If you really want to change your life, ditch these 6 habits now

Ever feel stuck in a rut? You’re not alone. Lots of us wake up each day wanting something different, something better.

But sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we end up back where we started.

But guess what? Change isn’t as hard as it seems. And it doesn’t need a miracle. All it needs is for you to let go of some bad habits.

In this article, we’re going to chat about 6 habits that are keeping you stuck.

These are the sneaky things we do every day that stop us from moving forward.

Let’s take a look. 

Habit #1: Doubting Yourself

We’ve all been there. You get a fantastic idea, and for a brief moment, you’re on top of the world.

But then, like uninvited guests, doubts creep in. “Am I good enough? What if I fail? What will people say?” Sounds familiar, right?

Doubting ourselves is a habit we’ve all picked up, and it’s as sneaky as a ninja, always appearing right when we’re about to step into something awesome.

Here’s the deal – doubting yourself is like putting the brakes on your car while you’re trying to accelerate.

It doesn’t just slow you down; it can bring you to a complete stop. Every time you doubt yourself, you’re pulling the plug on your potential. It’s like having wings but choosing not to fly.

So, how do you kick this habit?

Start by being your own cheerleader. When that little voice in your head starts telling you that you can’t, drown it out with a louder voice that says you can.

Remember all those times you thought you couldn’t do something, but you did it anyway? That’s proof you’re stronger and more capable than those pesky doubts give you credit for.

Here’s your action plan: jot down your achievements, big or small. Keep them somewhere you can see.

The next time doubt sneaks in, remind yourself of all the awesome stuff you’ve already done. Each win, each accomplishment, is a stepping stone to the belief that you’re capable of greatness.

Habit #2: Procrastinating

We’ve all said those infamous words, “I’ll do it tomorrow.”

But here’s the raw truth: tomorrow turns into the next day, and then the next, and before you know it, weeks or even months have passed, and we’re still stuck in the same spot.

Procrastination is like a comfy bed on a cold morning; it feels good to stay wrapped up, but life is happening outside those covers.

Every time we put things off, we’re not just delaying tasks or goals; we’re postponing our dreams, our growth, our happiness. It’s like having the keys to a treasure chest and choosing not to open it.

We tell ourselves we’re waiting for the “right moment.” But the honest truth is, there’s never going to be a perfect time. There’s only now. And every moment we waste is a moment we’ll never get back.

Start small. You don’t have to climb the mountain in one day; just take the first step.

Break down those big, scary tasks into bite-sized pieces. And then tackle one piece at a time. Focus on the joy of getting something done, not the fear of starting it.

It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. But it’s not okay to let those feelings rob you of your potential.

Kick procrastination in the butt, take that first step, and watch how your life begins to transform, one action at a time.

Habit #3: Always Playing It Safe

We’re often told to be careful, to always weigh the risks, and avoid making mistakes at all costs. But sometimes playing it too safe is exactly what’s holding you back.

Life isn’t about avoiding all the bumps and hiccups. Heck, if we always stay in our comfort zones, we’ll miss out on the magic that happens when we dare to step outside those invisible walls.

Have you ever noticed that the most unforgettable moments, the times you truly learned something valuable, happened when you took risks?

It’s easy to stick to the familiar, the tried-and-tested, the safe. But when we always take the safe route, we miss the excitement, the learning, and the growth that comes with taking risks.

It’s like always coloring inside the lines and wondering why the picture looks so ordinary.

Aall the remarkable people you admire, those who’ve achieved incredible things, didn’t get there by playing it safe. They took risks, faced failures, and from those experiences, they soared.

Habit #4: Neglecting Yourself

How often do you put yourself last? If you’re nodding right now, you’re not alone.

It’s way too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, looking after everyone and everything except the person staring back at you in the mirror.

When you neglect yourself, you’re not doing anybody any favors. It’s like trying to pour from an empty cup. You can’t give your best to your job, your family, or your dreams if you’re running on empty.

Remember the last time you were really, truly, deep-down happy? Like, the kind of happy that makes your soul dance? That’s the feeling we’re aiming for. And it starts by making yourself a priority.

It’s not selfish to take care of yourself. It’s necessary. It’s the foundation that everything else is built upon.

So, give yourself permission to take a break, to relax, and to indulge in something that fills your soul.

Whether it’s reading a book, taking a long walk, or just enjoying a hot cup of coffee in silence, take that time for you.

Your to-do list will still be there when you get back, but here’s the magic part – you’ll tackle it with more energy, more creativity, and more joy when you’re feeling recharged and valued.

Habit #5: Being a Lone Wolf

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that asking for help is a sign of weakness, or that we should be able to handle everything that life throws at us on our own.

But the bottom line is this: 

Nobody, and I mean nobody, makes it alone. Every successful person, from top athletes to world-renowned artists and successful entrepreneurs, has a team behind them.

They have people who support them, cheer them on, offer advice, and lend a helping hand when things get tough.

We all need our tribe. We need people who understand our struggles, celebrate our victories, and push us to be our best selves.

Trying to brave the world alone can leave us feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and stuck. It’s like trying to sail across the ocean with no crew and no map – pretty daunting, right?

Starting today, let’s drop the “lone wolf” act. Reach out to friends, family, mentors, or professionals who can support you on your journey.

Share your dreams, your fears, and your challenges. Allow yourself to be supported, and offer your support to others in return.

Life’s a team sport, not a solo race. When we connect, collaborate, and share our journey with others, we don’t just multiply the joys and divide the sorrows – we unlock doors to opportunities and insights that we could never have accessed alone.

Habit #6: Fear of Change

If the thought of shaking things up makes your stomach do somersaults, trust me, you’re not alone.

I’ve been there, sweaty palms and racing heart, staring at the edge of my comfort zone like it’s a cliff.

But change is where the magic happens.

It sounds cliché, but it’s true. Every significant growth, every ‘aha’ moment, every leap towards the life you’ve been dreaming of, it all starts with change.

But here’s the kicker – change is scary. It’s uncharted territory, and stepping into the unknown can feel like walking through a dark room.

But remember the first time you rode a bike, or the first day of a new job, or any other ‘first’ in your life? It was scary, right?

But it was also exhilarating, alive, and full of possibilities.

Every change brought something new and beautiful into your life. It sculpted you, added layers to your existence, and made your journey rich and diverse.

So here’s our last step – let’s embrace change. Let’s welcome it with open arms, not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it.

Every shift, every transformation is a stepping stone towards becoming the person you’re meant to be, living the life you’re meant to live.

Remember, a butterfly only finds its wings after going through a transformation. It’s time for us to find ours. The fear of change is the last chain we need to break to let our spirits soar free.

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Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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