Lucas Graham
Have you ever heard the saying, “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself?”
Chances are, you have.
Sometimes, we become our own biggest roadblocks. We get stuck in certain habits that hold us back and we often don’t even realize we’re trapped in these self-limiting patterns.
If you’re feeling like you’re treading water, not making any progress, it’s time for a habit check.
In this article, we’ll dive into seven habits that could be anchoring you down and preventing you from sailing towards your desired destination in life.
So if you’re fed up with going nowhere, read on to discover which habits could be your hidden roadblocks.
1) Overthinking
Let’s kick things off with a big one: overthinking.
Have you ever found yourself trapped in a hamster wheel of thoughts? You know, where you keep going round and round with the same worries, doubts and fears?
Well, you’re not alone.
Overthinking is a common habit that can cause you to feel like you’re stuck in the mud.
The more you overthink, the harder it becomes to take action. You become paralyzed by your thoughts and end up going nowhere.
Here’s the twist.
According to psychology, overthinking doesn’t solve problems; it amplifies them by increasing your stress and worry. It’s like adding fuel to a fire.
So, if you’re an overthinker, it’s time to break free from this habit. Take a step back, breathe, and focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
2) Fear of failure
Let’s talk about another big one: fear of failure.
I’ll share a personal story here.
A few years back, I found myself stuck in a job I didn’t enjoy.
I dreamt of starting my own business but the fear of failure held me back. I was terrified of taking the risk and potentially losing everything.
Sounds familiar?
The fear of failure is a common stumbling block that can freeze us in our tracks. We’re so scared of making a mistake or failing that we choose not to take any action at all.
But by doing so, we’re also saying no to potential successes and growth.
After months of wrestling with my fears, I decided it was time to take the plunge.
And guess what?
It was the best decision I’ve ever made.
So, if fear of failure is holding you back, it’s time to let it go.
Failures are stepping stones to success. They teach us valuable lessons and help us grow.
3) Comparing yourself to others
I’m just going to put it out there: the comparison game is toxic.
How many times have you found yourself scrolling through social media, looking at someone else’s highlight reel, and thinking you’re not doing enough?
Thinking your life is not as exciting, or you’re not as successful?
I’ve been there too.
But here’s the hard truth.
Comparing yourself to others is like trying to run a race while constantly looking over your shoulder. It’s distracting, it slows you down, and it can even make you trip up.
The only person you should be comparing yourself to is the person you were yesterday. Your life, your journey, your pace. You’re not in competition with anyone else.
So next time you catch yourself playing the comparison game, remember this: social media shows us a filtered reality; it’s not a measuring stick for success.
And success itself is subjective – what works for one person might not work for another.
Focus on your own growth and progress.
4) Neglecting self-care
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to take care of ourselves.
We push ourselves to the limit, saying yes to everything, and often neglecting our own well-being in the process.
But here’s the thing.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re constantly running on empty, it’s only a matter of time before you burn out.
And trust me, burnout feels like hitting a brick wall at full speed.
So, if you’re feeling stuck in life, take a moment to ask yourself: “Am I taking care of myself?” If the answer is no, it’s time to make some changes.
Prioritize self-care and listen to your body when it needs rest.
- Take time out to recharge
- Nourish your body with good food
- Invest time in activities that bring you joy
5) Procrastination
Ah, procrastination, the art of delaying or postponing tasks. It’s something we’re all guilty of at some point or another.
Did you know that the word procrastination comes from the Latin verb procrastinare, which means deferred until tomorrow?
It’s a subtle nod to the common trap we fall into – telling ourselves we’ll do it tomorrow, and then when tomorrow comes, we push it off again.
But here’s the snag.
Procrastination can make us feel like we’re stuck in a never-ending cycle.
We delay tasks, which leads to a buildup of work, which causes stress and anxiety, which leads to more procrastination. It’s a vicious cycle.
The key to breaking free from this cycle is to start taking action.
Even small actions can create momentum. Start with manageable tasks and gradually tackle the bigger ones.
6) Being too hard on yourself
Life can be tough, and it’s easy to fall into the habit of being our own harshest critic.
You make a mistake, and suddenly you’re spiraling into a barrage of self-criticism. You didn’t meet a goal, and you feel like a failure.
But here’s what I want to tell you: it’s okay.
It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to have off days.
It’s okay not to be perfect. We’re human, after all, and these things are part of the human experience.
Berating yourself for every misstep doesn’t help.
Research shows that self-criticism drains our energy and lowers our self-esteem.
Instead, try treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a friend.
Next time you stumble, don’t beat yourself up. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward.
7) Living in the past or future
One of the greatest hindrances to progress is being stuck in the past or constantly worrying about the future.
It’s easy to get caught up in past regrets, mistakes, or missed opportunities.
Similarly, it’s common to stress about the future, about what might happen, or what might not happen.
But here’s the reality.
You cannot change the past, and you cannot predict the future. All you have is the present moment.
The more time you spend dwelling on what was or what could be, the less time you have to enjoy and make the most of now.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, take a deep breath, let go of the past, stop worrying about the future, and focus on the present.
After all, life is happening right now.
