Bad habits are like slow poisons killing you slowly and you don’t realize it until you hit the rock bottom. Bad habits are hard to break — if not impossible! The sooner you know and try to stay away from bad habits the better you can be at work, life and relationships.
Good habits are hard to develop but easy to live with; bad habits are easy to develop but hard to live with. The habits you have and the habits that have you will determine almost everything you achieve or fail to achieve. — Brian Tracy
If you want to become the person you always wanted to be, then here is a list of bad habits that you need to get rid of as soon as possible. If you don’t have any of these habits, then kudos to you! But, make sure you never develop them.
Waiting for the right time
Chuck it! There is nothing called the right time! If nothing seems right then make the time right!
If you have decided to start blogging, then this very moment is the right time for you.
What are you waiting for? Excuses? Resources? Hurdles?
“Do not wait: the time will never be ‘just right’. Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command and better tools will be found as you go along.”― Napoleon Hill
I think the above quote sums up everything.
Get started now!
Using cell phones in bed
Using smartphones, laptops, and tablets before bed is a bad habit and can mess up your sleep. The Short-wavelength blue light emitted from these devices can halt the production of melatonin — the sleep-inducing hormone. Hence, you remain alert till late night, disturbing your circadian rhythm. Over time it may lead to insomnia. And morning sleepiness can screw your productivity.
The simple solution is to wrap your work at least one hour before sleep and switch off your phone — so that multiple social media notifications don’t wake you up.
Saying YES – A very Bad Habit
“YES MAN” will end up with stress, guilt, and unhappiness! How can you say yes to everything? Can you attend movies, parties, and holiday trips all the time? What about your priorities? How long can you sit and enjoy with people you don’t like? Can you be happy doing an extra shift without pay? Start saying “NO” and focus on little tasks that needs attention like personalizing your home to be happy.
Comparing yourself to others
Did you ever get pleasure comparing your career, looks, spouse, salary, and wealth to others? All you get is envy and frustration! No peace. Agree? Don’t seek validation! If you are getting pleasure and satisfaction from your work, then you are on the right path. If everyone has to become Einstein who will become an actor, doctor, or comedian? Everyone has a unique story that is the source of their creativity, power, and personality!
“Comparison is an act of violence against the self.” Iyanla Vanzant
Being Late
Stop going to bed late and hitting that snooze button in the morning! It doesn’t provide you with a sound sleep. Right? You wake up late, skip breakfast, and get in the bad books of people at work or events. How many times will you say sorry? That’s the worst way to start your day because you are going to be unproductive and disorganised throughout the day. And, then sleep at night with “I am never good enough” thoughts.
Multi-tasking during meetings
Oh, it’s soooooo cool!!! Is that what you think?
Isn’t it rude to talk over the phone with your spouse while you are in the middle of a new business deal? Or checking a smartphone while you are on a date?
Not only does multitasking create a bad impression, but signals you are more important to you than anything or anyone else. Also, more tasks mean more mistakes. Multitasking shrinks your brain and lowers your IQ and reduces productivity by 40%.
Multitasking is one of the bad habits that if you quit will take your productivity and efficiency to the next level.
Get More Done–One Thing at a Time.
Poor money management
Do you know the unexpected effects of ignoring financial health? Lavish spending and too many loans increase debt, lower savings. And, creates financial stress that is equivalent to symptoms of PTSD according to the new payoff study.
High-stress levels can increase the risk of heart attack by 25% besides influencing mood, appetite, job performance, relationships, and mental health. Seek financial advice! Live a better quality of life!
Being in toxic relationships
Do you have nasty neighbour getting on your nerves? Or a jealous coworker messing with your important projects? a friend who never appreciate you? Are you in a loveless relationship?
Well, toxic people are unavoidable! They are always there, everywhere!
There are two choices: Either waste your energy thinking about them all the time or focus on positive people in your life.
The good news is being with positive and grateful people have myriad benefits including –
low stress, improved psychological and physical wellbeing, personal and professional growth, high confidence, and an increase in happiness.
Poor stress management
Most of us ignore stress until it starts interfering with our day-to-day activities. Some common symptoms are –
- Inability to concentrate
- Poor judgement
- Aches and pains
- Irritability/anger
- Nervous habits like nail biting
- Loss of sex drive
If left unaddressed stress can cause serious health physical health problems (like heart disease, and stroke), mental health problems (such as depression, and anxiety), and psychological problems.
Find out what is stressful for you and work on it!
Some daily rituals that most successful people in the world do on a daily basis to de-stress themselves are –
- Set up boundaries
- Engage in meditation, yoga, reflective journaling, relaxation exercises, reading books
- Work according to their to-do list
- Achieve set goals
- Good sleep
- Spend time with loved ones
- Play sports or indulge in active hobbies like fishing
Sedentary behaviour
Binge-watching Netflix, spending more than 8–10 hours sitting, playing video games, eating fast food, lying down on the bed to read or write are all examples of sedentary behaviour.
Physical inactivity is a global public health problem and a leading cause of death according to the World Health Organization.
Stop being a couch potato.
How to fix a sedentary lifestyle?
Prepare your own meals instead of buying fast food and add more fruits and vegetables to your diet
Brisk walking — “Thirty minutes a day is where we see great health benefits,” says Rick Richey, a master instructor with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
You can also:
- Run 30 minutes daily
- Use stairs more than the elevator
- Take breaks between work
- Stand more
- Spend more time doing household chores
- Walk while talking over the phone
Conclusion
Breaking free from bad habits is a journey fraught with challenges and setbacks, but it’s a journey worth embarking on. By identifying and addressing these ten common pitfalls, you can take proactive steps towards a happier, healthier life.
Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience, perseverance, and a little self-compassion, you can overcome even the most ingrained habits. So, take the first step today towards a better tomorrow, one habit at a time.