15 Habits You Must Give Up if You Want to Be Successful
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Success can mean something different to everyone. Research highlights that a balanced definition of success encompasses happiness, health, and meaningful relationships. A survey by the University of Scranton found that roughly 8% of adults achieve their goals; 92% don’t.
Individuals who constantly write down their goals are 33-42% more likely to achieve them. And it’s because of what they do, not who they are (although admittedly, few are born into old money). Read on to discover the 15 habits you must give up if you want to be successful.
Procrastinating
Procrastination is a silent killer of productivity. Putting off tasks until the last minute creates unnecessary stress and reduces the quality of work. A study by the American Psychological Association reveals that 20% of adults are chronic procrastinators, and experts believe technology is a significant cause.
A survey by Darius Foroux notes that 88% of workers postpone at least an hour a day, costing businesses $15,000 annually per $40,000 salaried worker. To foster a sense of urgency, break tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and set short deadlines.
Fear of Failure
Fear of failure often paralyzes action. Thomas Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
A study by the University of Scranton highlights that 92% of people don’t achieve their goals due to fear of failure. Shifting your perspective on failure can turn it into a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth.
Lack of Planning
Failing to plan is planning to fail. A Harvard Business (or Yale) study states that those who set specific goals are ten times more likely to achieve them than those who don’t, while individuals who commit their goals to paper are 33-42% more likely to achieve them.
Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to outline clear, actionable steps toward your objectives.
Ignoring Feedback and Advice
A Gallup study reveals that companies that actively seek and implement employee feedback can boost their performance by up to 20%. Embracing constructive criticism helps you identify blind spots and enhance your growth—two critical ingredients for reaching new heights!
Actively solicit feedback from peers, mentors, and your audience. Begin by creating a system for collecting input through surveys, one-on-one discussions, or informal chats. Bill Gates emphasizes the importance of feedback, stating, “We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.”
Not Asking for Help
No one achieves success alone. LinkedIn research shows that 85% of jobs are filled through networking. CNBC further notes that 70% of jobs are never published publicly.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help; collaboration often leads to new opportunities and insights you wouldn’t have discovered. Those who seek assistance when needed tend to experience lower stress levels and greater resilience.
Overworking
Burnout is accurate, and it can derail your path to success. The World Health Organization and ILO report that long working hours caused 745,000 deaths from ischemic heart disease and stroke in 2016. Research from Stanford University shows that productivity per hour declines rapidly after 50 hours of work per week, and free falls after 55 hours.
Prioritize your tasks, set boundaries for your work hours, and dedicate time for breaks and relaxation. Incorporate mindfulness practices, like meditation or yoga, which have been shown to boost focus and reduce stress.
Making Excuses
Excuses are often justifications for inaction. Taking responsibility empowers you to make changes. In “Extreme Ownership,” Jocko Willink, a former Navy SEAL, stresses that taking full responsibility for outcomes leads to better performance and success.
He further states that leadership is not about avoiding responsibility but facing fears and taking ownership. Start by adopting a solution-focused mindset! Instead of saying, “I can’t because…” try reframing it to, “How can I make this work?” Hold yourself accountable and seek solutions instead of making excuses.
Holding onto the Past
Clinging to past mistakes or successes can prevent you from moving forward. Tony Robbins advises focusing on what you can control now rather than dwelling on the past. “Where focus goes, energy flows.”
Practice mindfulness to help you stay present—this can boost your emotional well-being and give you clarity of thought, making it easier to focus on your objectives. Journaling your thoughts and emotions can allow you to reflect and release old grievances.
Fearing Change
Fear of the unknown can be a significant barrier. Adaptability is a crucial predictor of success. Develop a growth mindset, stay curious, and view change as an opportunity rather than a threat. Jeff Bezos embraced change when he transitioned from a career in finance to founding Amazon.
Shift your mindset—remind yourself that every change brings a chance for growth, learning, and innovation. Setting small, manageable goals can also help ease the transition. For example, try introducing one new practice each week.
Surrounding Yourself with Negative Influences
Surrounding yourself with negative influences can drain your energy, sap your motivation, and plant seeds of doubt in your mind.
American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Seek mentors, peers, and communities that uplift and inspire you to be your best self.
Seeking Perfection
French writer and activist Voltaire wisely noted, “l’ennemi du bien est le bien” (Perfect is the enemy of good). Individuals who strive for perfection often face increased anxiety and burnout, which can stifle creativity and hinder productivity.
Embrace the 70-20-10 Rule of perfectionism. You should aim for 70% completion, accept 20% of something’s being “good enough,” and reserve that last 10% for a touch of polish when necessary. Focus on progress rather than perfection. Celebrate small wins and continuous improvement.
Multitasking
A study by the American Psychological Association reveals that multitasking can decrease productivity by over 40%. When we split our attention across multiple tasks, our brain struggles to focus, leading to increased errors and longer completion times.
Try adopting the method of single-tasking or time-blocking. Focus on one task at a time for a set duration, allowing yourself to dive deep into your work. A study by the University of California, Irvine, stresses that it takes 23 minutes and 15 seconds (on average)to regain focus after an interruption.
Not Taking Care of Yourself
Neglecting your physical and mental well-being can impede your ability to succeed. It’s easy to push our needs aside, but this can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and a lack of motivation.
Schedule workout sessions, fuel your body with nutritious meals, and don’t forget about mental wellness—meditation and mindfulness can do wonders for clarity and focus. The CDC recommends that adults strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly—30 minutes a day, five times a week—and get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep.
Lacking Self-Discipline
Research by Angela L. Duckworth and Martin E. P. Seligman, published in JSTOR, found that self-discipline predicts academic success more than IQ. 68% of students who scored higher in self-discipline performed better academically.
Develop routines and stick to them religiously. If it’s waking up at 5, wake up at five daily (even if the warm covers serenade you with the siren’s song). Track your habits using apps like Habitica or Streaks to gamify your journey and make it fun.
Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparison is the thief of joy. This mental tug-of-war hampers your confidence and causes analysis paralysis, making you hesitate to pursue your goals.
Embrace your uniqueness. Instead of asking, “Why am I not where they are?” ask, “What can I learn from their journey?” Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Tools like journaling or setting up a vision board filled with your ambitions can keep your eyes on your path.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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