8 daily habits that keep you stuck preparing to live

We all have habits. Some are good, some… not so much.

The not-so-good ones can trap us in a “waiting to live” mindset, where we’re always waiting for the perfect moment to start living our best lives.

They keep us stuck in the same old routines, never truly experiencing life to its fullest. It’s a trap that’s easy to fall into, but with a bit of awareness, we can break free.

The problem lies in identifying these habits. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this article, I’ll be sharing 8 daily habits that might be holding you back.

Let’s dive in.

1) Procrastination

“Remember how long you have been putting off these things and how many times that gods have given you days of grace, and yet you do not use them.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)

We’ve all been there. That task you’ve been meaning to start, but somehow, it never quite makes it to the top of your to-do list.

Procrastination is a habit that can keep us stuck in a “waiting to live” mindset. We’re always waiting for the “right moment” to start, which never seems to arrive.

The truth is, there’s no perfect time to start anything.  Waiting for that perfect moment can leave us stuck in a state of constant anticipation, never taking action.

The key is to recognize this habit and make a conscious effort to break free from it. Start by taking small steps towards your goal every day. You’ll be surprised at how quickly progress can be made when you stop waiting and start doing.

The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is now.

2) Overplanning

I have to admit, I’m a bit of a planning junkie. I love making lists, organizing my thoughts, and having a clear roadmap for the future.

But I’ve learned the hard way that this can often lead to a “waiting to live” mindset.

Here’s the thing: planning is great, but overplanning can keep us stuck in the future, always planning for what’s next without truly experiencing the present.

I remember a time when I was planning a trip. I spent so much time researching and organizing every detail that by the time the trip arrived, I felt like I’d already been there and back. So while I was physically present during the trip, mentally, I was already onto the next thing.

Overplanning robs us of the joy of spontaneity and keeps us stuck in an endless loop of “what’s next?” instead of enjoying “what’s now?”.

The key is to find a balance between planning for the future and living in the present.

3) Neglecting self-care

In our fast-paced, always-on society, it’s easy to put ourselves last. We’re often so busy taking care of everyone and everything else that we forget to take care of ourselves.

But here’s something you might not know: neglecting self-care can actually make us less productive in the long run. Experts tell us that people who take time for self-care are more productive, happier, and less likely to get burned out.

When we neglect self-care, we’re essentially telling ourselves that we’re not important.  We’re putting off our own well-being.

The good news is that it’s never too late to start prioritizing self-care. Even small acts like taking a short walk, reading a book, or indulging in a favorite hobby can make a big difference.

Go ahead and put yourself first sometimes. You deserve it.

4) Avoiding discomfort

“no prizefighter can go with high spirits into the strife if he has never been beaten black and blue; the only contestant who can confidently enter the lists is the man who has seen his own blood, who has felt his teeth rattle beneath his opponent’s fist, who has been tripped and felt the full force of his adversary’s charge, who has been downed in body but not in spirit, one who, as often as he falls, rises again with greater defiance than ever.” – Seneca (Ad Lucilium Epistulae Morales,1917)

It’s human nature to avoid discomfort. We gravitate towards what’s easy, familiar, and comfortable. But often, it’s the things that challenge us that help us grow the most.

Avoiding discomfort can keep us stuck in a “waiting to live” mindset. We’re always waiting for things to be “easy” or “comfortable” before we take action. But life isn’t always easy or comfortable, and waiting for it to be so can leave us stuck in the same place.

If you want to move forward, you have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone. This might mean trying something new, taking a risk, or facing a fear. It might be uncomfortable in the moment, but it’s often these experiences that lead to the most growth and fulfillment.

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. So don’t wait for things to be perfect – start living now.

5) Fear of failure

Fear of failure can be a crippling habit. We’re so terrified of making a mistake or falling short that we end up not doing anything at all.

But here’s the thing: no one is immune to failure. We all stumble and fall at some point, but it’s in these moments of setback that we learn the most valuable lessons.

Instead of fearing failure, let’s embrace it. Let’s see it as a stepping stone towards success, not as a roadblock. Every time we fail, we are one step closer to figuring out what works.

It’s better to try and fail than to never try at all. Don’t let fear of failure keep you stuck. Start living your life with courage and conviction, and watch as your world expands in ways you never thought possible.

6) Perfectionism

I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist. I’d spend hours tweaking a project or reworking a presentation to make sure it was just right. But over time, I realized this was more of a hindrance than a help.

Trying to make everything perfect can paralyze us from taking action. It’s okay to strive for excellence, but it’s also important to realize when good is good enough.

The world isn’t waiting for your perfect move.

Let go of the idea of perfection and start taking action towards your goals. You may stumble along the way, but that’s part of the journey.

7) Living in the past or future

“Each of us lives only in the present, this brief moment; the rest is either a life that is past or is an uncertain future” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)

Many of us spend a lot of time either reliving the past or dreaming about the future. While it’s important to learn from our past and have goals for the future, excessive focus on either can keep us stuck in a “waiting to live” mindset.

Living in the past can lead to regret and guilt, while constantly dreaming about the future can create anxiety and fear. The key is to find balance by living in the present.

The present moment is all we truly have. It’s where life happens. By focusing on the here and now, we can fully engage with life as it unfolds rather than waiting for some future moment to start living.

So, let go of past regrets and future worries. Embrace the present moment and start living your life right here, right now.

8) Not believing in yourself

At the heart of most “waiting to live” mindsets is a lack of self-belief. We doubt our abilities, our worth, and our potential. This can keep us stuck, always waiting for external validation before we feel ready to take action.

But here’s the truth: You are capable. You are worthy. And you have enormous potential just waiting to be unleashed.

In the words of Marcus Aurelius:

“Do not because a thing is hard for you yourself to accomplish, imagine that it is humanly impossible: but if a thing is humanly possible and appropriate, consider it also to be within your own reach.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)

Trust yourself, back yourself, and take that leap of faith.

Final thoughts: It’s about choice

Our daily habits are powerful tools that shape our lives. They can keep us stuck in a “waiting to live” mindset or propel us towards a life fully lived.

Did the habits we’ve discussed in this article resonate with you? Perhaps you recognized yourself in some of them.

But remember, these habits don’t define you. They are simply patterns of behavior that you have the power to change.

Each day presents a new opportunity to break free from these limiting habits and step into a life lived on your terms. It’s about making conscious choices, taking action, and embracing the journey of self-growth.