Isabella Chase
There’s a clear link between our behaviors and the standards we set for ourselves.
Some behaviors limit us, keeping us stuck in place instead of pushing us forward.
If you want to raise your standards, there are certain behaviors you need to say goodbye to.
This isn’t about punishing yourself or living a strict life. It’s about making a conscious choice to let go of the habits that pull you down and embracing those that lift you up.
In this article, we’ll explore 8 limiting behaviors you need to ditch if you’re serious about raising your standards. Let’s dive in!
1) Procrastination
We’ve all been there.
There’s a task that needs to be done, but instead of tackling it head-on, we find a million other things to do. Suddenly, cleaning the house or scrolling through social media becomes more important than the task at hand.
This is procrastination, and it’s a major limiting behavior.
Procrastination can be the result of many things – fear of failure, lack of motivation, or simply being overwhelmed by the task. But whatever the reason, it stops us from achieving our goals and raising our standards.
It’s time to say goodbye to “I’ll do it later” and hello to “Let’s do it now”. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment (which rarely arrives), start taking small steps towards your goals today.
Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small. So ditch procrastination and start moving forward.
2) Self-doubt
I’ve struggled with self-doubt many times in my life.
I remember when I wanted to start my own business. The idea was there, the plan was solid, but every time I thought about taking the leap, a small voice in my head would start whispering, “What if you fail? What if no one buys your product? What if you’re not good enough?”
That’s self-doubt. It limited me and held me back from realizing my potential.
The thing about self-doubt is that it’s often not based on facts, but on our fears and insecurities.
But here’s the thing – everyone has doubts. Everyone feels insecure at times. It’s completely normal. What’s not normal is letting these doubts control your life and limit your potential.
I had to say goodbye to self-doubt and trust myself to handle whatever came my way. By doing so, I was able to start my business and raise my standards.
So, if you want to raise your standards, recognize your self-doubt for what it is – just a fear – and don’t let it dictate your actions.
3) Fear of change
Fear of change is a common hurdle. It’s human nature to stick with what’s familiar and comfortable. But did you know that according to a study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, our brains are wired to resist change because it perceives it as a threat?
This fear can limit us from raising our standards because it keeps us stuck in our comfort zones. If you want to grow, you need to embrace change, not fear it.
Remember, change is inevitable. It’s how we evolve and improve. So instead of fearing change, see it as an opportunity for growth and development. Say goodbye to your fear of change and hello to new possibilities.
4) Negative self-talk
We all have an inner voice, and sometimes, it’s not very kind. Negative self-talk is a behavior that can greatly limit our potential.
Phrases like “I can’t do this”, “I’m not good enough”, or “I’ll never succeed” create a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you keep telling yourself you can’t do something, chances are, you won’t.
Negative self-talk not only lowers our self-esteem but also stops us from taking risks and chasing our dreams.
It’s time to silence this inner critic and replace it with a cheerleader. Start practicing positive affirmations and remind yourself of your strengths and achievements regularly.
Saying goodbye to negative self-talk is a vital step towards raising your standards.
5) Not forgiving yourself
We all make mistakes. We all have moments in our past that we aren’t proud of.
But holding onto guilt and not forgiving yourself for these past mistakes can severely limit your ability to move forward and raise your standards.
It’s like carrying a heavy weight around your neck – it drags you down and prevents you from rising up.
Remember, no one is perfect. We all stumble. We all fall. And that’s okay. It’s how we learn and grow.
The key is to forgive yourself, learn from your mistakes, and then let them go. Holding onto past mistakes won’t help you rise; it will only hold you down.
Letting go and forgiving yourself is a powerful act of self-love that can help you raise your standards and live a happier, more fulfilling life.
6) Ignoring self-care
There was a time in my life when I was so busy chasing goals that I forgot to take care of myself. I was working long hours, skipping meals, sleeping less, and barely finding any time for exercise or relaxation.
This neglect of self-care took a toll on both my physical and mental health. I started feeling exhausted, stressed, and even fell sick more often.
Ignoring self-care is a limiting behavior that we often overlook. We get so caught up in our daily responsibilities and ambitions that we forget our most important asset – our health.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial if you want to raise your standards and achieve your goals.
So, remember to make time for yourself. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and do things that make you happy. Your health is worth prioritizing.
7) Comparing yourself to others
In a world of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. We see their highlight reels and start feeling inadequate about our own lives.
This comparison is a limiting behavior. It breeds insecurity and dissatisfaction. It makes us focus on what we lack rather than appreciating what we have.
Remember, every person’s journey is unique. Your path is different from theirs. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own growth and progress.
Saying goodbye to comparisons and embracing your unique journey is a crucial step towards raising your standards.
8) Fear of failure
Failure is not the opposite of success. It’s part of it.
Failure provides valuable lessons and experiences that ultimately lead to growth and improvement. But fear of failure can keep us from taking risks and chasing our dreams.
Fear of failure is a limiting behavior that can keep us stuck in our comfort zones, preventing us from raising our standards.
Remember, every successful person has faced failure at some point. It’s not about avoiding failure; it’s about learning from it and moving forward.
Saying goodbye to the fear of failure is the first step towards raising your standards and achieving your goals.
Final thoughts: It’s all about choice
At the heart of raising your standards lies a fundamental concept: choice.
You see, every day we make choices. Choices about what we do, what we think, how we react. These choices shape our behaviors and ultimately, our life.
The eight limiting behaviors discussed in this article are not hard-wired. They are choices we’ve made, consciously or unconsciously.
The good news? If they are choices, they can be changed.
Choosing to say goodbye to these limiting behaviors means choosing to raise your standards. It means choosing growth over comfort, progress over stagnation, and potential over limitations.
It won’t always be easy. There will be challenges and setbacks. But remember, it’s in overcoming these challenges that we grow and evolve.
So next time you find yourself falling into one of these limiting behaviors, pause and remember – you have a choice.
You always have a choice.
