Life is precious, yet it’s so easy to get swept up in routines that we forget to actually live, and sometimes our habits hold us back in ways we don’t even realise. If any of these behaviours sound familiar, it might be time to make some changes – for yourself, and for the life you truly deserve—so take note of how many of these 20 things you’re doing.
Overworking Yourself Constantly
If your work consumes every waking hour, it might feel like you’re being productive, but at what cost? Living to work leaves little room for life’s simplest pleasures, like spending time with family, enjoying a meal without distractions, or just taking a breather—success shouldn’t come at the expense of your health, after all.
Saying Yes to Everything
People who care about you will understand if you say no, and you’ll find you have more energy to give when you focus on what really matters to you. Protecting your time and energy is not selfish, it’s necessary, even though it might feel easier to agree to every request than to risk disappointing someone.
Not Taking Care of Your Health
Your body works hard to support you every day, and it deserves to be cared for. Simple changes like prioritising nutritious meals, getting regular check-ups, and moving your body can make a world of difference, and when you feel good physically, it’s so much easier to enjoy everything else in life.
Living in the Past
We all have memories we cling to—whether they’re regrets, mistakes, or even the “good old days”—but staying stuck in the past means you’re missing out on the present. Life moves forward, and so should you, and dwelling on what’s already happened doesn’t change it.
Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparing yourself to someone else is like judging a book by its cover: it’s not fair, and it’s not helpful, while your journey is uniquely yours, with its own pace and purpose. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparison, especially with social media constantly showing us curated highlights of other people’s lives, but the truth is, you’re only seeing their best moments.
Avoiding Risks
Life without risks can feel comfortable, but it’s often unfulfilling, and while avoiding risks might protect you from failure, it also keeps you from achieving your biggest dreams. Trying something new, taking a leap of faith, or stepping outside your comfort zone can be scary, but it’s also where the magic happens.
Holding Onto Grudges
Are you carrying a grudge that feels like holding a heavy weight, dragging you down? When you dwell on resentment or anger, it takes up valuable emotional energy that could be spent on happiness and growth instead, so just remember that forgiving someone doesn’t mean you condone their actions, it just means you’re healing yourself.
Overloading Your Schedule
Those unscheduled moments often bring the most unexpected joy in life, yet they could be missed if you’re overfilling your calendar and being constantly on the go. You’re leaving little room for the things that make life rich, like spontaneity, creativity, and moments of reflection.
Leaving Relationships On the Backburner
It’s easy to assume that the people in your life will always be there, but relationships need care and attention to thrive; don’t wait for a special occasion to reach out, show your loved ones you care with small, everyday gestures.
Things like a heartfelt conversation or just being fully present when you’re together strengthen bonds.
Chasing Perfection
What if you stopped aiming for perfect and started embracing “good enough”? Life is messy and unpredictable, but that’s what makes it beautiful when you let go of unrealistic standards, and you create space for creativity, authenticity, and joy, as well as accepting your flaws.
Avoiding Alone Time
For some people, it can feel strange to sit alone with your thoughts, but don’t shy away from spending time in solitude to truly understand yourself. Spending time alone isn’t lonely, it’s a chance to reconnect with your inner world, and when you allow yourself quiet moments, you gain clarity about your goals.
Ignoring Your Passions
Whether it’s painting, playing music, travelling, or something else entirely, your passions are what make life exciting and meaningful, therefore ignoring your passions means denying a part of yourself. No matter how busy you are, find time to nurture the hobbies and interests that bring you joy.
Dwelling on “What Ifs”
Wondering whether you should have made a different choice, or taken a different path, keeps you trapped in regret and second-guessing, preventing you from seeing all the opportunities in front of you. The truth is, you can’t change the past, but you can shape your future.
Overindulging in Technology
We know that technology is amazing, but it can also take over your life if you’re not careful, so you should question whether you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching TV for hours. It might be time for a digital detox, as spending too much time online disconnects you from the real world.
Refusing to Ask for Help
Life isn’t meant to be a solo journey, so don’t be afraid to reach out when you need a hand, and while asking for help can feel uncomfortable, struggling alone doesn’t make you stronger—it just makes things harder. Leaning on others when you need support is a sign of wisdom, not weakness, and your friends, family, and even professionals are there to help.
Letting Fear Dictate Choices
Fear has a way of sneaking in and whispering all the reasons why you shouldn’t take a chance; it tells you to play it safe, to avoid rejection or failure. When you start making choices based on what you want, rather than what you’re afraid of, life becomes so much bigger and brighter, so trust yourself and take that leap.
Prioritising Material Things
Rarely leading to lasting happiness, the thrill of a new gadget or fancy car fades quickly, leaving you searching for the next thing. Remember, what truly enriches life are the moments, experiences, and relationships that money can’t buy, therefore invest in making memories instead.
Ignoring Your Mental Health
A healthy mind is the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life, and there’s no shame in prioritising your mental well-being because it’s one of the most compassionate things you can do for yourself. Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it’s often overlooked.
Surrounding Yourself with Toxic People
When you surround yourself with toxic people, you allow negativity, drama, and unhealthy behaviors to seep into your life, and toxic relationships—whether with friends, family, or colleagues—drain your emotional energy. You’ll find that they hinder your growth, and prevent you from living life fully, which is why it’s important to cut them out.
Forgetting to Have Fun
Fun isn’t just for kids, it’s a vital part of life at any age, so if you’ve convinced yourself that you’re too busy or too serious for fun, you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest joys. Laughter, play, and silliness aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities—so dance like no one’s watching.