I meet many would-be entrepreneurs who complain that they have not started a business. They fire blame for their lack of progress in all sorts of directions – at banks, venture capitalists, taxes, regulations, competitors and so on. But in most cases, the true reasons for our failures lie within us: these demons are what I call The Enemies of Achievement. Here is my list of top excuses:

● Procrastination. It is amazing how reliable we can be at putting off something difficult but worthwhile. We find endless excuses as to why now is never quite the moment to address the issues that really matter. As the shaving products tycoon Victor Kiam said, delay is “opportunity’s assassin”. And while we dither, others charge ahead and reap the rewards.

● Hubris. A modicum of success can be corrupting. It allows us to become lazy and self-satisfied, and forget those who helped us do well. Abstemious habits can wither, while delusions of grandeur replace them. All this undermines the basis of any initial progress. It is vital to keep industrious and one’s eyes on the ultimate prize.