Everyone has a bad habit or two. All bad habits drag you down a bit, but there are some that you need to quit right away. These are the habits that are sabotaging your life and blocking your happiness and success.
Hanging Out With Naysayers
Being around people who are always complaining can drag you into their vortex of negativity. You know who these people are. They may be friends, family or coworkers, but they hate everything and always predict that things are going to turn out badly.
The danger to you is that all this complaining creates mental tape loops in your head that keep playing long after the other person is gone. Soon, you won’t need them to tell you how bad everything is; you will be telling yourself. Limiting your contact with naysayers helps you keep a positive outlook, so you can enjoy your life and pursue your goals with confidence.
Being With People Who Don’t Appreciate You
This one is tricky. These people often include your coworkers and family members, so you can’t just decide to avoid them. These are the people who talk over you at meetings, give condescending opinions about what you do, and never give you opportunities to use your strengths.
Staying away from people like this is the best option, but if you can’t do that, try to wash out their influence. Find people who do appreciate you, and spend time with them when you need your self-esteem bolstered. Social media has opened up an almost limitless array of communities, and at least one of them is going to think you’re amazing.
Watching Too Much TV
First there was broadcast TV with three channels. Then there was cable TV with dozens of channels. Now, with all the players entering the streaming market, there are so many great shows available that you could spend all day watching. The problem is that for every minute you’re watching TV, you’re not doing something else.
This “something else” includes working out, reading, cooking, hobbies, getting out of the house, having conversations, and all the other things that make up a life. Movement, nature, learning and socializing are all so very good for your body and mind. Don’t let yourself become numbed by sitting and staring; get up and live!
Excessive Drinking
There’s nothing positive to say about excessive drinking. If you drink at all, you have probably had a couple of “incidents” that you would rather forget, but if excessive drinking has become a habit, it needs to go.
You already know that too much alcohol wrecks your body, but its impact is broader than that. You may be worried about losing your job or a relationship with someone you care about. Maybe you’re just sick of feeling lousy, and you know it’s the drinking. Alcohol also soaks up a lot of cash, and you’ll appreciate the extra funds in your bank account when you cut back on drinking.
Are You Perfect Yet?
Nobody’s perfect, and you’re probably always going to have a habit or two that you would rather be rid of. The ones listed here are big ones, though, and if you can knock them out, it makes a difference. A positive outlook, feeling appreciated, and being active and healthy can bring nothing but good into your life.
