10 Habits That Hold You Back and How to Break Free

In life, we sometimes find ourselves stuck in habits that block our growth and success. These habits can either push us toward our goals or trap us in self-doubt and disappointment. I have had my fair share of these disappointments caused by these destructive habits . For years I have fought with almost all of these habits without even having the proper vocabulary to comprehend their true nature and the understanding of how they were playing out in all areas of my life without my awareness. I didn't realize that they were basically the background song to every failure, setback, disappointment, and heartache I experienced. But with some deep introspection and a decision to overcome these afflictions, I have learned a lot through out my years of research which included a lot of missteps and also wrong information. I will save you that hustle and get right to the most destructive habits that contribute to almost all of our failures and disappointments in life. In this blog post, we will look at ten harmful habits that can hold you back, along with practical strategies to break free from them.

1. Fear of Failure

Fear of failure is a common barrier that stops many people from taking risks. For example, research shows that 70% of people fear failure, often leading them to miss out on valuable opportunities. Fear of failure is actually one of the main reasons many extraordinary talents and abilities bestowed upon people never get realized. It's like they say 'The richest place in the world is the graveyard.' Dr. Miles Munroe, put it in a moving way reminding us of the sad reality that the greatest of human feats never get realized because of the 'Fear of failure'.

I know this feeling all too well. And I know that this is a feeling shared by millions of people all over the world. Fear is what keeps us from living a happier more fulfilled life by scaring us away from the perceived challenges and negative prospects of our future.

To tackle this fear, start viewing failure as a chance to learn. Remember, every successful person has faced setbacks. Embrace challenges as lessons that help you grow rather than measures of your worth. Seeing that others who are now successful have also endured the same type of self-doubt and uncertainty and more importantly became successful despite of having gone through setbacks can really help you realize that there is nothing to fear except fear itself. Because once you overcome fear not even the sky becomes your limit.

2. Comparing Yourself to Others

With social media showing only the best moments of others' lives, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparison. This habit can lead to feelings of inadequacy. A lot of social media users report to developing anxiety due to comparison. Can you imagine feeling inadequate because of an image shared by someone and feeling anxious about a situation you have no clue about. Comparison is indeed the robber of happiness. It can really make you blind to your own blessings while at the same time being envious about the blessing of someone else you don't even know exists.

The most important thing here is to understand that happiness or fulfillment in life is never as a result of any outside circumstances. Hence comparing yourself to others solely on the metric of their visible conditions becomes ridiculous. The only time in my opinion that it is constructive to compare yourself to anyone, would be to the level of peace of mind the other person has. Because that is a true testament of a persons achievement in life. Other types of comparisons are not only superficial but are ultimately untrue, because you can never know the reality of things from outside interaction let alone a social media post that is probably 90% filter and 10% acting.

So instead of focusing on others, concentrate on your own path. Set personal goals that resonate with your values, and celebrate your achievements, however small. This practice enhances your self-esteem and acknowledges your unique journey. You will infinitely be rewarded for the work you will do on yourself rather than the useless comparisons that aren't even real.

3. Being in Bad Relationships

Toxic relationships can drain your energy and happiness. A significant number of people stay in unhealthy relationships due to fear of loneliness. Again 'Fear' strikes with its unfounded conclusions trapping us in a bad situation once again. Our interactions with other people can become a source of joy or a source of absolute sadness and misery. That's why we have to choose our company carefully. Especially for the relationships that come later in our lives, a careful vetting process of their character and personality is paramount for our peace and even wellbeing.

Bad relationships are capable of destroying your self-esteem, your dreams, and zest for life. They can drain the creativity out of you and make you prone to a stunted growth in many other areas of your life. This types of relationships must end by any means if you have any interest of making something out of your self and your life. Because obviously a toxic friend, spouse, or even family member that you are in constant interaction with will only serve as a negative influence.

Take a moment to evaluate your relationships. Are they uplifting or draining? Seek out friends who inspire and support you. More importantly build an inner core that cannot be persuaded to stay in any kind of abusive relationship. If a relationship consistently brings negativity, it is time to consider making changes.

4. Excessive Consumption

Living in a consumer-driven world can lead to excess, whether through shopping, eating, or digital use. This can cause financial stress and mental clutter. And mental clutter is one of the reasons why original thought and creativity cannot flourish. The subconscious mind is susceptible to incoming information. And the subconscious mind is where your life is being animated. When you clutter it with all kinds of garbage from the outside, you can only expect garbage to come out. As for shopping and eating excessively, I think once you get your mindset straightened they will naturally fade away as you will see these addictions for what they really are.

