If you really want to succeed in life, say goodbye to these 10 behaviors

Success is a journey, and sometimes, to move forward, we need to let go of things holding us back.

There are certain habits or ways of thinking that can act like roadblocks on our path to success.

Some of these are easy to spot, like putting things off or being negative, while others might be habits we don’t even know are causing trouble.

It’s important to figure out what these behaviors are and say goodbye to them.

This way, we make space for better habits that can help us reach our goals faster.

In this article, we’ll talk about some common bad behaviors that might be stopping you from succeeding.

By understanding and getting rid of these behaviors, you’re making your road to success a lot easier and more enjoyable.

Behavior 1: Procrastination

Procrastination, or putting things off until later, is a big roadblock on the path to success.

When we procrastinate, we delay important tasks that can move us forward.

Often, we do this because the task seems too big or too scary. But every time we delay, we lose precious time and opportunity.

Procrastination can turn into a bad habit if we’re not careful. It can keep us from doing our best work and reaching our goals.

Practical Tip:

Break big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. If you have a huge project, list out all the smaller tasks you need to do to complete it.

Start with just one small task. Completing it will give you a sense of achievement and motivate you to tackle the next task.

Before you know it, you’ll be done with the whole project! This way, you can beat procrastination and keep moving forward towards success.

Behavior 2: Fear of Failure

Many of us are held back by a fear of failure. It’s like a heavy backpack we carry around, making every step towards our goals feel harder.

The thought of making a mistake or not meeting expectations can be scary. It’s a fear that whispers in our ears, telling us to play it safe, to stick to what we know, and to avoid taking risks.

I remember when I was hesitant to take on a new project because I wasn’t sure if I could do it. It was a fear of failure that was holding me back.

But I realized that by not trying, I was already failing. The fear of failure can keep us stuck in our comfort zones, away from new opportunities and experiences that can help us grow and succeed.

Practical Tip:

When facing fear of failure, remind yourself that everyone fails at some point, and it’s a part of learning and growing.

Make a list of what you will learn or achieve by trying, regardless of the outcome.

And remember, every time you push past the fear and try something new, you’re one step closer to success. 

Behavior 3: Negative Self-Talk

We all have a little voice in our heads. Sometimes, it’s our biggest cheerleader, pushing us forward.

But other times, it can be our worst critic, filling our minds with doubts and fears. Negative self-talk is like having a rain cloud over your head on a day you had planned to be sunny.

It dampens your spirits and can make the road to success feel slippery and steep.

We can be really hard on ourselves. We might look in the mirror and see someone who’s not smart enough, not experienced enough, or simply not good enough to reach those lofty dreams.

This kind of thinking is toxic. It eats away at our self-belief and can stop us from taking the steps we need to succeed.

Practical Tip:

When you catch yourself drowning in negative thoughts, stop and take a breath. Replace those harsh words with kinder, more realistic ones.

Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” try saying, “I’ll do my best.” It might feel a bit strange at first, but with practice, positive self-talk can become a habit.

And as you change the conversation in your head, you’ll notice the path to success becomes a little less daunting, a bit more doable.

The words we tell ourselves matter, and a positive mindset can be a strong ally on your journey to success.

Behavior 4: Resisting Change

Life is all about change, but sometimes we resist it because it feels uncomfortable or scary.

We might stick to old habits or ways of doing things because it’s familiar, even if it’s not helping us move forward.

Resisting change can keep us stuck in a rut, making success feel like a distant dream.

Maybe you’ve been there – clinging to a routine or a job that’s comfortable but not fulfilling, simply because the unknown is intimidating.

However, success often requires us to step out into the unknown, to embrace new ways of thinking and doing.

Practical Tip:

Start with small changes. It could be as simple as taking a different route to work, trying a new food, or picking up a hobby you’ve never considered before.

These small shifts can help build your confidence and openness to change.

As you become more comfortable with the unfamiliar, you’ll be better prepared to tackle bigger changes that can propel you towards your goals.

Embracing change, rather than resisting it, can open doors to exciting opportunities and bring you closer to success.

Behavior 5: Over-planning

Planning is essential for success, as it helps us organize our steps and anticipate challenges.

However, there’s a fine line between being well-prepared and falling into the trap of over-planning.

When we over-plan, we may spend so much time analyzing and organizing that we never actually take action. It’s like endlessly polishing a car but never actually driving it.

The counterintuitive truth is, too much planning can become an excuse for not facing the uncertainties that come with action.

We might think we’re being prudent, but we could actually be stalling.

In chasing the perfect plan, we might miss out on the valuable learning that comes from diving in and adapting as we go.

