If you’re tired of always being second best, say goodbye to these 10 habits

Hey there! Are you feeling stuck in a perpetual cycle of coming in second place?

Always playing catch-up, never leading the pack? The runner-up who never gets to taste the sweet victory of first place?

Well, it’s time to shake things up. It’s time to say goodbye to those pesky habits that are holding you back and keeping you in second place.

So, get comfy, and let’s break down these 10 habits you need to ditch if you’re tired of always being second best.

1) Doubting your abilities

Ever catch yourself thinking, “I can’t do this” or “I’m not good enough”?

Stop right there!

This self-doubt is one of the biggest things that’s keeping you in second place. It’s natural to have doubts but don’t let them control you.

Instead, believe in your abilities and remember that you’re capable of achieving great things. Replace those negative thoughts with positive ones. Each time a doubtful thought pops up, counteract it with a positive one.

Remember, confidence is the key to success!

2) Procrastinating

You’ve heard it before, “Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow” right?

Wrong!

Successful people don’t procrastinate; they prioritize. They understand that time is valuable and shouldn’t be wasted.

If you’re in the habit of putting things off, it’s time to kick it to the curb. Make a to-do list, set deadlines for yourself, and stick to them. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll finish. So why wait? Get started now!

3) Fearing failure

Let me share something personal. I used to be terrified of failing. Every time I faced a new challenge, all I could think about was, “What if I fail?”

It was paralyzing.

But then, I realized that everyone fails at some point, it’s a part of life! It’s not the failure that defines you, but how you bounce back.

So, don’t let the fear of failure hold you back from trying new things or taking on new challenges. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it as a stepping stone to success.

4) Comparing yourself to others

It’s so easy to look at someone else’s success and feel like you’re not measuring up. But everyone is on their own unique journey.

Comparing your Chapter 1 to someone else’s Chapter 20 isn’t fair to you. It’s like comparing apples to oranges; it just doesn’t make sense.

Your path is your own, and it’s beautiful in its own way. Embrace it, love it, and most importantly, believe in it.

The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday. Your only competition is you!

5) Avoiding criticism

I’ll be honest, I used to avoid criticism like the plague. It stung to hear that I wasn’t perfect and that there were areas I could improve.

After a while, I realized something important: Criticism isn’t meant to tear us down; it’s meant to build us up. It’s an opportunity for growth – a chance to learn and improve.

If you’re always dodging criticism, how can you expect to get better? So take it in stride, and see it as a tool for improvement rather than a personal attack.

Feedback is the breakfast of champions!

6) Ignoring your health

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re not taking care of your health, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

And I’m not just talking about hitting the gym or eating your greens (though those are important, too). I’m talking about mental health.

Stress management. Adequate sleep. These aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities.

If you’re constantly running on empty, how can you expect to give your best? You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Start taking care of yourself. Because the truth is, success isn’t worth much if you’re not around – or not well enough – to enjoy it.

7) Not investing in yourself

Did you know that Warren Buffet, one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, still spends 80% of his day reading and learning?

That’s right. If you’re not investing time and resources in yourself, in personal growth, and learning, you’re missing out on a crucial component of success.

This could be reading books, taking courses, seeking mentorship, or exploring new hobbies. Always keep in mind that you are your most important asset. Invest in yourself – your future self will thank you!

8) Not celebrating small victories

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I used to be so focused on the big picture, the end goal, that I forgot to celebrate the little wins along the way.

But I’ve learned that those small victories are stepping stones towards bigger achievements. They are proof that you’re making progress, that you’re moving forward.

So don’t brush them off or ignore them. Celebrate them, and acknowledge them, as they’re a reminder of your hard work and resilience.

After all, success is a journey, not a destination!

9) Settling for less

If you’re always settling for less than what you deserve – in your job, in your relationships, in your life – then that’s exactly what you’ll get – less.

If you want more, it’s time to demand more. It’s time to set the bar high and know that you’re worth it!

You’re capable of achieving anything if you put your mind to it and believe in yourself.

Stop settling for second best. Remember, you deserve the best – but it’s up to you to demand it.

10) Ignoring your passion

If there’s something that sets your soul on fire, something that makes you feel alive, and you’re ignoring it… stop.

Just stop!

Life is too short to spend it doing things that don’t make you happy.

So if you’re passionate about something, chase it. With everything you’ve got.

At the end of the day, passion is the fuel that drives success. Don’t ignore it!

Eliza Hartley

Eliza Hartley, a London-based writer, is passionate about helping others discover the power of self-improvement. Her approach combines everyday wisdom with practical strategies, shaped by her own journey overcoming personal challenges. Eliza's articles resonate with those seeking to navigate life's complexities with grace and strength.

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