Have you ever felt like you’re capable of more—but something keeps holding you back?
I’ve been there.
For years, I focused on what I should be doing to grow—reading, setting goals, optimizing my habits. But what I didn’t realize was that just as important as the things we do are the things we stop doing.
Success isn’t just about adding more—it’s about letting go. Certain behaviors quietly drain our energy, confidence, and potential without us even realizing it. And until we recognize and remove them, they’ll keep us stuck.
Today, we’re getting into six of these sneaky behaviors. Eliminating them has made a huge difference in my own life—and I have a feeling they’ll do the same for you.
Let’s dive in.
1. Procrastinating
Procrastination isn’t just about putting off a task until tomorrow or cramming for a deadline at the last minute. It’s often a sign that we’re stuck in indecision or fear.
I know this firsthand. I used to procrastinate like it was my job—waiting until the final hour to tackle projects because I thought I did my “best work” under pressure.
Truth is, I was running from the fact that important tasks felt intimidating, and I was letting worry outweigh my desire to finish.
Ironically, the relief of finally starting always felt better than the dread of putting things off. That’s the lesson I learned the hard way.
As Tony Robbins has said, “The path to success is to take massive, determined action.” When we procrastinate, we deny ourselves the opportunity to act consistently on our goals, which is essential for real progress.
If you’re struggling with procrastination, try setting smaller, achievable targets and rewarding yourself for each accomplishment. I think you’ll realize that making small steps forward every day beats cramming a week’s worth of work into a single night.
2. Engaging in negative self-talk
Ever catch yourself saying, “I’m not good enough,” or “I can never do anything right”?
Well, it’s a quick path to low self-esteem and missed opportunities. We live so much of our lives in our own heads that it’s frightening how a single negative statement can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
I started journaling a few years back to confront this exact issue. Each morning, I write down three things I’m grateful for and one positive affirmation.
It felt strange at first, but this simple practice helped me monitor my inner dialogue. When I’d slip into negative self-talk, I’d catch myself and reframe those thoughts.
It’s not about ignoring your flaws or pretending everything’s perfect. Instead, it’s about treating yourself with the same empathy you’d show a good friend.
3. Letting fear of failure hold you back
I’ve seen fear of failure stop people in their tracks—even people who have incredible talent.
Sometimes, we’d rather not try at all than try and fail.
But failure isn’t the opposite of success. As put by Einstein, “Failure is success in progress”. It’s a necessary part of the journey. It’s an opportunity to learn what works and what doesn’t.
This perspective shift is powerful. Stop thinking of failure as a sign that you’re not cut out for greatness. Instead, see it as a chance to gather data, tweak your strategy, and come back even stronger.
4. Saying “yes” all the time
“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” – Warren Buffett
If you’re the kind of person who finds it hard to say “no,” you might be doing more harm than good. People-pleasing can eat up your time, energy, and focus—resources you could be pouring into your growth and well-being.
There’s nothing wrong with being helpful, of course, but if you’re regularly putting others’ needs above your own to your detriment, you’re going to feel drained and resentful.
I realized this a few years ago when I was juggling too many commitments—social events, extra volunteer work, and even side projects that I wasn’t passionate about. My own priorities suffered, and so did the quality of my contributions.
When I finally said “no” to a few requests, I could devote my energy to the projects and people that truly mattered, and the results were noticeably better.
5. Holding onto grudges and resentments
This is a big one.
I used to believe holding a grudge was a way to protect myself from future hurt, but in reality, I was just reliving the original pain over and over. It’s like carrying around extra luggage filled with bitterness—and trust me, that’s heavy stuff.
We often think forgiveness is about absolving someone else’s wrongdoing, but it’s just as much about freeing ourselves. By letting go of grudges, you make mental space for new ideas, fresh opportunities, and healthier relationships.
If something has been weighing on you, try to see what lesson it holds. Then move on. Resentment won’t change the past, but it can rob you of a more fulfilling future.
6. Staying in your comfort zone
I’ve mentioned this before, but staying in your comfort zone can be a silent killer of dreams.
It feels warm and safe, of course, and it’s nice to know what to expect each day. But that same comfort zone can stifle your growth and keep you from tapping into the hidden reservoirs of your potential.
When I first started writing publicly, it felt terrifying to share my thoughts with an audience. What if people hated it? What if I made mistakes or sounded silly?
But venturing out of my safe bubble was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Every new experience—whether it’s writing an article, trying a new workout routine, or taking up an unconventional hobby—teaches me something valuable.
Think of stepping outside your comfort zone as a way of telling yourself that you believe in your ability to adapt and overcome challenges. That belief is often the difference between staying stuck in place and taking your life to new heights.
To sum up
When you recognize and release these seven behaviors—procrastination, negative self-talk, fear of failure, people-pleasing, holding onto grudges, and always staying in your comfort zone—you create the room necessary for growth, resilience, and creativity to flourish.
Each of these habits chips away at your potential, and every time you say goodbye to one of them, you reclaim a piece of yourself that can be used more productively.
So, if you really want to reach that next level in your life, start by letting go of what’s holding you back. Focus on building new, healthier mindsets and behaviors, and watch how quickly those small changes compound into something remarkable.
Keep on the up and up.