To break free from this habit, practice mindful consumption. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you really need it. Adopt a minimalist lifestyle, even in your mind, by decluttering your surroundings and thoughts.

5. Surrounding Yourself with Negative People

The energy of those around you can influence your mindset. Spending time with negative individuals can sap your motivation. Pessimistic people will drain your energy. It doesn't mean that you have to be around delusional and out of touch people; it's just to have a balanced view of life with a pinch of positivity even if you have to generate it consciously. The world might not be this fairytale planet where only butterflies, roses, and puppies exist; Oh what a world that would be :) But getting back to my point, there is still so much positive energy to harvest, but you will not succeed if you are always with negative people.

Examine your social circle and look for uplifting influences. Establishing boundaries with negative people can protect your mental health and allow room for positive relationships to thrive. This doesn't mean you have to cut every single person that complains from your life, it just means to minimize the time spent with negative chatter.

6. Procrastinating

Procrastination is a widespread habit that stifles productivity. How many times have you put something off until the last minute? Studies show that around 20% of adults identify themselves as chronic procrastinators. This habit is definitely the one to fight when it comes to your growth and achievements in life. If you have goals and dreams you want to see come to fruition, you will not be able to do that while procrastinating to take the necessary steps towards this goals of yours.

Practice doing the hard task first as a rule in order to get it out of the way and avoid worrying about it all day long. You can start to discipline yourself and practice delaying pleasure and fun until your task is completed. There may be things that can overwhelm you and keep you from pursuing the task; but remember this is the one habit that can seriously delay any success or achievement you might have otherwise accomplished.

To combat this, break tasks into smaller steps with specific deadlines. Try techniques like the Pomodoro Technique - working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. This method makes tasks less intimidating and can boost your productivity. You can start slow and work your way up to discipline yourself until you realize how much procrastination has cost you in your life. Because once you see real progress you will naturally be motivated to act before any hesitation kicks in.

7. Cheap Unhealthy Diet

Eating poorly affects both your physical and mental health. Relying on fast food or cheap, unhealthy snacks can cause mood swings and fatigue. Data shows that individuals who eat a diet high in processed foods report lower energy levels.

Focus on incorporating whole foods into your meals. Aim for a balanced plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Planning meals ahead can help you make healthier choices that nourish your body and mind.

8. Saying 'Yes' When You Should Say 'No'

It can be hard to set boundaries and sometimes saying 'yes' feels easier than saying 'no'. This struggle can lead to burnout. Many people admit to feeling overwhelmed because they cannot decline requests. Even as adults we feel responsible for other people's feelings and resort to putting our own needs in the back burner in order to cater to other peoples requests. Saying 'NO' can be difficult; but the alternative is you keep being of service to other peoples dreams while your own never see the day of light.

Practice putting your priorities first. It's acceptable to decline invitations or requests that do not align with your goals. Learning to say 'no' empowers you to focus on what truly matters and protects your energy.

9. Seeking Validation

Constantly looking for validation from others can lead to feelings of inadequacy. This habit can make you overlook your own strengths. When you rely on outside validation for your own self-worth, it is going to be difficult to do anything outside of what others expect you to. And this is your downfall. Because anything worth achieving will come with a lot of résistance from the outside world. And if you are not strong enough to sail through the rejections and disapproval of others, you will never fulfil your destiny as you will allow the world to shape your destiny.

Shift your focus from external approval to self-acceptance. Engage in activities that boost your confidence. Build a habit of acknowledging your achievements and strengths, knowing that your worth is not tied to others' opinions.

10. Focusing on Negative Things

Negativity can easily cloud our minds and impact our outlook on life. This habit limits creativity and joy. Research indicates that negative thinking can reduce productivity by 30%.

Practice gratitude by setting aside time each day to reflect on what you are thankful for. This habit helps redirect your focus toward positivity. Surround yourself with inspiring content to uplift your mindset and encourage personal growth. It should be a daily habit of yours to deliberately read, listen to, and watch positive messaging to reach your subconscious mind. Your subconscious mind is really where your future is being directed and created; so you want only the best scripts to reach it.

Moving Forward with Change

Breaking free from these harmful habits is essential for achieving personal growth and fulfillment. It's really like a whole new world has opened up. You can now move forward without these destructive habits sabotaging your every move. By recognizing and addressing these patterns, you can create a positive environment that opens doors to new opportunities.

Remember, change is a gradual process and does not happen overnight. Start with small, actionable steps and be gentle with yourself during this transition. Developing healthy habits takes time, but the benefits to your life and well-being are meaningful. Embrace your journey and take control of your story. Life is a beautiful path to navigate, and the power to shape it lies in your hands.

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