As we journey through life, we all aspire for success – to be better, do better and live better.
However, sometimes we unknowingly hold ourselves back from achieving our fullest potential due to certain habits we’ve formed over time.
These habits may seem harmless or insignificant, yet they act as roadblocks on our path to success.
If your goal is to be more successful as you get older, it’s time to evaluate your habits, and perhaps, say goodbye to a few of them.
In this article, we will demystify eight such habits that might be standing between you and your success.
Let’s get started.
1. Procrastination
If you’re a serial procrastinator, you’re not alone. We’ve all been guilty of putting off tasks until the last minute.
However, chronic procrastination can significantly hinder your progress towards success. It leads to wasted time, missed opportunities, and increased stress.
The habit of delaying tasks often stems from the fear of failure or the overwhelming nature of the task.
But remember, success is a series of small steps. The longer you wait to start, the more daunting the task becomes.
Practical Tip: Start implementing the “2-Minute Rule”. If a task takes two minutes or less to complete, do it immediately instead of pushing it back.
For bigger tasks, break them down into smaller, manageable parts and tackle each part one at a time. This approach can make the task seem less overwhelming and reduce your tendency to procrastinate.
2. Negativity
Negativity is a habit that can sneak up on us without even realizing it. It’s easy to fall into the pattern of negative thinking, especially when things don’t go as planned.
However, a negative mindset can inhibit growth and success. It can make you focus on problems rather than solutions and create a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure.
I’ve personally found that when I let negativity take over, it clouds my judgment and makes it harder for me to see opportunities.
On the other hand, maintaining a positive outlook helps me stay motivated and resilient in the face of challenges.
Practical Tip: Start practicing mindfulness and gratitude. Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, enabling you to manage negativity better.
Gratitude, on the other hand, can shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right in your life.
Try to write down three things you’re grateful for every day, no matter how small they seem. This simple practice can help foster positivity and pave the way for success.
3. Fear of Change
Let’s be raw and honest – change is hard. It’s uncomfortable and scary, and it’s human nature to resist what we don’t understand or can’t predict.
But here’s the truth – success requires change. If you keep doing the same things, you’ll keep getting the same results. Fear of change can keep you stuck in your comfort zone, preventing you from reaching new heights.
As I’ve navigated through different stages of life, I’ve realized that some of my biggest growth spurts happened when I embraced change instead of resisting it. Yes, it was scary. Yes, it was uncomfortable. But it also led me to opportunities and experiences that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Practical Tip: Start small. You don’t have to make a massive change all at once. It could be as simple as trying a new food, picking up a new book or taking a different route to work. Gradually exposing yourself to change in small doses can help you become more comfortable with it over time.
4. The Need to Be Always Busy
In our fast-paced world, being busy is often equated with being successful. But here’s a counterintuitive thought – constant busyness can actually be a barrier to success.
Being busy all the time can lead to burnout, reduce your productivity, and leave you with little time to reflect, plan, or even enjoy your achievements.
Being successful isn’t just about constantly doing more; it’s also about doing what’s important. It’s about focusing on tasks that align with your goals and delegating or eliminating those that don’t.
Practical Tip: Learn to prioritize and say no. Not every task deserves your time and energy. Use tools like the Eisenhower box to help you prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Learn to say no to tasks that aren’t contributing to your goals.
5. Comparing Yourself to Others
In this age of social media, it’s incredibly easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others.
We see snapshots of other people’s lives – their achievements, their possessions, their seemingly perfect lives – and we can’t help but feel inadequate in comparison. This habit can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and hinder our journey towards success.
I’ve found that when I focus on other people’s journeys, I lose sight of my own goals and progress. It’s important to remember that everyone is on a unique path, with different starting points, goals, and challenges.
Practical Tip: Limit your time on social media and focus on your own journey instead. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Set your own benchmarks for success.
Instead of comparing yourself with others, compare your current self with where you were yesterday, last month, or last year. This shift in perspective can significantly boost your motivation and progress towards success.
6. Ignoring Your Health
Here’s a brutal truth – neglecting your health can seriously derail your success. Success isn’t just about financial wealth or professional achievements. It’s also about having the physical and mental well-being to enjoy these accomplishments.
Poor health habits like lack of sleep, poor diet, and insufficient exercise can lead to fatigue, decreased cognitive function, and a host of health issues that can hinder your productivity and overall quality of life.
Practical Tip: Make your health a priority. This doesn’t mean you need to spend hours at the gym or follow a strict diet. Start with small changes – aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night, incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, take regular breaks during work, and try to get some form of exercise each day, even if it’s just a quick walk around the block.
7. Not Setting Clear Goals
The famous saying by Yogi Berra goes, “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.”
This couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to success. Without clear goals, you’re like a ship sailing aimlessly in the sea. You might end up somewhere eventually, but it’s unlikely to be the place you desired.
Setting clear goals gives your life direction and purpose. It provides a roadmap to guide your decisions and actions, helping you stay focused and motivated even in the face of challenges.
Practical Tip: Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for yourself. Write them down and review them regularly.
Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and track your progress. Success is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate small wins along the way to keep your motivation high.
8. Avoiding Risks
Throughout my life, I’ve learned that success often involves taking risks. Whether it’s starting a new project, investing in a business, or even changing careers, there’s always a level of uncertainty involved. However, avoiding risks due to fear of failure can hold you back from exploring new opportunities and achieving greater success.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should make reckless decisions without considering the consequences. The idea is to not let fear prevent you from taking calculated risks that could potentially lead to significant growth and success.
Practical Tip: Start small. You don’t have to make a massive leap out of your comfort zone right away. Take small calculated risks to start with and learn from each experience, whether it’s a success or a failure.
Over time, you’ll build confidence and resilience, which are vital for embracing bigger opportunities and achieving greater success.
