The road to becoming a better person is often littered with the debris of old habits that no longer serve us.
In this article, we’ll delve into 7 such habits that may be hindering your progress.
Let’s dive in.
1. Living in the past
Are you one of those who keeps rewinding life’s movie, replaying past scenes over and over again?
Well, it’s time to hit the pause button on that habit.
Living in the past is like driving your car while only looking in the rearview mirror. Sure, what’s behind you is important, but it shouldn’t be your focus.
You need to look ahead to navigate your life effectively.
Stop dwelling on past mistakes or victories. They are lessons learned and accolades earned, but they aren’t your present or future.
Live in the now, plan for the future, and let the past stay where it belongs – in the rearview mirror.
2. Procrastination
Ever find yourself saying, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” and then when tomorrow comes, you just push it to the next day…and the next?
Yeah, I’ve been there.
Procrastination was my middle name. I remember this one time I had to prepare a presentation for a big client meeting. It was a week away, and instead of working on it bit by bit, I kept pushing it off, telling myself I work best under pressure.
Fast forward to the night before the presentation, I was scrambling to put together slides, overwhelmed and stressed out. It wasn’t my best work and I knew it.
Procrastination is like a credit card: it feels great until you get the bill. It gives a false sense of comfort while actually setting us up for a fall.
3. Neglecting health and fitness
Neglecting your health and fitness is like neglecting the foundation of your house while trying to build the top floor. It’s just not going to hold up.
Too many of us put our health on the backburner, focusing instead on work, family or other commitments. But the truth is, without good health, everything else can come crashing down.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet aren’t just for athletes or models; they’re the bare minimum for anyone aiming to lead a fulfilling, productive life.
It’s time to prioritize your health and fitness if you really want to become a better version of yourself. So, how about swapping that greasy burger for a salad sometimes, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator?
Small changes can make a big difference.
4. Always playing it safe
Picture this: you’re standing at the edge of a pool. You know the water is going to be cold, and you’re hesitant to jump in. But here’s the thing – the longer you wait, the colder it seems.
Finally, you take the leap, and yes, it’s a shock at first, but soon your body adjusts and you start enjoying the swim.
Life is a lot like that pool.
Many of us stand at the edge, afraid to take the leap because we’re scared of the shock, the discomfort, or simply the unknown.
But always playing it safe can keep you stuck in your comfort zone. It can prevent you from taking risks, trying new things or embracing change. But growth happens outside of our comfort zones.
Every successful person has taken risks. You might just find that the water’s fine once you’re in.
5. Lack of sleep
Getting enough sleep isn’t just about feeling rested; it’s about giving your brain and body the time they need to repair and regenerate. It’s about waking up each day with the energy and focus to tackle whatever comes your way.
So, put down that late-night TV remote or smartphone, and hit the sack a little earlier.
Your mind, body and anyone who has to deal with you in the morning will thank you for it.
6. Avoiding difficult conversations
Are you the kind of person who would rather endure a bad situation than confront it head-on? Do you often find yourself swallowing your feelings to avoid a potential argument or awkwardness?
If so, it’s time to rethink this approach.
Avoiding difficult conversations might seem like the easy way out, but it often leads to misunderstandings, resentment, and even damaged relationships.
On the other hand, facing these conversations can clear the air, deepen your connections with others, and foster a sense of respect for your honesty and assertiveness.
It’s not about picking fights or being confrontational. It’s about expressing your feelings and thoughts honestly and respectfully.
7. Comparing yourself to others
In this age of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your life to the highlight reels of others. You see their perfect vacation photos, their successful careers, their happy relationships, and you can’t help but feel like you’re lagging behind.
But here’s the truth: comparison is the thief of joy.
When you compare yourself to others, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. You’re focusing on what you lack instead of appreciating what you have. Each person’s journey is unique, filled with their own set of challenges, achievements, and experiences.
Instead of comparing your life to others’, focus on your own progress and growth. Celebrate your achievements, learn from your failures, and strive to become a better version of yourself each day.
After all, your only real competition is the person you were yesterday.
The bottom line
Becoming a better person isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. It’s about recognizing and letting go of habits that are holding you back, and replacing them with ones that propel you forward.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, but with perseverance and determination, you can become the best version of yourself.
We’d love to hear from you. What habits are you working on changing? Feel free to share your experiences or any thoughts in the comments section below.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
