As the founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness enthusiast, I’ve spent years studying the habits of successful people. And what have I found?
Well, one of my main takeaways has been that success isn’t just about adopting positive habits; it’s equally important to let go of certain negative ones.
Today, we take a look at seven such habits that might be holding you back from the success you desire.
Let’s dive in.
1) Procrastinating
If there’s one habit that truly holds people back from achieving their goals, it’s procrastination.
Procrastination is the art of delaying or postponing tasks.
It’s the little voice in your head that says, “I’ll do it later,” or “I’ll start tomorrow.”
But success doesn’t wait for anyone. Every minute you spend procrastinating is a minute not spent working towards your dreams.
This habit can be challenging to overcome, especially if it’s deeply ingrained. But with mindfulness and dedication, it’s certainly possible. The first step is acknowledging the problem.
2) Neglecting self-care
Here’s one you might not have expected.
We often get so caught up in chasing our goals that we forget to take care of ourselves. I’ve been guilty of this one myself.
I remember a period when Hack Spirit was just starting out. I was working ridiculously long hours, barely sleeping, and surviving on takeaway food. Sure, I was getting stuff done, but at what cost?
My health started to deteriorate, and my productivity eventually took a hit as well.
This is well-backed by experts. As noted by the folks at Pysch Central, for instance, a lack of self-care is associated with low energy, feeling burnout, and reduced performance at work.
So, I started to prioritize self-care. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, plenty of sleep – these became non-negotiable parts of my routine. And guess what?
My productivity soared, and so did my overall sense of well-being.
Take it from me: don’t neglect self-care. Your health is your wealth, after all. If you want to be successful in a year’s time, start making self-care a priority today.
3) Living with a big ego
A big ego can be one of the biggest roadblocks to success. When you’re too focused on yourself, you can miss out on opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with others.
I’ve seen this time and again in my work as in mindfulness. People who think they know it all are often the ones who struggle the most to make progress.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into how adopting a Buddhist approach can help deflate the ego and pave the way for true success.
But for now just know that if you really want to be successful, you need to let go of your ego and open yourself up to the infinite possibilities of growth and learning. Your future self will thank you.
4) Overplanning
Now, this may seem counter-intuitive, but hear me out.
While having a plan is crucial to achieving your goals, overplanning can actually hinder your progress.
Overplanning can leave you stuck in the planning phase, constantly tweaking and perfecting your plans instead of taking action. It can also lead to rigidity, preventing you from adapting to changes and unexpected obstacles that come your way.
What’s more, overplanning can create unrealistic expectations and set you up for disappointment when things don’t go exactly as planned.
The key is to strike a balance. Make a plan, but leave room for flexibility. Be prepared to adjust your plan when necessary and embrace the unexpected.
5) Avoiding risks
It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone, where everything feels safe and familiar. But here’s the truth: success requires risk.
Think about any successful person—Steve Jobs, J.K. Rowling, Henry Ford. Each of them took risks along their path to success. They made tough calls, faced setbacks, and ventured into the unknown because they knew that greatness doesn’t come without taking chances.
Now, I’m not saying you need to gamble everything recklessly. Not at all.
Success is built on calculated, informed risks. As Warren Buffett put it, “Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing.”
You don’t have to jump blindly, but maybe it’s time to shake things up—whether that means changing jobs, starting that project you’ve been thinking about, or reaching out for new opportunities.
Taking the right risks, with a clear understanding of the potential outcomes, can open doors you never imagined.
6) Overlooking the value of knowledge
Did you know that despite his massive success, Bill Gates still reads 50 books a year?
That’s no coincidence. Nearly every successful person I know is big on continuous learning, and there’s a reason for that.
Research backs this up, too. Randall Bell, a socio-economist who has spent over 25 years studying success, has noted that “those who read seven or more books per year are more than 122 percent more likely to be millionaires as opposed to those who never read or only read one to three [books].”
When you make a habit of learning, you’re investing in yourself. Whether it’s reading books, taking courses, or just staying curious, knowledge compounds over time, adding value to every decision you make.
7) Ignoring feedback
Feedback is a powerful tool for growth and improvement. Ignoring or dismissing it can seriously hinder your progress toward success.
It’s natural to feel defensive when someone critiques your work or points out an area where you could improve. But remember, feedback isn’t a personal attack. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow.
Whether it’s positive or negative, feedback provides valuable insights into how others perceive your work. It highlights areas of strength and pinpoints where you could do better.
Final thoughts: The journey to success
Success isn’t just about adding new habits; it’s also about letting go of the ones that hold you back.
By shedding these negative habits, you’re creating space for growth, learning, and real progress. So take a moment to reflect—what are you willing to leave behind to make room for a better future?
Remember, the path to success starts with the choices you make today. Make them count.
