If you really want to work smarter (not harder) in 2025, say goodbye to these 8 subtle habits

We’ve all been taught that hard work equals success—put in the hours, and the results will follow.

But here’s the truth: it’s not about how much time you spend working; it’s about how effectively you use that time.

Working smarter, not harder, is the real key to success.

As we step into 2025, it’s time to ditch the habits that keep us stuck in overdrive.

Here are eight subtle behaviors you need to let go of if you want to start working smarter, not harder, and truly thrive in the year ahead.

1) Perfectionism is not productivity

In our pursuit of excellence, we often find ourselves in the clutches of perfectionism.

There’s an inherent desire to make every detail flawless, every outcome ideal. But perfectionism isn’t equivalent to productivity—it’s a hindrance.

Perfectionism can:

• Stifle creativity
• Delay progress
• Induce unnecessary stress

It keeps us fixated on the unachievable “perfect” result rather than focusing on realistic goals and tangible progress. I’ve learned that chasing perfection often leads to procrastination and stagnation.

Consider it this way: if we wait for perfect conditions, we’ll never get anything done.

Instead, start where you are with what you have, and allow growth and improvement to occur organically.

Moreover, embrace the beauty of imperfection. It’s through our mistakes and missteps that we learn the most valuable lessons.

2) Overworking is not a badge of honor

In a society where burnout is often glamorized, it’s easy to mistake overworking for dedication.

But working long hours doesn’t necessarily equate to productivity, and it certainly doesn’t guarantee success.

I’ve seen how overworking can lead to a decline in both physical and mental health, impacting:

• Creativity
• Decision-making skills
• Overall well-being

The key is to work smarter, not harder—to find balance and establish boundaries between work and personal life.

It’s about understanding the value of time, that it’s an irreplaceable resource. It’s about learning to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities when necessary.

3) Limiting beliefs are your invisible shackles

We all carry around a set of beliefs that, more often than not, limit us.

These beliefs are conditioned by society, our upbringing, and our experiences. They can restrict our potential, stifle our creativity, and keep us from living authentically.

The “Free Your Mind” masterclass with shaman Rudá Iandê is a transformative experience designed to help you confront and overcome these limiting beliefs. 

In this masterclass, Rudá Iandê provides practical exercises and insights to help you align your thoughts and actions with your personal values.

This alignment will not only improve mental clarity but also foster emotional resilience.

As one of the co-founders of The Vessel, I’ve seen firsthand how this masterclass has brought about profound change in participants by fostering a mindset shift from frustration and guilt to love and acceptance.

4) Fear is not your enemy

Fear is often seen as a roadblock, something that holds us back from reaching our potential.

But the truth is, fear is not our enemy. It’s a natural human response designed to protect us. The problem arises when we allow fear to dictate our actions and decisions.

We often allow fear to limit our creativity, to keep us in jobs we don’t love, or to prevent us from pursuing our dreams.

It’s common to fear failure, rejection, or the unknown. But in reality, these fears are often based on assumptions and not actual facts.

Instead of running from fear, we need to confront it. Acknowledge it. Understand what it’s trying to tell us.

It’s only through facing our fears that we truly liberate ourselves and step into our authentic power.

As we’ve learned from the masterclass with Rudá Iandê, overcoming self-imposed limitations is a crucial step towards personal growth.

So, let me ask you: What would you do if you weren’t afraid? Start now.

5) Success is not a solo journey

In our hyper-competitive society, we’re often led to believe that success is a solitary pursuit, that we must forge ahead alone to climb the ladder of achievement.

But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Real success is not just about individual triumphs; it’s about creating supportive communities and fostering authentic relationships. I

t’s through our connections with others that we find the courage to pursue our dreams and the resilience to overcome challenges.

Collaboration fosters creativity, innovation, and growth. When we share our experiences and learn from one another, we create a synergy that propels us further than we could ever go alone.

6) Money is not just a personal matter

It’s a common belief that our financial decisions are solely personal matters. However, each financial choice we make has broader implications.

Every purchase, every investment, is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.

As consumers and investors, we wield significant power.

By directing our resources towards businesses that promote social good, we contribute to a more just and sustainable future.

We have the power to foster change through conscious consumerism and ethical investing.

Prosperity isn’t just about accumulating wealth—it’s about using money as a tool for positive change. So align your financial decisions with your deepest values. 

7) External circumstances are not to blame

It’s easy to blame external circumstances or other people for our problems. However, doing so only disempowers us.

True empowerment comes from taking full responsibility for our own lives.

We can’t control everything that happens to us, but we can control how we respond.

It’s about focusing on what we can change—our attitudes, our actions, our responses. This is the path to personal freedom and resilience.

You are the captain of your own ship, so take responsibility for your life and your choices. 

8) Failure is not the end

In our society, failure is often seen as something to be avoided at all costs.

But failure is not the end, it’s just a part of the journey towards success.

Every setback is an opportunity for growth and learning. Every obstacle contains within it seeds of creative possibility.

Instead of getting discouraged by failure, view it as feedback and an invitation to adapt and evolve.

Failure is not falling down—it’s refusing to get back up. So start embracing failure as a stepping stone towards success. 

Empower your journey towards authentic success

As we move into 2025, it’s time to take a step back and reassess how we approach work and productivity.

The truth is, success isn’t about grinding away for endless hours; it’s about being intentional, focusing on what truly matters, and working smarter, not harder.

By recognizing and letting go of the subtle habits that drain your time and energy, you’ll be setting yourself up for more efficient, meaningful work and personal growth.

So, as you embrace this new year, remember: small changes lead to big results.

Start by eliminating these habits, and watch as you create more space for creativity, success, and a healthier work-life balance.

For those ready to delve deeper into breaking free from societal conditioning and embracing their true nature, I highly recommend the free “Free Your Mind” masterclass with Rudá Iandê.

This masterclass, which I took part in producing, provides profound and practical insights for personal development.