11 Things Holding you Back

Happy Monday! It’s the perfect time to get motivated and evaluate things that may be holding you back. We’ve all fallen prey to negative thinking at one time or another. However, negative thinking can hold us back from achieving our goals. It can also block our happiness. There are a lot of things that could be holding you back from reaching optimal happiness, productivity and personal goals. Here are some things holding you back that you should start ditching:

1. Expecting Different Results while not changing anything.

It’s been said that, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” This couldn’t be more true. If you have been doing the same thing, sticking to the same routines and lifestyle – do not expect different results. Changing up our lifestyle and daily routine for the better can help us get closer to our goals.

2. “I’ll start tomorrow”

Procrastination is a big enemy that many of us face. Some of us, (including myself), have the tendency to say, “Well, I’ll start tomorrow”, or “I’ll get it done next week.” Procrastination is holding you back. START TODAY – START NOW! If you have a goal, begin taking the steps to achieve it. End the procrastination. Stop putting things off.

3. You Don’t Stick to Routines

Having routines and rituals is essential to achieving happiness and success. You need to establish routines and stay consistent. Sure, there is always room to be spontaneous, but on the regular day-to-day, you should have some kind of routine. Here are some routines & rituals to consider establishing:

• Morning Routine
• Nightly Routine
• Exercise Routine (set specific days/times to exercise).
• General Tasks to do Daily

4. You Allow Negative People/Energy into your Life

Staying positive can be nearly impossible if you are surrounding yourself with negative energy and/or negative people. There are lots of toxic people out there who sleep, eat and breathe negativity. Cut out those people. They are doing nothing to help you stay positive. Negativity is a huge monster that is holding you back from being the best YOU.

5. You Keep your Mind Closed

Be open-minded to trying new things and new methods. If you stay in the “same box”, you’ll likely discover nothing new. There are many ways to do a certain task, as well as many means of becoming happier and healthier. Don’t be afraid to change your thinking or ways of doing certain things. An open mind is a happy mind. 🙂 Be open to learning new things and taking on new challenges.

6. You’re Letting Yourself fall Victim to Time-Wasters

Do you spend a lot of time on your phone checking social media? Do you waste a lot of time on the couch watching TV? Time-wasters can hold us back from goals and they are one of the easiest things to fall victim to. Of course, having leisure time is great but consistently wasting time doing things that lead nowhere is holding you back from your goals. Here are some ideas:

• Limit TV time
• Monitor the amount of time you’re spending on your phone
• Make a list of all the things you do that aren’t helping you achieve your goals and learn to limit those distractions. 

7. Resentment/Grudges

Don’t be resentful of the success/lifestyle of others. Holding grudges does nothing but hurt YOU. Learn to forgive and forget. Don’t dwell on past wrong doings. Let it go.

8. Not Appreciating the Little Joys in Life

Sometimes we focus so hard on what we don’t have – we forget to be thankful for what we do have. Be appreciative of your health, the people in your life and the accomplishments you’ve already made. Also, enjoy the little things. So often we get caught up in the rush of life that we don’t stop to “smell the flowers.” Sounds cheesy, but it’s true. Admire the beauty in the sunset. Appreciate the smell of those freshly washed sheets. Treasure that text from an old friend. Not being appreciative of the little things will hold you back. Gratitude is key. 🙂

9. Self Doubt

This is a big one for a lot of people. They doubt themselves and their abilities. Improve your self confidence. Don’t doubt yourself and your abilities. Lacking self confidence and self esteem will hold you back from a lot. Here are some tips to help build self confidence.

10. Expecting Immediate Results

Great things take time. A lot of times, we expect instant results/gratification for completing small tasks. Remember that anything worth having takes time. Do not seek immediate results. Play the long game. Reward yourself for those small victories but don’t let your impatience and expectations hold you back from achieving a large goal. Again – great things take time!

11. Negative Thinking

The “inner critic” lives within us all but we can learn not to listen to it. Common phrases can include, “I’m not good enough”, “I’ll never get this finished”, or “This is just too hard for me.” Train yourself to think positive. Avoid the “inner critic”, or downright tell it to shut up. Don’t let negative self-talk consume you. Use affirmations and gratitude. 

In Closing:

We will all have setbacks in life and times when we feel crappy. Learn to let go of all the things holding you back. Keep positive people and energy in your life. Good Vibes are essential to living your best life and achieving your goals. Take steps and never stop pushing forward.