Jeanette Brown
Becoming the best version of yourself isn’t just about starting good habits; it’s also about ditching the bad ones.
And it’s not just the obvious ones, but also those sneaky little habits that creep into our daily routine without us even realizing.
Here are ten habits that might be holding you back from being your best self. The good news? Once you’re aware of them, they’re totally within your power to control and change.
If you really want to become the best version of yourself, read these and get ready for some deep thinking!
You might be in for a few surprises!
1. Procrastination
Procrastination is a silent dream-killer. It’s easy to say, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” but guess what? Tomorrow has an uncanny habit of turning into next week, next month, or even next year.
Remember that every minute you waste could have been used to improve yourself or work towards your goals. Successful people don’t just sit around waiting for the perfect moment; they seize the day and make things happen.
So, the next time you find yourself putting something off, ask yourself why. Is the task too hard? Break it down into smaller parts. Are you not in the mood? Push through – your future self will thank you!
Ditch procrastination, and you’ll be one step closer to becoming the best version of yourself. You might be surprised by how much you can accomplish!
2. Negative self-talk
Ever caught yourself thinking, “I can’t do this,” or, “I’m not good enough”? That’s negative self-talk, and it’s a habit you’ve got to kick if you want to be your best self.
You see, our thoughts have a powerful way of influencing our actions. If you believe you won’t succeed, you’re less likely to try. And if you don’t try, guess what? You won’t succeed! It’s a vicious cycle.
Instead, try to flip the script. Reframe your thoughts into something positive and empowering. Instead of “I can’t,” say “I’ll learn.” Instead of “I’m not good enough,” say “I’m a work in progress.”
Remember, it takes time and effort to improve. But by ditching negative self-talk, you’re already on your way to becoming the best version of yourself.
3. Living in the past
For a long time, I was stuck reliving past mistakes and dwelling on missed opportunities. “If only I had done this,” or “Why didn’t I do that?” – these thoughts consumed me and held me back from moving forward.
But here’s the thing: living in the past won’t change it. What’s done is done. What truly matters is what you do from this point forward.
One day, I realized that dwelling on the past was like trying to drive a car while constantly looking in the rear-view mirror. It is much better to focus on the road ahead instead.
We all make mistakes; it’s part of being human. But instead of beating yourself up over them, use them as learning experiences. Take those lessons and apply them to your future actions.
Ditch the habit of living in the past and start focusing on your present and future. It’s liberating and paves the way for personal growth. You’ll be well on your way to becoming the best version of yourself.
4. Multitasking
I used to think juggling multiple tasks at once was a sign of efficiency. I was wrong!
Research has shown that multitasking can actually reduce productivity by as much as 40%. It turns out our brains aren’t designed to handle multiple tasks at once. Instead, they just switch rapidly between tasks, which can lead to mistakes and decreased productivity.
When I learned this, I decided to try focusing on one task at a time. And not only did my productivity increase, but I also felt less stressed and more satisfied with my work.
So if you’re always trying to do a million things at once, it might be time to reconsider. Ditch the habit of multitasking and start practicing focused, single-tasking instead. Your brain (and your productivity levels) will thank you!
5. People-pleasing
If you’re constantly bending over backwards to keep everyone around you happy, you’re doing yourself a disservice. This is called people-pleasing, and it’s a habit that can eat away at your self-esteem and personal happiness.
I’s uncomfortable to say no, especially to people we care about. But remember this: You are not responsible for other people’s happiness. It isn’t your job to keep everyone pleased all the time.
Constantly sacrificing your own needs and wants for others can lead to resentment and burnout. You deserve to prioritize your own happiness and wellbeing too.
So, learn to say no when you need to, set boundaries, and prioritize your own needs. It might feel tough at first, but trust me, it’ll be worth it in the long run as you step into the best version of yourself.
6. Excessive screen time
In this digital age, it’s easy to lose track of time while scrolling through social media or binge-watching your favorite shows. But did you know that excessive screen time can have serious impacts on your health and wellbeing?
A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that limiting social media use to approximately 30 minutes per day resulted in a significant reduction in loneliness and depression. That’s quite an eye-opener, isn’t it?
Moreover, too much screen time can lead to poor sleep, eye strain, and even contribute to a sedentary lifestyle.
So, if you find yourself habitually reaching for your phone or sitting in front of the TV for hours on end, it might be time for a change. Ditch the habit of excessive screen time and replace it with healthier activities like reading a book, taking a walk, or even just enjoying nature.
Reducing screen time can significantly improve your quality of life and bring you one step closer to becoming the best version of yourself!
7. Neglecting personal relationships
Whatever success you achieve in life feels empty without people to share it with. Our relationships with family and friends provide us with love, support, and a sense of belonging – they’re crucial for our overall happiness and wellbeing.
So, don’t let your personal relationships fall by the wayside while you’re busy pursuing your dreams. Make time for your loved ones; show them that they’re important to you.
Ditch the habit of neglecting personal relationships. It may take some effort and balancing, but it’s undoubtedly worth it. After all, becoming the best version of yourself isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s also about being there for the people who matter most to you.
8. Not prioritizing sleep
We all have those nights where we trade sleep for an extra episode of our favorite show or a late-night chat with friends. But when this becomes a regular habit, it can wreak havoc on your health and mood.
Lack of sleep doesn’t just make you feel groggy and grumpy; it also impacts your physical health and cognitive function. Simply put, sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
So, try not to skimp on sleep. Your mind and body will thank you, and you’ll be better equipped to become the best version of yourself.
9. Ignoring your passions
Life is too short to spend all your time doing things that don’t light your fire. If you have a passion—be it painting, hiking, cooking, or anything else—you owe it to yourself to pursue it.
Ignoring your passions in favor of what’s practical or expected can lead to a life that feels unfulfilled. So, embrace your passions, and watch how they transform you into the best version of yourself.
10. Ignoring your wellbeing
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to check in with ourselves.
Maybe you’re always busy, always on the go, and you’ve gotten into the habit of neglecting yourself. Or perhaps, you feel that taking care of yourself is a sign of weakness.
But let me tell you, it’s far from that. It’s a sign of strength and self-love.
It’s okay to take a break when things get tough. It’s okay to seek help when you feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to prioritize yourself and your wellbeing.
So, ditch the habit of ignoring your wellbeing. Start taking small steps towards nurturing your mind as well as your body. It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself.
Finally, becoming the best version of yourself isn’t an overnight process—it takes time, patience, and dedication. But by ditching these habits, you’re already on the right track!
