If you’re tired of feeling behind in life, say goodbye to these 5 habits

Ever feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up in life?

I know the feeling. It’s frustrating to see others moving forward while you’re stuck in the same place.

Over time, however, I’ve come to realize that it’s often less about what we’re doing and more about the habits we’ve let take root. We all have routines and behaviors that seem harmless but might be secretly holding us back.

The good news? Once you’re aware of them, you can start making changes that will shift things in the right direction.

Today, we’re breaking down five habits that could keep you stuck.

Ready to take control? Let’s dive in.

1) Procrastination

We’ve all been guilty of this. Procrastination, the habit of putting off tasks until the last minute, is a common human behavior.

But here’s the thing: Procrastination can make you feel constantly behind in life. Because when you put off tasks, they pile up. And before you know it, you’re overwhelmed with work that should have been done a while ago.

It’s no wonder researchers have found that procrastination is linked to stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression.

Getting rid of this habit isn’t easy, but it’s one of the first steps towards feeling less behind in life. So, how can you break free from this cycle?

Here are a few tips:

• Break tasks into smaller steps: Large tasks can feel intimidating, so break them down into manageable parts. Completing even one small step can create momentum.
• Set specific deadlines: Self-imposed deadlines can provide structure and a sense of urgency, preventing tasks from lingering indefinitely.
• Use the 5-minute rule: Commit to working on a task for just five minutes. Often, the hardest part is starting, and once you get going, you’ll feel motivated to continue.
• Eliminate distractions: Identify and remove distractions, whether it’s your phone, social media, or background noise, to help you stay focused.
• Reward yourself: After completing a task or hitting a milestone, treat yourself with a small reward to reinforce the habit of getting things done.

With these strategies, you’ll be on your way to conquering procrastination—and finally getting ahead.

2) Self-doubt

I’ve battled this one personally. Self-doubt, the constant questioning of one’s abilities and worth can be a major roadblock in our path to progress.

Once, I was offered a fantastic opportunity to lead a project at work. But the voice in my head kept saying, “You can’t do this. You’re not ready.” I almost turned down the opportunity because of my self-doubt.

But then I realized, the doubt wasn’t coming from any factual basis – it was just fear talking. So, I decided to take up the project anyway. And guess what? It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.

The point is if you’re always doubting yourself, you’ll always feel like you’re not good enough, like you’re behind everyone else. You’re more capable than you think!

3) Neglecting self-care

Ever wonder why some days feel like you’re running on empty, no matter how much effort you put in?

As noted by the folks at Psych Central, neglecting self-care is linked to a host of issues that can make you feel like you’re falling behind in life—low energy, feelings of hopelessness, and even reduced performance at work. But what exactly is self-care?

Well, for me, self-care looks like a mix of physical activity, a quiet morning routine, and setting aside time for hobbies I love.

For you, it could be anything from taking a walk in nature, reading a good book, or simply getting enough rest.

The key is to prioritize it like any other commitment—scheduling it in so it doesn’t get lost in the whirlwind of daily responsibilities. When you make time for self-care, you’re not only recharging your energy but also setting yourself up for greater productivity and mental clarity.

So, ask yourself: when was the last time you truly took care of yourself? It could be the missing piece that helps you finally feel like you’re keeping up.

4) Overcommitting

In an effort to please everyone, we often say yes to more than we can handle. Overcommitting can leave you feeling constantly overwhelmed and behind in life.

Saying yes to everything isn’t a badge of honor. In fact, it can lead to burnout and reduce the quality of your work. It’s important to understand your limits and learn to say no when necessary.

As so well put by bestselling author Greg McKeown, “Remember that if you don’t prioritize your life someone else will.”

By focusing on fewer tasks and doing them well, you can manage your time better and feel more in control of your life. So, remember, it’s okay to say no sometimes – it might just be the lifeline you need.

5) Comparing yourself to others

This is a habit that drains joy from life. Constantly measuring your progress against others can leave you feeling perpetually behind.

Each one of us is on a unique journey with different timelines, experiences, and paths.

Comparing your chapter two with someone else’s chapter twenty isn’t fair – to you or to them.

Life isn’t a race. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself. As advised by clinical psychologist, Jordan Peterson, “Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today”

So, focus on your own growth and celebrate your victories, no matter how small they may seem. It’s time to break free from the habit of comparison and start embracing your own journey.

Final thoughts: It’s all about change

Whether it’s procrastination, self-doubt, neglecting self-care, overcommitting, or comparing yourself to others, each of these habits has a sneaky way of slowing down our progress and making life feel like a race we’re never winning.

The first step is recognizing the habits that are holding you back. From there, you can begin to make small, intentional shifts that will move you forward, one step at a time.

Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort, you’ll soon notice the changes. Start today—let go of these habits, and give yourself the space and freedom to grow. After all, life is about moving forward at your own pace, not trying to keep up with someone else’s.

You’ve got this!