Practical Tip:

Set a planning deadline. Decide on a reasonable amount of time to plan, and when that time is up, take action, even if the plan isn’t perfect.

Remember, real-world experience can provide insights no amount of planning can.

As you move forward, you can adjust your plan based on what you learn, getting closer to success with each step. 

Behavior 6: Avoiding Feedback

Feedback can be a goldmine of insights, helping us see our work from a different perspective and improve.

However, it’s not always easy to hear. It can sting, especially when it points out areas where we missed the mark.

I remember a time when I was hesitant to share my work with others, fearing their critiques.

But over time, I realized that avoiding feedback kept me in a bubble, shielded from the valuable advice that could help me grow.

When we shy away from feedback, we miss out on the chance to learn from our mistakes and make our work better.

We might think we’re protecting ourselves from criticism, but we’re actually blocking our path to success.

Practical Tip:

Create a feedback-friendly environment. Start by seeking feedback from trusted individuals who want to see you succeed.

Be open, listen actively, and resist the urge to defend or justify.

It’s about learning, not proving you’re right.

Over time, as you act on the feedback and see the positive changes it brings, you’ll become more comfortable seeking and receiving feedback, paving the way for continuous improvement and success.

Behavior 7: Lack of Patience

Success often takes time, but waiting can be tough. We live in a world where we want things to happen right away.

However, when we rush through tasks or expect results too quickly, we can end up making mistakes or missing important details.

Imagine planting a seed in your garden. If you get impatient and dig it up to see if it’s growing, you’ll ruin its chance to ever become a flower. Just like that seed, our goals need time and nurturing to grow.

Being impatient can lead to frustration, rushed decisions, and eventually, giving up too soon.

Practical Tip:

Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to ease anxiety while you work towards your goals. Celebrate small wins along the way to keep motivated.

Remember, success is a journey, not a sprint. It might take longer than you’d like, but with patience and steady effort, you’ll get there.

And the lessons you learn along the way will be invaluable. 

Behavior 8: Comparing Yourself to Others

It’s a natural human tendency to look around and see how we measure up against others. Social media, in particular, can fuel this habit, showing us a constant stream of others’ achievements, lifestyles, and success stories.

I recall a phase where I’d constantly scroll through social media, and each post I saw of someone’s success made me feel like I was lagging behind. It was a draining experience.

Comparing ourselves to others can stir up feelings of envy, inadequacy, and self-doubt.

It distracts us from focusing on our own journey and can even lead to copying others in hopes of achieving the same success, which rarely works because every path is unique.

Practical Tip:

Whenever you find yourself falling into the comparison trap, take a step back and remind yourself of your own goals, values, and progress, no matter how small.

Instead of comparing, look for inspiration that fuels your own journey. It’s also helpful to limit exposure to social media or any other triggers for comparison.

Focus on being the best version of yourself, not a copy of someone else. 

Behavior 9: Overcommitting

Saying yes to every opportunity or request can seem like a good way to move forward. We might think the more we do, the faster we’ll reach our goals.

However, overcommitting can spread us too thin and lead to burnout. When we take on too much, the quality of our work can suffer, and we might lose sight of our priorities.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of overcommitting, especially when we’re eager to make progress.

But success isn’t about being busy all the time; it’s about being effective and focusing on what truly matters.

Practical Tip:

Learn to say no when necessary. It might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re used to saying yes to everything.

However, by being selective with your commitments, you’ll be able to give more of your energy to the tasks and projects that align with your goals.

Practice prioritizing and managing your time effectively.

This way, you can ensure that you’re moving forward in a way that’s sustainable and aligned with your vision for success. Remember, it’s about working smarter, not harder.

Behavior 10: Seeking Perfection

It might seem strange, but aiming for perfection can actually hold us back from success.

While it’s good to strive for excellence, chasing perfection can lead to endless tweaking, second-guessing, and never feeling satisfied with our work.

It can make us afraid to make mistakes or face criticism, which are both crucial for growth.

When we seek perfection, we might spend way too much time on a task, trying to get every little detail just right.

But in reality, progress is more important than perfection. It’s better to complete tasks and learn from them than to get stuck in an endless cycle of trying to make everything perfect.

Practical Tip:

Adopt a mindset of progress over perfection. Set realistic standards for yourself and embrace the fact that making mistakes is a part of the learning process.

When you complete a task, instead of over-analyzing what could be better, take a moment to appreciate what you’ve accomplished and identify what you’ve learned. Then, use those learnings to improve your next effort.

By focusing on continual improvement rather than unattainable perfection, you’ll keep moving forward and growing on your journey to success.