One of the biggest things standing in our way of being successful is ourselves. The saying that we are our own worst enemy rings true here. We have toxic habits that hold us back.
Crazy, right? The good news is that this means there are things we can do to rectify this.
How? Here are ten toxic habits to quit if you want to be successful. You may not even realize that you are doing some of these things!
10 Toxic Habits To Quit If You Want To Be Successful
Stop Dwelling On The Past
We all have a past, for better or for worst. We all make mistakes, and we have all had failures. All of this is in the past and should not be dwelled upon!
We learn from our mistakes, we know what to do not to make them again, and we move on stronger than ever. Continually focusing on things that happened in the past will not allow you to move forward.
Stop Starting Your Day Wrong
Do you start your day off in a reactive manner rather than a proactive manner? Being intentional in the morning by starting it on your own terms will set your path for your day, which can set the path for your life. Rather than pressing snooze, get up earlier and focus on you by implementing a morning routine, which can be as simple as drinking your coffee and writing your goals for the day.
Stop Staying in Your Comfort Zone
Change can be scary, I know. But, change changes us. It teaches us.
It provides us with new opportunities. It opens us up to new things. If you want new experiences, you need change.
Staying in the same exact position — whether that be place you live, job you have, people you know, etc. — will result in you remaining in there.
Stop Comparing Yourself To Others
Social media has made this even harder. But, it is important to remember that we all have different journeys and we all have different paths.
Just because one person is where you want to mean does not mean that you will not get there, too. Focus on yourself, not what others are doing.
Stop Being Okay With Not Trying
We are all guilty of thinking “if only I did that” or “darn, I wish I tried that, oh well.” Don’t “oh well!” Rationalizing not trying will leave you in the same place.
You have to try in order to grow and become successfully. Yes, you may fail, but as we mentioned above, we learn from our mistakes and use those learnings to move forward. All you need to do is try.
Stop Negative Thoughts
Do you find yourself thinking about all of the things that could go wrong instead of all of the things that will go right? Stop that! It’s holding you back.
Suppress those negative thoughts by instead thinking of everything you will have once you achieve your version of success. Work towards that.
Stop Lacking Confidence
Be your own biggest fan! Know that you can and deserve to be successful — and don’t think otherwise. If you believe that you are meant to be in the same place forever, that is going to hold you back more than anything.
It will prevent you from trying, it will bring fear of change, and it will keep you in your comfort zone. Have the confidence in yourself to know that you are meant for more.
Stop Blaming Other People
It is no one else’s fault but your own that you are not successful. Sure, your boss may not have given you the promotion you thought you deserved, but if you give up there, you are the one settling. You drive your own life; do not point fingers at others for things good bad (or for them going good — you did that yourself!).
Stop Seeking Perfection
Perfection does not exist. The sooner you can accept this, the sooner you can be on your path to success. Mistakes happen.
Things fall trough the cracks. Failures will occur. All of these things are okay, and will help to guide you.
No one will ever be perfect, and that includes you. Nothing will ever be perfect, and that includes your path. It’s okay, it’s normal, and it is a trait for all of us.
Stop Waiting
You may keep telling yourself that you are waiting for the “right time.” There is no right time! The right time is when you make it.
Take the first step today, you’ll get there sooner than if you wait for the “right time.”
Do you identify with any of these toxic habits? Let us know? We’re rooting for your success!
About the Author
Michelle graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelors of Arts '13 and a Master of Arts '14. She's currently working in corporate America with a side of freelance writing. She wants you to learn from her experiences and mistakes so your 20s can be your best decade. When she's not working, she's likely planning her escape to a tropical island.