9 subtle habits you don’t realize are making you a worse-quality human being

In the grand scheme of life, we all aspire to be better versions of ourselves. But what if I told you some of your subtle habits might be holding you back?

It’s a bitter truth that most of us don’t realize how our seemingly innocuous daily habits can gradually erode our quality as human beings.

Trust me, I’ve been there, unknowingly repeating patterns that were ultimately holding me back from being the person I wanted to be.

But the good news is, once you’re aware of these habits, you can actively work on eliminating them and become a better-quality human being.

 Brace yourself for some eye-opening revelations and let’s start the journey towards self-improvement together.

1) You’re constantly comparing yourself to others

Navigating through life, we’re often caught in the trap of comparison.

And let’s face it: it’s a habit most of us are guilty of.

The problem arises when this becomes a constant, subconscious behavior. Unknowingly, we start measuring our worth based on others’ achievements or possessions.

But here’s the catch.

Constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and can even undermine our self-confidence. It subtly chips away at our self-esteem, making us a worse-quality human being than we aspire to be.

Remember, everyone is on a unique journey with different timelines and milestones. Comparing your chapter two to someone else’s chapter twenty isn’t fair to you or them.

This habit of constant comparison? It needs to be checked. And if you find yourself falling into this trap regularly, it’s time to be conscious of it and work towards breaking free.

2) You’re overly critical of yourself

Now let’s talk about another habit that can be quite damaging: being overly critical of yourself.

Ever heard of the term ‘self-handicapping’? It’s a psychological concept that refers to the process where we undermine our own performance and potential to avoid feeling bad about ourselves in case we fail.

Sounds familiar, right?

We all have those moments where we tend to belittle our achievements and magnify our mistakes. We set unrealistic expectations and then beat ourselves up when we don’t meet them.

But guess what? This habit doesn’t only affect our self-esteem, but also our motivation, resilience, and overall wellbeing.

Being overly critical can hold us back from trying new things, taking risks, and reaching our full potential. It’s a subtle habit, but one with significant implications.

The key here is not to avoid self-criticism completely, but to practice constructive criticism. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes, they’re stepping stones towards learning and growth.

3) You’re always seeking perfection

Building on the previous point, another subtle habit that can make us a worse-quality human being is the constant pursuit of perfection.

Surprised?

Many of us are brought up to believe that striving for perfection is a virtue. That it’s synonymous with success. But in reality, it can be quite the opposite.

Perfectionism can lead to procrastination, stress, and even burnout. It’s an endless chase, because let’s face it, nothing is ever perfect.

In our quest for perfection, we often overlook the beauty of progress and growth. We miss out on the joy of learning from our mistakes and celebrating small victories.

Moreover, perfectionism can affect our relationships too. It can lead us to set unreasonable expectations of others, causing unnecessary strain and conflict.

So while it may seem counter-intuitive, letting go of the need to be perfect can actually make us better human beings. It allows us to be more flexible, resilient, and appreciative of life’s imperfections.

4) You’re resistant to change

Ever find yourself feeling uncomfortable at the thought of change?

It’s a common sentiment. We’re creatures of habit and routine. But being resistant to change can limit our growth and potential.

Life is a constant cycle of change, and being adaptable is a crucial skill for survival and success. Those who resist change often find themselves stuck in a rut, unable to move forward.

This resistance can come from fear of the unknown, comfort in familiarity, or even lack of confidence in our capabilities. But whatever the source, it’s a habit that slowly makes us a worse-quality human being.

By embracing change instead of resisting it, we open ourselves up to new opportunities, experiences, and learnings. It’s about stepping out of our comfort zones and growing into better versions of ourselves.

5) You’re not investing in self-care

In the hustle and bustle of life, self-care often takes a backseat. But have you ever considered the impact of this on your wellbeing?

Neglecting self-care isn’t just about skipping your skincare routine or missing out on your daily workout. It’s about ignoring your body’s signals, prioritizing everything else over your health, and not allowing yourself to rest and rejuvenate.

Here are some ways we often neglect self-care:

• Skipping meals or eating unhealthy food regularly.
• Compromising on sleep to get more work done.
• Ignoring signs of stress or burnout.
• Not taking time out for hobbies or relaxation.

