Lisa O
Have you ever heard of the saying “You are what you eat”? It turns out that who you are is more about what you do. If you study hard, you’re a great student. If you read a lot, you’re articulate. But if you watch TV all day, it’s time for a change. Let’s face it—we all have habits that aren’t so great. The goal isn’t perfection but awareness. Check out these 20 habits that are destroying your life.
Being Super Hard on Yourself
Sometimes, there are moments when you just can’t finish your work on time. This might be due to a sudden work or family emergency. When this happens, it’s very important not to dwell on it. These things happen sometimes. Instead, refocus yourself—resume from where you left off and keep going. Complaining won’t help—taking action will.
Snoozing Your Alarm
We’ve all hit the snooze button on our alarms, thinking a few more minutes of sleep won’t hurt. But always doing this can mess up your sleep cycle and leave you feeling tired all day. Having a good routine to wake up feeling refreshed is very important. One trick to stop this is to put your phone across the room. This way, you’ll have to get up to turn it off.
Procrastinating
Do you enjoy doing things at the last moment? Sure, it gives you an adrenaline rush, but it is also very risky. It can cost you everything, even your loved ones. Even though you might feel excited by last-minute actions, it can frustrate those close to you. The best way to change this habit is to start planning and working on tasks earlier. This way, you can avoid all the stress and keep your relationships strong.
Dwelling on the Negatives
People who focus only on the negative often find themselves surrounded by negativity in life. It becomes a cycle that’s very hard to break. The more you try to stop—the more you seem to get caught up in it. So always count your blessings instead of dwelling on the bad things. By focusing on the positive side of life, you can slowly overcome the habit of seeing only the downsides.
Being Chronically Late
Some people are always late, and this habit can seriously ruin your life. Firstly, it can turn you into a chronic procrastinator. Others may start doubting your reliability and always anticipate you being late. This perception can erode trust in your dependability. Plus, being late can create problems, making it very hard for you to be punctual when it really matters.
Shifting Blame
“The job market is down, I don’t have money, and so on.” But really, who’s responsible for your success? You are. Today, people are starting businesses quickly, getting published online, and finding success despite challenges. While some things may not be in your control—blaming others wastes the energy and time needed to move forward.
Surrounding Yourself with Unsupportive People
Being around people who don’t appreciate you can really drag you down. It’s like a bad habit that chips away at your self-worth and holds you back from reaching your full potential. The antidote? Surround yourself with friends who see the best in you. Find those who cheer you on, give you genuine compliments—not fake ones, and inspire you to be your best self.
Phone Checking First Thing in the Morning
Many people grab their phones first thing in the morning. But scrolling through social media or checking emails right away can make us less productive and focused. Instead, try starting your day with a moment of calm or a routine that sets a positive tone. You’ve slept for 8 hours—your phone can wait another hour.
Self-Deception
Being honest with yourself is key to growing personally and getting better. It’s very common to trick ourselves about what we can do, our goals, or even our mistakes, which can hold us back. But when we face and accept the truth, we open doors to positive changes in our lives. It’s all about being ready to confront our challenges and weaknesses directly so we can move forward and become our best selves.
Sticking with Negative Influences
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You become like the people you spend time with.” It’s true—we often surround ourselves with those who aren’t supportive or who bring us down. It might be better to spend some time alone for a while than to stick with friends who don’t really care about you. It’s about choosing quality over quantity in friendships. So ditch your toxic friends as soon as you can.
Jumping to Conclusions
Making quick judgments about others without knowing their full story can hurt both them and us. It stops us from feeling empathy and getting to know people deeply. Instead, being empathetic and open-minded helps us build real connections and make the world a bit more kinder. Now, why would you care about the world? Well, because you’re a part of it, and you are responsible for your actions.
Assuming Without Knowing
People who haven’t found success often jump to conclusions without exploring other options. This can lead to those missed opportunities and even ruin your hard work. Taking risks instead of listening to your inner critic can lead to unexpected outcomes. It’s also important to remember that assuming things can only hold you back. “Never assume” is wise advice, but they should shake it off to move forward faster.
Making Excuses Instead of Taking Responsibility
Making excuses stops us from growing and keeps us from taking responsibility. When we admit our mistakes and find solutions, we learn and move forward. The more excuses we make—the more we start to believe our own lies. You might end up thinking you could have been a pro football player if only the coach understood you or a millionaire if only you hadn’t missed that big idea.
Over-Planning Without Action
Ever catch yourself endlessly tweaking your schedule or perfecting project spreadsheets? While planning is important, it’s just the starting point. The real magic happens when you roll up your sleeves and dive into action! So put those plans you created aside for a moment and get things moving. That’s where your real progress begins.
Being Desk-Bound for Too Long
When was the last time you actually took a proper break from your desk? And no, those quick trips to the restroom or to grab printouts don’t count! It’s time to give yourself a real breather. Step away from the screen, stretch those muscles, and why not take a stroll outside? Trust us, a change of scenery and some fresh air can really perk up your mind and body!
Waiting for the Perfect Moment
When is the best time to plan your dream vacation, tidy up your closet, or search for a new job? Waiting for the “perfect moment” could take forever. The truth is, the perfect time is now. So stop hesitating and start taking steps toward your goals—whether they’re big or small, for work or personal life. You’ll thank yourself for getting started.
Giving Up Too Easily
It’s okay to cut your losses sometimes—every experience teaches you something. But quitting is the enemy of success. Successful people believe in their goals and are willing to forge ahead, even without a clear roadmap. You might have to blaze your own trail through challenges. If they gave up on the first obstacle, they’d never succeed.
Staying in Toxic Relationships
Some people seek relationships just to hold on to someone, which can be super harmful. If you’re in a bad relationship but hesitate to leave—it can take a toll on your well-being. Even if you try to break free, it might pull you back in. It’s very important to realize you can’t change someone else. If you find yourself in a toxic relationship, the best decision is to end it as soon as possible.
Burning the Midnight Oil
Staying up late can mess up your sleep schedule and leave you feeling very tired and groggy the next day. To feel your best, try setting a regular bedtime and making sure you get enough sleep each night (that’s roughly 8 hours). This simple change can boost your energy and focus. Give it a shot—you’ll be amazed at how great you feel!
Overindulging in Fast Food
Regularly eating fast food can really take a toll on your body and mind. It’s packed with unhealthy fats, loads of salt, and sugar, but lacks the good stuff your body needs. Switching to a balanced diet with whole foods is like giving your body a power boost—it’ll keep you feeling sharp and energized all day long.