There’s a clear distinction between people who are self-made and those who aren’t, and it often boils down to how they utilize their time.
Self-made individuals understand that time is a precious commodity. They don’t squander it on unproductive activities or things that don’t align with their goals.
According to psychology, there are seven specific things that self-made individuals almost never waste their time on. And trust me, understanding these can make a world of difference in your own journey to success.
So, here’s a brief insight into the seven things self-made people never waste time on. And remember, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being aware and making deliberate choices.
1) Idle gossip
One of the biggest time-wasters that self-made people tend to avoid is idle gossip.
While it might seem harmless, gossip can quickly turn into a major time drain. It consumes valuable time that could be spent on productive activities. More importantly, it often fosters negativity and distracts from the real goals at hand.
Self-made individuals understand this. They are aware of the potential pitfalls of gossip and make a conscious effort to steer clear of it. They prefer to engage in constructive conversations that add value to their lives and help them move closer to their objectives.
Psychology backs this up too. Studies have shown that engaging in gossip can lead to increased stress and reduced proactivity and productivity. It’s no surprise then that successful people choose to spend their time wisely, avoiding gossip like the plague.
Look, time is a finite resource. How we choose to spend it can have a significant impact on our success. So, consider this the next time you find yourself drawn into a gossip-fest.
2) Procrastination
I’ll be honest with you, procrastination is something I’ve struggled with in the past.
There was a time when I’d put off tasks, convincing myself I’d get to them ‘later’. But the truth is, ‘later’ often turned into ‘never’. Or when I did eventually get to them, the stress and rush to complete tasks last minute was hardly worth the delay.
Then I started observing self-made individuals – successful entrepreneurs, leaders, go-getters. One thing that stood out was their approach to tasks. They tackled things head-on, immediately. They didn’t put off till tomorrow what could be done today.
Psychology explains why this is so crucial. Research shows that procrastination not only leads to stress and poor quality of work, it also creates a vicious cycle that’s hard to break. The more we delay tasks, the more daunting they seem, and the more we tend to avoid them.
Now, I make it a point to tackle tasks as soon as they come up. It’s not always easy, but it has made a tremendous difference in my productivity and overall success. Trust me on this one – ditch procrastination. It’s a game-changer.
3) Wallowing in self-pity
In my journey to success, I’ve learned that mental toughness or resilience is not something self-made people overlook. They understand that with every challenge, there’s an opportunity for growth.
This principle is so powerful that I dedicated a whole book to it. In my book, “The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness”, I delve into the strategies and habits of people who have mastered the art of resilience.
Self-made individuals don’t waste time wallowing in self-pity or dwelling on failure. Instead, they see these as stepping stones to become stronger and more resilient. They embrace challenges, learn from them, and use these experiences to fuel their journey towards success.
Studies have shown that people with high levels of resilience are more likely to overcome stress, burnout, and difficult work conditions.
If you’re keen on building your mental toughness and becoming more resilient, I strongly recommend checking out my book. It’s a practical guide packed full of actionable tips and strategies that will help you navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and grit.
4) Living in the past
There was a time when I was constantly looking back, replaying old failures or missed opportunities in my head. I realized that I was not only wasting precious time but also hindering my progress towards my future goals.
Self-made individuals understand that dwelling on the past is futile. They know that while it’s important to learn from past experiences, it’s equally crucial to let go and move forward.
According to mental health experts, ruminating on past events can lead to anxiety and depression, preventing us from reaching our full potential. Instead, focusing on the present and planning for the future can contribute to higher levels of happiness and success.
So, whether it’s an old mistake or a missed opportunity, let it go. You can’t change the past, but you can influence your future. Live in the moment, learn from your experiences, and keep moving forward.
5) Overworking
Contrary to popular belief, self-made individuals don’t necessarily work around the clock. They understand that productivity is not about the number of hours put in, but rather the quality of work produced during those hours.
In fact, they recognize the importance of rest and downtime. They know that overworking can lead to burnout, which can seriously affect their productivity, health, and overall success in the long run.
This might seem counter-intuitive, especially in a society that often equates busyness with success. But as studies have shown, regular breaks and adequate rest can actually boost creativity and productivity.
While it’s important to work hard towards your goals, don’t forget to take care of yourself. As the saying goes, “Work smarter, not harder.”
6) Comparing themselves to others
Another thing that self-made individuals rarely indulge in is comparing themselves to others. They understand that everyone’s journey is unique and that success doesn’t look the same for everyone.
Instead of wasting time looking at what others are doing, they focus on their own path. They set personal goals, track their progress, and celebrate their own achievements.
Comparison can lead to negative emotions like envy and low self-esteem. It can also shift our focus from our own goals and progress, which is detrimental to our personal growth and success.
Why compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty? You can simply focus on your own journey, set your own standards of success, and strive to reach them. That’s what truly matters.
7) Ignoring self-care
Lastly, self-made individuals understand the importance of self-care. They know that in order to be productive and successful, they need to take care of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being first.
Ignoring self-care can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and a host of health issues. On the other hand, regular self-care practices can boost energy levels, improve mood, and enhance overall performance.
Taking time for self-care is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. It’s the foundation upon which all other success is built. Take care of yourself, and everything else will follow.
In essence: It’s about mindful living
The way we choose to spend our time is a testament to our priorities and values. Self-made individuals understand this, and they consciously choose to invest their time in ways that align with their goals.
At its core, it’s not just about avoiding certain activities. It’s about embracing a mindset of purposeful living. It’s about recognizing the power and value of time, and choosing to spend it wisely.
This mindful approach to living is something I delve into in my book, “The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness”. In it, I share strategies and insights on how to cultivate resilience, make mindful decisions, and live a more focused life.
As we navigate through life’s ups and downs, it’s important to remember that every second counts. Every choice we make, every activity we engage in, shapes our journey towards success.
So take a moment. Reflect on your choices. Are they helping you move towards your goals? Or are they holding you back? Because at the end of the day, your time is your life. Spend it wisely.
