Ethan Sterling
Ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut while everyone else is sprinting ahead?
You’re not alone.
Many of us have moments when we feel like we’re lagging behind in life, and it can be frustrating, disheartening, even scary. But here’s the real kicker: it might not be your situation that’s holding you back.
It could be your habits.
We all have them – those little behaviors that seem insignificant but can actually add up to major roadblocks on our path to success. And the trickiest part? We often don’t even realize we’re doing them.
So, if you’re asking yourself “Why am I falling behind in life?” it’s time to take a closer look at your daily routines.
Get ready to wave goodbye to the 7 habits that could be slowing you down. It’s time to kick them to the curb and start catching up with life again.
1) Procrastination
Raise your hand if you’re guilty of saying “I’ll do it later”.
We’ve all been there.
Procrastination has a sneaky way of creeping into our lives and slowing us down. You might tell yourself that you’re just waiting for the “perfect moment” to start that project or apply for that job, but the truth is, there’s no such thing as a perfect moment.
While you’re waiting, life is happening.
2) Neglecting self-care
Let me share a little story.
A few years ago, I found myself juggling a demanding job, an active social life, and a pile of personal commitments. I was constantly on the go, trying to squeeze in more tasks into my already overflowing schedule.
Self-care? That was at the bottom of my list.
I thought I was being productive, but what I didn’t realize was that I was slowly burning out. My energy levels were dipping, my concentration was waning, and I was falling behind in every aspect of my life.
It was only when I started prioritizing self-care – taking time to rest, eat well, exercise, and engage in activities I enjoyed – that I noticed a change. My mind became clearer, my energy rebounded and suddenly, I wasn’t struggling to keep up anymore.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity if you want to keep pace with life.
3) Fear of failure
You know what’s a real progress killer? Fear.
Fear of making mistakes, fear of things not turning out as planned, fear of being judged. It’s this fear that can keep us stuck in our comfort zone, too scared to take the leap and reach for our goals.
I remember a time when I was offered an opportunity to lead a big project at work. I was terrified. The thought of failing and letting everyone down was paralyzing. So, I turned it down and watched someone else step up and shine.
What did I learn? By avoiding potential failure, I was also avoiding potential success.
Here’s the deal: failure isn’t the enemy. It’s a teacher. It helps us grow, learn, and become stronger.
4) Living in the past
Ever found yourself trapped in a time machine of your own making, constantly looking back at past mistakes or ‘golden’ times?
It’s a trap I’ve fallen into myself.
I spent years dwelling on past decisions, reliving regrets, and clinging to the good old days. It was comfortable, but it was also holding me back. I was so focused on what had been that I was missing out on what could be.
The past, whether filled with triumphs or trials, is a chapter already written. It’s part of our story, yes, but it’s not the whole book.
The biggest part should always be what’s ahead.
5) Comparing yourself to others
Did you know that humans are naturally wired for comparison? It’s a survival mechanism that dates back to our cave-dwelling days.
But while it might have been useful for assessing threats back then, today, it can be a huge setback.
I used to fall into the comparison trap myself, scrolling through social media feeds filled with people seemingly leading perfect lives. It made me feel like I was always a step behind, always trying to catch up.
Then I realized something. Each of us is on our own unique journey. We all have different paths, different timelines, different destinations. Comparing our progress to others’ is like comparing apples to oranges.
Stick to your lane and keep moving forward at your own pace.
6) Not believing in yourself
There’s a voice inside each of us. You know the one. It whispers doubts and fears, telling us we’re not good enough, not smart enough, not worthy enough.
I’ve heard that voice too.
It’s easy to listen to it, to let it drown out our dreams and aspirations. But here’s what I want you to know: that voice is not the truth.
You are capable. You are deserving. You have unique talents and perspectives that the world needs. And yes, you will stumble and fall sometimes – we all do – but that doesn’t define your worth or potential.
Believe in yourself, even when it’s hard, even when that voice tries to convince you otherwise.
7) Avoiding change
Change can be scary. It’s unpredictable, uncertain, and often uncomfortable. But it’s also necessary.
Life is fluid, constantly moving and evolving. If we resist change, if we cling to the familiar and safe, we risk being left behind.
So instead of avoiding change, embrace it. Welcome new opportunities, new challenges, new perspectives. It might be daunting at first, but growth never happens in comfort zones.
Change is not something to fear; it’s something to celebrate. It’s the vehicle that moves us forward in life. So buckle up and enjoy the ride – who knows where it might take you?
Final thoughts
If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these points, it’s likely you’ve encountered some of these habits in your own life.
But here’s the beauty of it – habits can be changed.
With awareness and a little bit of grit, you can say goodbye to behaviors that hold you back. It’s about making conscious, deliberate choices every day. It might be as simple as choosing not to procrastinate or as profound as believing in yourself, even when it’s tough.
Start by recognizing these habits in your daily routines. Notice when you’re comparing yourself to others or avoiding changes. Become aware of moments when fear of failure holds you back.
Once you’re familiar with these patterns, the real work begins.
Ask yourself – is this behavior serving my growth? Am I holding myself back out of comfort? Am I living authentically and in alignment with my aspirations?
Change won’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Even small steps forward are still progress.
As you journey through this process, be patient with yourself. Celebrate each victory, no matter how small. Seek support when needed.
You have the power to catch up with life and even soar beyond your wildest dreams. All it takes is a little self-awareness, courage, and persistence.
