If you want to excel in life, say goodbye to these 9 behaviors

There’s a fine line between habits that help us and those that hinder us. Sometimes, the very things we do out of habit are the shackles that prevent us from soaring to our full potential.

If you’re aiming to excel in life, waving goodbye to certain behaviors is not just necessary, it’s pivotal. It’s a challenging journey, but the rewards are immeasurable.

In this article, I’m going to guide you through 9 behaviors that you need to shed if you want to move forward and live your best life.

It all boils down to making choices that foster growth and progress.

Let’s get started. 

1) Procrastination

If there’s one behaviour that’s a universal detriment to success, it’s procrastination.

You see, we all have the same 24 hours in a day. But how we use those hours makes all the difference.

Procrastination is like a credit card: it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill. The more you procrastinate, the more your workload piles up, and the harder it gets to get started.

And here’s the thing about procrastination – it’s often a symptom of something deeper. Maybe it’s fear of failure, or perfectionism, or lack of motivation.

But whatever the reason is, if you want to excel in life, it’s time to say goodbye to procrastination.

Kickstart your productivity by breaking down big tasks into manageable chunks, setting deadlines, and rewarding yourself for progress.

Delayed work is not only stressful but also compromises on quality.

2) Fear of Taking Risks

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my journey, it’s that life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

I remember a time when I was offered an opportunity to lead a project in my previous job. It was a big step up, and to be honest, it scared me. The thought of taking on more responsibility, the possibility of failure – all these fears clouded my judgment.

But then, I realized that if I didn’t take the risk, I would never know what I was capable of. I would never grow or learn or achieve anything beyond my current position.

So, I took the leap. And yes, it was challenging. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, and I had to pick myself up and try again. But guess what? That experience taught me more than any job before.

It taught me that taking risks is essential if you want to excel in life. It’s okay to feel scared. It’s okay to fail. What’s not okay is to let fear hold you back from reaching your potential.

If you want to excel in life, say goodbye to your fear of taking risks. Embrace new opportunities, step out of your comfort zone, and watch how far you can go.

3) Negativity

If you want to excel in life, it’s time to say goodbye to negativity.

We’ve all heard that phrase “positive vibes only”. Turns out, there’s a lot of science behind it.

Studies have shown that positive thinking can lead to a wide range of health benefits, from increased life span and lower rates of depression, to better coping skills during hardships and times of stress.

Negativity, on the other hand, can block your progress and keep you from reaching your goals. It can cloud your judgment, reduce your motivation, and make you feel stuck.

So if you want to excel in life, it’s time to let go of negativity. Start cultivating a positive mindset. Surround yourself with positive influences. Practice gratitude.

Your mindset is a powerful tool. Use it to your advantage and watch how your life changes for the better.

4) Living in the Past

Excelling in life requires us to be forward-thinking, to learn from the past but not to live in it.

We all have our share of past experiences, regrets, and “what ifs”. While these experiences shape who we are and can provide valuable lessons, dwelling on them can hinder our progress.

Living in the past means you’re not fully present or preparing for your future. It might mean you’re holding onto old grudges, failures, or missed opportunities.

But here’s the reality – we can’t change what has already happened.

If you want to excel in life, it’s time to say goodbye to living in the past. Start embracing the present moment and planning for the future.

Let go of past disappointments and focus on what you can do now to make a positive change.

The future is a blank canvas – it’s up to you to decide what you want to paint on it.

5) Overthinking

Overthinking is a trap that many of us fall into. It’s when we replay conversations in our head, second guess our decisions, and worry excessively about the future.

While it’s good to think things through, there’s a difference between careful consideration and overthinking.

Overthinking can lead to analysis paralysis – where you’re stuck in a loop of endless thinking and unable to take action. It can cause unnecessary stress, anxiety, and prevent us from moving forward.

If you want to excel in life, it’s time to say goodbye to overthinking.

Start practicing mindfulness, focusing on the present moment without judgment. Learn to trust your intuition and make decisions without endlessly debating pros and cons.

Not everything needs to be perfect; sometimes good enough is just fine.

6) Not Valuing Yourself

One of the most significant barriers to excelling in life is not valuing yourself.

You are unique, with your own talents, skills, and experiences. You have worth, and you deserve respect and kindness – from others, and more importantly, from yourself.

Unfortunately, many of us struggle with self-doubt and low self-esteem. We undervalue ourselves and our contributions. We settle for less than we deserve.

But here’s the truth: You are enough. Just as you are. And until you believe that, truly believe it, you’ll always be holding yourself back.

So if you want to excel in life, it’s time to say goodbye to not valuing yourself.

Start acknowledging your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Celebrate your strengths instead of focusing on your weaknesses. Practice self-love and self-care.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Value yourself and watch how your life changes for the better.

7) Avoiding Difficult Conversations

There was a time in my life when I would do anything to avoid a difficult conversation. I’d keep my feelings to myself, even when something was bothering me, just to avoid potential conflict.

But over time, I realized that this behavior wasn’t doing me any favors. In fact, it was doing the exact opposite. My relationships suffered because I wasn’t being honest about my feelings, and I was carrying around unnecessary stress and resentment.

Avoiding difficult conversations is like sweeping dust under the rug. It might make things look clean on the surface, but the dust is still there, and it’s going to pile up over time.

If you want to excel in life, it’s time to say goodbye to avoiding difficult conversations.

Start expressing your feelings honestly and respectfully. Stand up for yourself when necessary.

It’s not about confrontation; it’s about open and honest communication.

Say goodbye to avoidance, and say hello to healthier relationships and a more authentic you.

8) Being a People Pleaser

Being kind and accommodating is one thing, but constantly trying to please others at the expense of your own needs is another.

People-pleasing can lead to a loss of personal identity, constant stress, and even burnout. It can prevent you from standing up for what you believe in and keep you from achieving your own goals.

If you want to excel in life, it’s time to say goodbye to being a people pleaser.

Start setting healthy boundaries and learn to say no when necessary. Remember, your worth is not dependent on how much you do for others.

You have the right to prioritize your own needs and live life on your own terms.

9) Fear of Failure

The fear of failure can be paralyzing. It can keep you from trying new things, taking risks, or pursuing your dreams.

It’s a barrier that can keep you stuck in your comfort zone, never truly reaching your potential.

But here’s the thing: failure is not the opposite of success. It’s a part of it. Every time you fail, you learn. You grow. You become better prepared for the next challenge.

If you want to excel in life, it’s time to say goodbye to the fear of failure.

Start viewing failure as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback.

Every successful person has faced failure at some point. It’s not about how many times you fall; it’s about how many times you pick yourself up and keep going.

Final Thoughts

The journey towards personal growth is an intricate dance with our habits and behaviors.

As Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

The 9 behaviors we’ve explored are by no means exhaustive. But saying goodbye to them can be a significant leap towards a more fulfilling life.

Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and consistent effort. But the payoff – a life of purpose, achievement, and self-satisfaction – is undoubtedly worth it.

As you reflect on these behaviors, consider which ones resonate with you most. Which ones have been holding you back? And more importantly, how can you start to let them go?

Remember, the power to excel in life lies within you. It begins with saying goodbye to what doesn’t serve you and embracing the habits that propel you forward.

Here’s to your journey towards excellence.