If you want to be successful in life but often feel lazy, say goodbye to these 7 habits

We’ve all been there: feeling ambitious and motivated one moment, only to find ourselves scrolling endlessly through social media the next.

It’s easy to blame a lack of willpower or discipline, but what if the real culprit lies in the habits we’ve unconsciously developed?

The truth is that success and bad habits can’t coexist. 

Today, we’re uncovering some habits that might be keeping you from the success you crave. Ready to make a change?

Let’s dive in.

1) Procrastination

We all put things off from time to time. But when procrastination becomes a habit, it can seriously hinder our success.

And it’s not just about getting things done.

As experts note, procrastination can also impact our mental health, increasing stress and anxiety levels.

Do you find yourself frequently putting things off until the last minute?

If so, it’s time to make a change. 

As a mindfulness enthusiast, I’ve learned that becoming aware of our procrastination patterns is the first step towards changing them.

We need to understand why we’re avoiding certain tasks and then take steps to overcome these barriers.

2) Neglecting exercise

I’ll be the first to admit that when life gets busy, exercise can quickly fall to the bottom of my priority list.

But I’ve learned the hard way that neglecting physical activity is a one-way ticket to the land of lethargy.

While trying to get my site Hack Spirit off the ground a few years ago, I experienced a particularly hectic period at work.

Late nights, early mornings, and barely any time for myself.

Exercise? Who had time for that!

But as my exercise routine dwindled, so did my energy levels.

I found myself feeling more tired, more often. It was a vicious cycle – I was too tired to exercise, but not exercising was making me even more tired.

Then, I made a change. I committed to just 20 minutes of exercise each day.

It could be a quick jog, a yoga session, or just some stretching – the type of exercise didn’t matter, as long as I was moving.

And the difference was incredible.

Not only did my energy levels increase, but I also found myself feeling more focused and productive.

The lesson here? Don’t neglect exercise.

As Harvard Medical School psychiatrist John Ratey said, “Exercise is the single best thing you can do for your brain in terms of mood, memory, and learning.”

Even a small amount can make a big difference in your energy levels and overall success.

3) Living with a big ego

Ego has a funny way of getting in the way of success.

It has a tendency to make us overestimate our abilities and underestimate our shortcomings, which can prevent us from learning and growing.

I’ve experienced this firsthand, too.

Early in my career, I was confident – maybe a bit too confident. I thought I had all the answers and didn’t need help from anyone else.

However, this ego-driven attitude held me back from reaching my full potential.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I explore the idea of ego and how it can negatively impact our lives in some detail. 

But for now, just know that saying goodbye to your big ego doesn’t mean losing your sense of self-worth.

It’s about acknowledging that we all have something to learn. And this humble attitude can be a powerful driver of success.

4) Multitasking

In our fast-paced world, multitasking often seems like an essential skill.

But here’s a surprising truth: multitasking can actually make you less productive.

Studies have shown that our brains aren’t designed to handle multiple tasks at once.

Each time we switch between tasks, our brain needs time to refocus, which can lead to mistakes and decreased productivity.

So, instead of trying to juggle multiple tasks at once, try focusing on one task at a time.

This concept, known as “single-tasking,” allows you to fully engage with the task at hand, leading to better results and less stress.

It’s not about doing more things at once – it’s about doing one thing well. 

5) Chasing perfection

Now, this one might seem a bit counter-intuitive. After all, isn’t striving for perfection a good thing?

Well, not necessarily.

The pursuit of perfection can often lead to procrastination, stress, and feelings of inadequacy.

Instead of focusing on doing our best, we get caught up in the fear of making mistakes or not living up to unrealistic expectations.

Psychologists refer to this as “perfectionism paralysis.”

The fear of not being perfect can actually prevent us from taking action and making progress.

Instead of striving for perfection, aim for progress.

Embrace the fact that mistakes are a natural part of learning and growth. 

6) Avoiding discomfort

It’s human nature to seek comfort and avoid discomfort.

But if we want to achieve success, sometimes we have to step outside our comfort zones.

You see, avoiding discomfort can limit our opportunities for growth and learning.

It can keep us stuck in familiar routines and prevent us from pursuing our goals.

How do we break this habit?

Start by challenging yourself in small ways.

Take on a new project at work, try a new workout routine, or learn a new skill.

These small steps can help you become more comfortable with discomfort and open up new opportunities for growth.

7) Neglecting self-care

In our quest for success, it’s easy to neglect self-care. We push ourselves to the limit, sacrificing sleep, nutrition, and relaxation in the name of productivity.

But here’s the thing – neglecting self-care doesn’t lead to success.

Instead, it leads to burnout.

Self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. It allows us to recharge and refocus, making us more productive in the long run.

Do you find yourself skipping meals, skimping on sleep, or neglecting relaxation time?

It’s time to make a change.

Start prioritizing self-care as part of your daily routine.

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential for success.

Final thoughts: It’s all about balance

In your journey towards success, it’s crucial to remember that change doesn’t happen overnight.

It’s about making small, consistent adjustments to our habits and mindset.

Letting go of these habits isn’t about transforming into a completely different person.

Instead, it’s about creating a better, more balanced version of ourselves.

As you move forward, take some time to reflect on these habits.

Are they holding you back? Are they stopping you from reaching your full potential?