This habit can lead to physical health issues, mental exhaustion, and overall decrease in quality of life. Being a high-quality human being means taking care of ourselves, physically and mentally.

So, if you’re constantly putting self-care at the bottom of your priority list, it’s time to reconsider.

6) You’re constantly in the fast lane

I get it. We live in a world that’s always on the go.

We’re constantly juggling multiple tasks, trying to beat deadlines, and rushing through our days. It’s like we’re always in a race, but do we ever stop and wonder what we’re racing towards?

Here’s the thing: being in the fast lane all the time can make us miss out on the beauty of the present moment.

I’ve been there – always planning, always rushing, always thinking about the next thing on my checklist. But over time, I’ve realized that this habit prevented me from truly enjoying my life and appreciating what I had.

Slowing down isn’t about being lazy or unproductive. It’s about taking the time to truly engage with our experiences, to connect with others, and to savor the journey instead of just focusing on the destination.

Let’s face it: life isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. And if we’re constantly rushing through it, we’re not just making ourselves worse-quality human beings, we’re also missing out on the essence of life itself.

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7) You’re not listening actively

Picture this: you’re in a conversation with someone. They’re sharing a story or expressing their feelings, but instead of truly listening, you’re busy formulating your response in your head.

Sound familiar?

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves listening to reply, not to understand. We’re so eager to share our thoughts or advice that we end up neglecting the other person’s need to be heard.

But what does this habit say about us as human beings? Are we truly connecting with others, or are we just waiting for our turn to speak?

Active listening is more than just hearing the words someone is saying. It’s about understanding their perspective, empathizing with their emotions, and validating their experiences.

8) You’re not expressing gratitude regularly

This might seem like a small thing, but it’s a habit that can significantly impact our quality as human beings.

I remember a period in my life where I was going through a difficult time. Everything seemed to be going wrong, and I found myself constantly focused on the negatives. Until one day, a friend suggested I start keeping a gratitude journal.

At first, I was skeptical. How could writing down things I’m thankful for change anything? But I decided to give it a try. And to my surprise, it made a world of difference.

Expressing gratitude regularly helped shift my focus from what was going wrong to appreciating what was right in my life. It made me more resilient, optimistic, and overall happier.

And it’s not just about writing in a journal. Expressing gratitude can be as simple as saying ‘thank you’ more often, appreciating the little joys of life, or acknowledging the efforts of those around us.

Neglecting to express gratitude can make us take things for granted and prevent us from fully appreciating our lives. So if you find yourself constantly complaining or focusing on the negatives, perhaps it’s time to cultivate the habit of gratitude.

9) You’re not setting boundaries

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a habit that can severely impact our quality as human beings is not setting boundaries.

Setting boundaries isn’t about being selfish or rude. It’s about respecting our own time, energy, and space. It’s about understanding that we can’t pour from an empty cup and that it’s perfectly okay to say ‘no’ when we need to.

Often, we fear setting boundaries because we don’t want to disappoint others. But in the process, we end up depleting our own resources and compromising our wellbeing.

Remember, being a better-quality human being doesn’t mean always putting others first at the expense of our own needs. It’s about finding a balance between taking care of ourselves and caring for others.

Are you ready to break these habits?

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article. From the trap of constant comparison to the importance of setting boundaries, these subtle habits can significantly impact our quality as human beings.

But acknowledging these habits is just the first step. The real challenge lies in breaking them and replacing them with healthier alternatives. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start by identifying your triggers: What situations or emotions drive you towards these habits?
• Replace negative habits with positive ones: For example, instead of constantly comparing yourself to others, practice self-compassion and gratitude.
• Be patient with yourself: Breaking habits takes time and effort. Celebrate small victories and don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up occasionally.

Remember, being a better-quality human being isn’t about being perfect. It’s about striving for progress, not perfection. It’s about recognizing our flaws and working towards improving ourselves, one day at a time.

So as we come to the end of this article, I invite you to reflect on these habits. Are there any that resonate with you? And more importantly, are you ready to make the necessary changes to become a better version of yourself?

The journey might be challenging, but I assure you, it’s worth it.