Last Updated on January 7, 2025 by Angela Vaz
Have you ever felt like life is slipping through your fingers, and you’re not quite sure why?
I’ve been there, wondering why I wasn’t as happy, productive, or fulfilled as I wanted to be.
Over time, I realized it wasn’t the big, dramatic moments shaping my life but the small, seemingly innocent habits I carried out every day.
These habits can be so subtle that they feel harmless, but they can quietly take a toll over weeks, months, or even years.
Writing this post is deeply personal because I’ve wrestled with many of these habits.
By sharing my journey, I hope it resonates with you and helps you recognize the small ways you might be holding yourself back.
Together, let’s take a closer look and begin the change process.
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1. Always Saying Yes
For years, I thought saying yes to everything made me a good friend, and an all-around dependable person.
But what I didn’t realize was that every yes to someone else was often a no to myself.
I’d find myself overcommitted, stressed, and sometimes even resentful.
Learning to say no was one of the hardest lessons, but it taught me that my time and energy are valuable.
In this post, I talk about how to say no without feeling crappy.
You’re allowed to set boundaries, and it doesn’t make you any less kind or caring—it just means you’re being kind to yourself too.
Remember, every time you say no to something you don’t want to do, you’re saying yes to something you do want to do.
2. Neglecting sleep to be more productive
I used to wear my late nights like a badge of honor.
“I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” I’d joke, thinking that pushing myself harder was the only way to succeed.
And believe it or not, I often did it for seemingly “good habits” like reading or working.
But the truth is, sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
When I started prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule, everything changed—my energy levels, my mood, even my ability to focus.
It’s not always easy to put away the distractions and go to bed on time, but it’s one of the best gifts you can give to yourself.
It is the best way to allow your body to rest and recuperate so that you’re bright, energized and ready for the next day.
3. Multitasking Too Often
I used to think that multitasking was the ultimate productivity hack.
If I could answer emails while cooking dinner or listen to a podcast while working on a project, wasn’t I getting twice as much done?
The reality, though, was that I was spreading my attention too thin and not doing anything particularly well.
When I started focusing on one task at a time, not only did my work improve, but so did my sense of calm and accomplishment.
It’s okay to slow down and give your full attention to one thing—you’ll be amazed at the results.
Please remember that we are human – and we have only 1 brain and 2 hands.
It’s okay to take your time to do things.
Faster doesn’t always mean better.
4. Scrolling Mindlessly on Your Phone
I’d often tell myself I was just taking a quick break when I’d pick up my phone and start scrolling.
But what started as five minutes would turn into thirty, leaving me feeling drained and unproductive.
Social media can be a wonderful tool for connection, but it’s easy to let it take over.
It also slowly starts taking you down the route of comparison. And trust me, this is unhealthy.
You’re seeing the best 5 seconds of someone’s day – it starts to warp with your sense of reality.
Avoid social media – and note how your life starts becoming so much better.
Setting limits—like putting my phone in another room during work or using screen time apps—helped me regain control.
Now, I choose intentional breaks that refresh me, like a walk or a good book.
5. Postponing Self-Care
There was always tomorrow.
Tomorrow to start exercising.
Tomorrow to eat healthier.
Tomorrow to take that mental health day.
But tomorrow never seemed to come, and the cycle of neglect continued.
I’ve learned that self-care isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about the small, consistent acts that show yourself you matter.
Whether it’s setting aside ten minutes to meditate or simply drinking enough water, those little actions add up in ways you can’t imagine.
Just start small – and don’t try to do everything all at once.
Little steps.
6. Overthinking
Overthinking was my constant companion, especially at night when the world was quiet.
I’d replay conversations, worry about things out of my control, and imagine every possible outcome of every situation.
It’s exhausting and, frankly, paralyzing.
I also strongly recommend reading this book – it quite literally helped me stop overthinking overnight!
Another thing that helped me was practicing mindfulness and writing down my thoughts.
Sometimes, just seeing them on paper made them feel less overwhelming. Remember, not every thought deserves your full attention.
7. Not Drinking Enough Water
I can’t count how many afternoons I’d feel sluggish or develop a headache, only to realize I hadn’t had a single glass of water all day.
It’s difficult for some people because they rarely feel thirsty.
It’s such a simple thing, yet so easy to overlook.
Carrying a water bottle with me and setting reminders made all the difference. Staying hydrated isn’t just good for your body; it’s a way of saying, “I care about myself.”
8. Skipping Meals or Eating Junk
Life gets busy, and meals often feel like an afterthought.
For years, I relied on quick fixes—fast food, snacks, and sometimes I’d skip meals if I was videogaming.
But the truth is, how you fuel your body affects everything else in your life.
Once I started planning simple, balanced meals, I noticed a huge improvement in my energy and focus.
Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated; it just has to be consistent.
9. Avoiding Difficult Conversations
Conflict used to terrify me.
I’d avoid it at all costs, even if it meant letting problems fester.
But over time, I realized that avoiding hard conversations only made things worse.
Facing them head-on, with kindness and honesty, has strengthened my relationships in ways I never expected.
It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
Remember, addressing issues early can save you a lot of pain down the road.
10. Comparing Yourself to Others
I did this with my art and writing.
I’d scroll through social media and compare my art with others.
It took me a while to realize that I was comparing my beginning to someone else’s middle.
You don’t know what others are going through – you’re only seeing what they’re showing you.
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Your journey is uniquely yours, and no one else’s timeline matters.
Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and focus on what makes you happy.
11. Ignoring Your Passions
For a long time, I convinced myself that hobbies and passions were indulgent luxuries.
I stopped writing, drawing, and exploring things that lit me up when I was doing my engineering.
But I took a year after graduating to focus on what I wanted to do.
I still didn’t know. So, I tried different things.
While I freelanced, I kept reading about different skills and tried all sorts of ways to make money like graphic designing, blog designing, branding, and drawing.
Eventually, I realized I loved drawing and writing.
I now do so much of it every day and it gives me joy.
Even if I take time off, I do things I love like reading, building puzzles, and playing board games.
It’s like breathing fresh air.
Your passions aren’t just hobbies; they’re pieces of your soul.
Make time for them, no matter how busy life gets. You’ll feel more alive and grounded.
Conclusion
The beauty of habits is that they’re changeable.
The first step is awareness—recognizing what’s holding you back.
From there, take small steps to replace harmful habits with healthier ones.
Be patient with yourself; change takes time.
What about you?
Are there any habits you’ve realized were secretly sabotaging your life? I’d love to hear your stories and insights in the comments. Let’s support each other on this journey toward better habits and brighter lives.
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