failure and by that embarrass ourselves before the world.
To overcome this fear we need to realize that failure is here to make us stronger, not weaker. It is part of the learning curve which is integral part of growth. We need to get out of our mind, take action & go against the fear.
Make a lot of presentations if you’re afraid of public speaking for example. You’ll soon realize that most times our fear is totally irrational.