By 
Hey, it’s Lachlan Brown here, the guy behind Hack Spirit. I’ve always been driven to become the best version of myself and I’m sure you’re in the same boat.
But let’s be honest, there are some habits that can seriously hold us back from reaching our full potential.
The key to growth? Identifying these habits and letting them go.
In this article, I’ll be sharing 8 habits you need to ditch if you want to truly thrive. Trust me, it’s easier than you think. Let’s get into it.
1) Procrastination
Procrastination, my friends, is a killer. It’s a true hindrance on the road to becoming the best version of ourselves.
We’ve all been there, pushing tasks off until the last minute or even later. But here’s the thing: the time we waste procrastinating is time we could be using to grow and improve.
When you procrastinate, you’re essentially prioritizing short-term comfort over long-term benefits. And that’s not a formula for success.
The key to overcoming procrastination is understanding why it occurs in the first place. Often, we procrastinate because a task seems too daunting or overwhelming.
The solution? Break it down into smaller, manageable tasks, and start tackling them one at a time.
Ditching this habit might not be easy, but it’s absolutely essential if you want to become the best version of yourself.
2) Negative self-talk
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “we are our own worst critics.” While self-reflection and constructive criticism are important for growth, negative self-talk can be detrimental.
Negative self-talk is essentially when we beat ourselves up verbally. It’s when we tell ourselves that we’re not good enough, smart enough, or capable enough to achieve our goals. And it’s a habit that needs to go.
Not only does negative self-talk affect our mental health, but it also hampers our ability to move forward and grow.
It’s crucial to replace these negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Instead of telling yourself you can’t do something, tell yourself that you’ll try your best.
Creating a habit of positive self-talk can dramatically change the way you view yourself and your capabilities. It’s a game-changer in the journey to becoming the best version of yourself.
3) Avoidance of discomfort
This one is a bit personal for me. You see, I used to be the king of staying in my comfort zone. And let me tell you, it’s a cozy place but nothing ever grows there.
Life is full of uncomfortable moments. Whether it’s speaking in public, trying something new or facing our fears, discomfort is inevitable.
The habit many of us have developed is avoiding these uncomfortable moments at all costs. But this avoidance can seriously limit our growth.
Embracing discomfort instead of running from it can open up new opportunities for learning and growth. It’s when we’re uncomfortable that we tend to learn the most about ourselves and our capabilities.
4) Lack of mental toughness
I’ve got a confession to make. There was a time when I would crumble under pressure, let setbacks derail me, and let fear dictate my decisions. It was a lack of mental toughness that was holding me back from becoming the best version of myself.
Mental toughness is about resilience, it’s about having the strength to push through challenges, persevere during tough times, and bounce back after setbacks.
Without mental toughness, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of self-doubt and negativity when things go wrong. But with it, you can face any challenge head on and come out stronger on the other side.
This is something that I’ve learned firsthand and why I’ve put together a book on this very topic.
My book, , delves into this topic in more detail. This guide is filled with practical tips and strategies to help you build your mental toughness and resilience.
5) Over-reliance on motivation
Now, this one might seem a bit counter-intuitive. After all, isn’t motivation a good thing? Well, yes and no.
Motivation can be a powerful driving force when it’s present, but it’s also notoriously fickle. It comes and goes as it pleases, often leaving us high and dry when we need it most.
Many of us have developed a habit of relying too heavily on motivation to get things done. But the truth is, if we only work on our goals when we feel motivated, we’re not going to get very far.
Instead, it’s discipline that we need to cultivate. Discipline means sticking to your plans and commitments even when you’re not feeling motivated.
While it’s great to feel motivated, remember that it’s not always going to be there. And that’s okay. The key is to keep going even when the motivation wanes. That’s how real progress is made.
6) Multitasking
In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking can seem like a necessary skill. We often find ourselves juggling multiple tasks at once, believing that it’s the key to productivity.
However, the truth is that multitasking can be more detrimental than beneficial. When we multitask, our attention is divided between several tasks, and we’re not able to give any of them our full focus.
Research has shown that multitasking can reduce productivity by as much as 40%. It can also increase stress and make it harder to organize thoughts and filter out irrelevant information.
Instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on one task at a time. By giving your full attention to a single task, you’ll be able to complete it more efficiently and effectively.
So, if you’re serious about becoming the best version of yourself, it’s time to ditch the habit of multitasking.
7) Neglecting self-care
I’ll admit there was a point in my life when I thought self-care was nothing more than a buzzword. I’d work long hours, skip meals, and skimp on sleep, thinking that this was the path to success.
Boy, was I wrong.
Neglecting self-care is a habit that can severely affect both our physical and mental well-being. When we don’t take care of ourselves, we’re not able to perform at our best.
Self-care is not just about bubble baths and spa days (although those can be great!). It’s about ensuring you’re eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and taking time to relax and decompress.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first and you’ll be better equipped to become the best version of yourself.
8) Fear of failure
Most of us have experienced the paralyzing fear of failure at some point in our lives. It’s a fear that can keep us from taking risks, stepping out of our comfort zones, and ultimately, from reaching our full potential.
But here’s the thing: failure is not the enemy. In fact, it’s one of the most effective teachers we could ever ask for.
When we fail, we learn. We grow. We gain a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t.
If we let the fear of failure hold us back, we’re missing out on these valuable learning opportunities.
So if you want to become the best version of yourself, it’s time to view failure not as something to be feared, but as a stepping stone on the path to success.
Conclusion
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about progress, growth, and becoming a little bit better each day.
And if you need a little extra help along the way, don’t hesitate to check out my book, . It’s filled with practical tips and strategies that have helped me on my own journey of self-improvement.
Remember, the journey to becoming the best version of yourself is a marathon, not a sprint. But with determination, resilience, and the right mindset, you can get there. I believe in you!
