If you feel like you’re underachieving in life, say goodbye to these 11 habits

Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels but not getting anywhere? You’re definitely not alone.

The truth is, it’s not always about who you are, but what you’re doing… or rather, what you need to stop doing.

See, sometimes we all pick up bad habits that weigh us down without even knowing it. They’re like invisible speed bumps on our road to success.

In this article, I’m going through 11 habits you need to kick if you feel like you’re underachieving in life.

Let’s get started.

1. Procrastination

Procrastination is the art of delaying or postponing tasks. You know, those ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ moments that often turn into ‘I should have done that last week’ regrets.

We all do it, but if you’re feeling like you’re not achieving enough, it’s time to kick this habit to the curb.

Why? Because procrastination not only delays your tasks but also delays your success. It’s like a sneaky thief that steals your time without you even noticing.

So how can you beat it? Start by breaking down your tasks into smaller chunks. It’s less overwhelming and easier to start. And remember, the perfect moment you’re waiting for to start something doesn’t exist.

2. Neglecting Self-Care

Life gets busy. But let’s be real, if you’re not taking care of yourself, how can you expect to achieve your goals?

Neglecting self-care is a common habit among those who feel they’re underachieving. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget about our own needs. But remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Self-care is not just about pampering yourself; it’s about doing things that make you feel good, inside and out.

Whether it’s eating healthy food, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep or simply taking a break to breathe – these are all forms of self-care.

Be kind to yourself. Make time for self-care and see how it helps you become more productive and successful.

3. Constantly Comparing Yourself to Others

I’m going to get real with you here. This was a big one for me. I used to constantly compare my life to others’. You know, scrolling through social media, seeing everyone’s highlight reel and thinking, “Why isn’t my life like that?”

But here’s the thing I learned: Comparison is the thief of joy. It’s so easy to look at someone else’s life and think they have it all figured out. But in reality, we’re all just doing our best.

When I stopped comparing my journey to others and started focusing on my own progress, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I realized we’re all on different paths, and that’s okay.

Your journey is unique, and it’s not fair to compare your beginning to someone else’s middle or end. Focus on you, your growth, your achievements, and you’ll start feeling more fulfilled.

4. Multitasking

This one might surprise you! We often think of multitasking as a skill, right? Being able to juggle multiple tasks at once is seen as a strength. But research has shown that it might be hindering our productivity more than we think.

According to the American Psychological Association, multitasking can cause up to a 40% drop in productivity.

When we switch between tasks, our attention is divided and our brain needs time to refocus. This takes up more time and energy than if we had just focused on one task at a time.

If you’re feeling underwhelmed with your achievements, it might be time to ditch multitasking and try focusing on one task at a time. You’ll likely get more done and do a better job at it.

5. Not Believing in Yourself

If you don’t believe in yourself and your abilities, it’s going to be tough to achieve your goals. Doubting yourself can hold you back more than any external factor ever could.

When we lack self-belief, we may avoid taking risks or stepping out of our comfort zones, fearing failure or criticism.

But remember, every successful person has faced challenges and failures.

What sets them apart is their belief in their ability to bounce back and keep going.

Believe that you are capable, that you are worthy, and that you can achieve your dreams. It’s easier said than done, I know. But once you start believing in yourself, you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.

6. Being Afraid of Failure

I can’t even begin to count the number of times fear of failure has held me back.

In my mind, failure was the worst possible outcome. It meant I wasn’t good enough or that I’d messed up big time. But as I’ve grown and experienced more in life, I’ve realized that failure isn’t the monster under the bed that I thought it was.

In fact, failure is often just a stepping stone on the path to success. It’s a learning experience that shows you what doesn’t work and guides you towards what does.

When I started seeing failure as feedback rather than an end point, it became less scary. It was just part of the process, not the end of the world.

Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep moving forward.

7. Ignoring Your Passions

How many of us are guilty of sidelining our passions for something more ‘practical’ or ‘realistic’? I bet many of us are raising our hands right now.

We have this idea that our passions—those things that light us up and make us feel alive—are just for fun. They’re our hobbies, not something we can actually make a career out of or dedicate a significant amount of time to.

But here’s the raw truth: ignoring your passions can lead to feeling unfulfilled and underachieving.

We’re all here for a limited time, and life’s too short to spend it doing things that don’t make us happy. So, if you have a passion, embrace it.

It doesn’t mean you have to quit your job or make drastic changes, but allow yourself the time to do what you love.

It might not be easy, but trust me, it’s worth it.

8. Not Setting Clear Goals

You might think this one is a no-brainer, but it’s surprising how many of us don’t set clear goals. We have vague aspirations, sure, but without clear, defined targets, it’s like trying to hit a bullseye in the dark.

According to a study by Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at Dominican University in California, you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down.

Writing down your goals not only makes them more tangible but also helps you visualize and commit to them. It’s a simple action with powerful results.

So, if you’re feeling stuck and underachieving, take some time to set clear, achievable goals. Write them down and revisit them regularly to keep your focus sharp.

9. Avoiding Change

I’ll be the first to admit it; I used to despise change. The thought of stepping out of my comfort zone and shaking up my routine was downright scary.

But here’s what I’ve realized: change is a part of life. It’s how we grow, learn, and push ourselves to achieve more. Staying in our comfort zones might feel safe, but it often leads to stagnation.

It was only when I started welcoming change, started seeing it as an opportunity rather than a threat, that I began noticing significant improvements in my life. It was uncomfortable, sure, but it also led me to some of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had.

Don’t shy away from change. Embrace it! You never know where it might lead you.

10. Settling for Less

Sometimes, we underachieve because we settle for less than we’re capable of. We accept jobs we’re overqualified for, stay in relationships that don’t make us happy, or refuse opportunities for growth because we’re scared.

Listen, it’s scary to reach for more. It’s risky and uncomfortable.

But settling for less than you deserve? That’s soul-crushing.

So push through the fear, take a risk, and refuse to settle for less than you’re capable of.

11. Blaming Others

Stop blaming others for your lack of achievement. It’s easy to point fingers at our boss, our partner, our circumstances… But at the end of the day, your life is your responsibility.

Sure, things happen that are out of our control. But how we respond? That’s on us. So take ownership of your life and your decisions. Stop blaming others and start taking action to change what you’re not happy with.

Remember, saying goodbye to these habits won’t happen overnight. It’s a process, so be patient with yourself. You’re doing better than you think!