Personal growth is all about recognizing and overcoming our own bad habits. It’s about making choices that reflect the person we truly want to be.
But let’s be real – breaking habits is tough. Especially when we’ve been nurturing them for years, even decades.
You can’t become a better person overnight. But you can start by saying goodbye to certain habits that are holding you back.
In this article, I’ll share 8 habits you need to kick to the curb. Trust me, it won’t be easy. But when you see the person you become without these habits, you’ll realize it was worth it.
Let’s get started.
1) Procrastination
We’re all guilty of putting things off until the last minute. Whether it’s a big work project or a simple household chore, it’s easy to say “I’ll do it later”.
But here’s the thing. Procrastination isn’t just about laziness. It’s about avoiding discomfort. It’s about choosing immediate gratification over long-term benefits.
The problem with procrastination is that it’s a short-term solution that creates long-term problems. It leads to stress, rushed work, and missed opportunities.
Becoming a better person means taking responsibility for your actions. It means doing what needs to be done, even when you don’t feel like it.
2) Negativity
I’ll be the first to admit, I used to be a chronic complainer. Whether it was the weather, traffic, or a tough day at work, I always found something to grumble about.
But over time, I realized that my negativity wasn’t just affecting my mood. It was affecting the people around me. My constant complaining was bringing everyone down.
That’s when I decided to kick my negativity habit to the curb. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, I started focusing on what’s right. Instead of complaining about traffic, I started appreciating the extra time to listen to audiobooks.
This shift in mindset wasn’t easy, but it made a huge difference. Not only did I become happier, but I also became a more positive influence on the people around me.
3) Multitasking
We live in a busy world, and it’s tempting to try and do everything at once. You might think you’re being productive by juggling multiple tasks, but the truth is, you’re not.
Research shows that only 2% of people can effectively multitask. For the rest of us, trying to do multiple things at once actually reduces our productivity and increases our stress levels.
When we multitask, we’re not really doing multiple things at once. Instead, we’re rapidly switching between tasks, which drains our mental energy and makes it harder to focus.
4) Attachment to the Material World
In our consumer-driven society, it’s easy to become attached to material possessions. We often equate having more with being more successful or fulfilled.
However, Buddhism teaches a different perspective. It proposes that attachment to the material world is a source of suffering and hinders our personal growth.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into this concept in more detail. I discuss how embracing a simpler lifestyle can lead to greater happiness and personal growth.
By reducing our attachment to material possessions, we can focus on the things that truly matter, like relationships, personal growth, and contributing to the world around us.
5) Avoidance of difficult conversations
There was a time when I would do anything to avoid a difficult conversation. Whether it was a disagreement with a friend or a problem at work, I would often choose to sweep things under the rug rather than confront them.
This avoidance didn’t solve anything. In fact, it often made the situation worse. The tension would build up, and the problem would become bigger in my mind than it actually was.
Eventually, I realized that tackling difficult conversations head-on was the only way to resolve issues and move forward. It was scary and uncomfortable at first, but over time, it became easier.
Now, when there’s an issue, I face it directly. I’ve learned that most people appreciate honesty and openness, even when the conversation is tough.
6) Over-optimization
In our quest for becoming better, we often fall into the trap of over-optimization. We set rigid routines, stringent goals, and try to control every aspect of our lives. While it’s important to have order and direction, an obsession with optimization can actually hold us back.
Perfection is an illusion, and the more we chase it, the more it eludes us. Life is unpredictable and full of surprises. Over-optimization leaves no room for spontaneity, serendipity, and the simple joy of unexpected moments.
It’s okay to let go of control sometimes. After all, some of the best moments in life are the ones we never see coming.
7) Living in the past or future
It’s natural to dwell on past mistakes or dream about future successes. But living in the past or future prevents us from fully experiencing the present.
The past is gone, and the future is uncertain. All we truly have is the here and now.
When we’re constantly looking back or forward, we miss out on the beauty of the present moment. We also miss opportunities for personal growth that are right in front of us.
Practice mindfulness, appreciate the little things, and remember that the path to a better future starts with making the most of today.
8) Neglecting self-care
Becoming a better person isn’t just about improving how we interact with the world. It’s also about taking care of ourselves.
Too often, we neglect our own needs in the pursuit of productivity, success, or taking care of others. But neglecting self-care is a one-way ticket to burnout, stress, and unhappiness.
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential. Whether it’s taking time to relax, pursuing a hobby, or ensuring we get enough sleep, self-care helps us recharge and gives us the energy to be the best we can be.
If you really want to become a better person, prioritize self-care. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Final Thoughts: It’s all about change
Human behavior is deeply complex and constantly evolving. What we deem as “bad habits” are often just patterns we’ve fallen into over time, our brains running on autopilot.
Breaking these habits isn’t about suppression, it’s about replacement. It’s about consciously deciding to make better choices, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Consider the habit of avoiding difficult conversations. Instead of running away, we can choose to face it, to communicate openly and honestly. This might not come naturally at first, but with practice, it can become a new, healthier habit.
In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore this concept of conscious change further. I delve into how Buddhist teachings can provide a roadmap for personal growth and transformation.
But regardless of whether you read my book or not, remember this: becoming a better person isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. It’s about embracing change and continuously striving to be the best version of ourselves.
So as you reflect on these habits and start your journey towards personal growth, take a moment to remember why you’re doing this. It’s not about impressing others or meeting societal expectations. It’s about becoming more content, fulfilled, and in tune with yourself. And that’s a journey worth embarking on.
