Ever feel like life’s a game where you’re stuck on the same level, replaying the same frustrating challenges?
If you’re looking for the cheat code to start leveling up, here’s a hint: sometimes it’s not about what you’re doing—it’s about what you stop doing.
Think of it like clearing out an old, cluttered closet. Once you ditch what’s weighing you down, there’s suddenly room for new, better things to flow in.
The truth is, certain habits and mindsets can keep us stuck in “almost-there” mode, no matter how hard we try to move forward.
The good news?
You can drop these behaviors and make space for the wins you’ve been chasing.
In this article, we’ll break down seven specific things that might be holding you back more than you realize.
Say goodbye to these, and you just might unlock a version of yourself that’s ready to crush it in life!
1) Stop avoiding discomfort
Nobody enjoys feeling uncomfortable. It’s human nature to seek comfort and avoid discomfort.
However, growth doesn’t come from staying in your comfort zone. It comes from stepping out of it, from facing challenges head-on, from embracing the unknown.
Think about it.
The most significant growths in your life probably came from times when you felt the most uncomfortable, didn’t they?
- That new job you were terrified to accept
- That public speaking engagement that made your palms sweat
- That difficult conversation you were dreading to have
They were all uncomfortable, yes. But they also led to growth, right?
Learning to be comfortable in the uncomfortable is crucial if you want to start winning in life.
2) Ditch the procrastination
Okay, let me share a little secret with you.
I used to be a master procrastinator. I’d put off tasks until the very last minute, convincing myself that I work best under pressure.
But here’s what I’ve learned.
Procrastination isn’t about working best under pressure. It’s about avoiding tasks that seem overwhelming or difficult. And that’s not a winning strategy.
Let me give you an example.
A few years back, I had a project that I kept putting off because it seemed too daunting.
The deadline was looming, and instead of tackling it head-on, I found myself doing everything but the project. The result?
- A rushed job
- Lost sleep
- Unnecessary stress
After this experience, I decided to change things up.
I started breaking down tasks into manageable chunks and tackling them one at a time.
Not only did this make the tasks less intimidating, but it also gave me a sense of accomplishment each time I completed a chunk.
Life became a lot less stressful and a lot more productive.
3) Stop playing the victim
We’ve all been there. Something goes wrong, and the first instinct is to point fingers. “It’s not my fault,” we say. “I’m just unlucky.”
Sound familiar?
Well, here’s a hard pill to swallow.
Playing the victim might feel good in the moment, but it gets you nowhere in the long run.
It’s a trap that keeps you stuck, preventing you from taking control of your life and making necessary changes.
Let me put it this way.
Life isn’t always fair. Things go wrong. Plans fall apart. However, how you respond to these setbacks is what truly matters.
Remember, you’re not a victim of your circumstances. You’re the author of your own life story. So, start writing a story you’re proud of.
4) Quit the comparison game
Comparison is something we all do, often without even realizing it.
We compare ourselves to others. We compare our successes and failures, our looks, our jobs, our lives.
But here’s the harsh truth: comparison is the thief of joy.
Every time you compare yourself to someone else, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. You’re focusing on what you lack, instead of appreciating what you have.
What’s more, you’re comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. It’s not a fair comparison, and it’s not a productive one either.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, start comparing yourself to who you were yesterday.
5) Say no to negativity
Negativity. It’s like a dark cloud that follows you around, raining on your parade.
But here’s something you might not know.
Our brains are wired to pay more attention to negative experiences over positive ones. It’s a survival mechanism that helped our ancestors avoid danger.
But in today’s world, it often does more harm than good.
Negativity breeds more negativity. It affects:
- Your mood
- Y our outlook on life
- Your physical health
Chronic negativity can lead to stress, which is a risk factor for heart disease and other health problems.
So, what can we do about it?
Start by becoming more aware of your thoughts.
When you catch yourself falling into a negative thought pattern, challenge it. Ask yourself if there’s a more positive or realistic way to view the situation.
Positivity isn’t about ignoring life’s difficulties. It’s about approaching them with a constructive attitude.
6) Let go of perfectionism
Perfectionism. It can be a real buzzkill.
It’s that nagging voice in your head that says, “It’s not good enough. You’re not good enough.” And it can stop you from:
- Starting projects
- Finishing tasks
- Enjoying your achievements
It’s important to understand that nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes. We all have flaws. And that’s okay.
Mistakes and flaws aren’t signs of failure. They’re signs of being human. They’re opportunities to learn, grow, and become better.
Give yourself permission to be imperfect. Embrace your mistakes and learn from them.
Be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned.
7) Stop fearing failure
Failure. It’s a word that sends shivers down our spine. It’s something we’re taught to avoid at all costs.
But here’s the thing.
Failure is not the enemy. Fear of failure is.
Fear of failure can hold you back from:
- Taking risks
- Trying new things
- Reaching your full potential
It can keep you stuck in your comfort zone, afraid to step out and chase your dreams.
Embrace failure. See it as a stepping stone to success, not a roadblock.
Each failure brings you one step closer to your goals. It teaches you what works and what doesn’t, helping you grow and improve.
The final thought
Winning at life isn’t just about adding new skills or taking on more goals—it’s also about letting go of the habits that quietly hold you back. By saying goodbye to these seven behaviors, you’re not just clearing space; you’re building a mindset that’s primed for real progress.
As you let go, take a moment to appreciate the shift. Notice how much lighter it feels to navigate life without these hidden roadblocks.
With every behavior you drop, you’re paving the way for stronger habits, a clearer mindset, and genuine success.
So here’s to winning on your terms, with less baggage and more freedom to reach your full potential.
Now, go out there and make it happen!
