10 lazy habits that hold people back in life, according to psychology

As we journey through life, many of us carry habits that do us more harm than good.

It’s easy to dismiss these habits as ‘just the way we are’, but they can seriously hold us back.

These are what I call ‘lazy habits’.

These are not just about avoiding hard work, but also about making choices that limit our growth and potential.

In this article, we’ll delve into the top 10 lazy habits that might be stopping you from reaching your full potential.

So, let’s stop being our own worst enemy and start breaking free from these traps. Ready to make a change? Let’s dive in.

1) Procrastination

We all put things off from time to time, but when it becomes a regular pattern, it’s a habit that can seriously hold you back in life.

Are you constantly scrambling to meet deadlines, or finding your work quality suffers because you’ve left it to the last minute?

This is a clear sign of the procrastination habit at play.

Procrastination isn’t just a sign that we’re in lazy mode; it’s often tied to anxiety and fear of failure.

We put tasks off because we’re scared of messing up or because the task makes us feel uncomfortable.

You might tell yourself that you’ll get to it “later”, or that you work better under pressure. 

However, the more we put something off, the more daunting it becomes.

This cycle can prevent us from reaching our goals and fulfilling our potential.

In fact, habitual procrastination can lead to increased stress, sub-par performance, and missed opportunities.

Breaking free from this habit requires acknowledging the fear and anxiety, adopting better time management strategies and then taking small steps towards the task.

Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small.

So next time you find yourself saying “I’ll do it later”, ask yourself why you’re really putting it off.

This self-awareness is the first step towards breaking the habit of procrastination. 

2) Multitasking

On the surface, multitasking might seem like an efficient way to get more done in less time.

But, contrary to popular belief, it can actually be a productivity killer.

You might think you’re saving time by answering emails while on a conference call, or creating a presentation while eating lunch.

But in reality, you’re dividing your attention and neither task receives the full focus it deserves.

Are you frequently switching between tasks, only to find that none of them are completed to the best of your ability?

This is a clear sign of the multitasking habit in action.

It’s time to understand that true productivity comes from deep focus on one task at a time.

By prioritizing and concentrating on one thing at a time, you can improve the quality of your work and achieve more in the long run.

3) Neglecting self-care

Are you constantly pushing through exhaustion, skipping meals, or working without taking breaks?

This is a telltale sign of the neglecting self-care habit.

It might seem noble to sacrifice sleep, meals, or relaxation time in order to accomplish more.

But neglecting self-care is a habit that’s detrimental to both your physical and mental health.

You might convince yourself that you’re too busy to take a break, or that sleep is a luxury you can’t afford.

However, consistently sidelining these necessities can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and serious health issues over time.

It’s crucial to understand that taking care of yourself isn’t an indulgence – it’s a necessity.

Incorporating regular breaks, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition into your routine can significantly boost your energy levels and overall productivity.

4) Fear of failure

Fear of failure can be a massive roadblock in our journey towards success.

It’s this fear that keeps us in our comfort zone, preventing us from taking risks and trying new things.

However, the truth is, failure is a part of life. Every successful person has faced failures and setbacks.

What sets them apart is their ability to learn from their mistakes and keep moving forward.

Our failures are stepping stones, helping us to learn, grow and become better.

They should not be something that holds us back, but something that propels us forward.

So don’t let the fear of failure paralyze you. Take risks, make mistakes, learn and grow.

Remember, the only real failure is not trying at all.

5) Negative self-talk

We’re often our own harshest critics. The way we talk to ourselves can either motivate us to move forward or discourage us and hold us back.

Negative self-talk, like “I can’t do this” or “I’m not good enough”, can lead to self-doubt and lower self-esteem.

This, in turn, can limit our potential and prevent us from achieving our goals.

The first step to combat negative self-talk is awareness.

Notice when you’re being hard on yourself and challenge those thoughts. Replace them with positive affirmations and remind yourself of your strengths and achievements.

Remember, the words you speak to yourself matter.

Make sure they’re kind, encouraging, and supportive.

6) Not valuing time

Time is one of our most precious resources. It’s the one thing we can’t get back once it’s gone.

Yet, many of us don’t value it as we should.

We waste hours scrolling through social media, binge-watching TV shows, or doing things that don’t contribute to our growth. And then, we complain about not having enough time.

Valuing time is about more than just productivity; it’s about living a meaningful life.

It’s about spending time on things that truly matter – our dreams, our relationships, our personal growth.

Every minute we have is a gift. Let’s not squander it on things that don’t serve us.

Let’s use it wisely to create a life that we love and are proud of.

7) Perfectionism

Striving for excellence is commendable, but when it morphs into perfectionism, it can become a crippling habit that stalls your progress rather than propelling it forward.

You might hold yourself to impossibly high standards, or be constantly dissatisfied because your work is not “perfect”.

However, perfection is an illusion and this relentless pursuit can lead to stress, burnout, and a fear of failure that inhibits growth.

Do you find yourself excessively scrutinizing your work, or avoiding opportunities because you’re afraid you won’t be perfect?

This is a clear indication of the perfectionism habit. It’s time to embrace the fact that progress and learning from mistakes is far more important than unattainable perfection.

Remember, done is better than perfect.

8) Overthinking

Do you find yourself constantly worrying about the future, ruminating on past mistakes, or stuck in analysis paralysis?

This is a clear indication of the overthinking habit.

Getting caught in a loop of overthinking can be like sinking in quicksand – the more you struggle, the deeper you sink.

Overthinking can be a real productivity killer.

When we overanalyze everything, we end up stuck in our thoughts, unable to make decisions or move forward.

You might believe that by turning a problem over in your mind repeatedly, you’re more likely to find a solution.

But in reality, overthinking often leads to unnecessary stress, anxiety, and decision paralysis.

The key to breaking this habit is to recognize when you’re spiraling into overthinking.

Practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment rather than obsessing over every detail.

Remember, it’s good to think things through, but not to the point where it paralyzes you. 

It’s important to realize that not every problem requires intensive mental labor.

Some things are simply out of our control and recognizing this can free up mental energy for more productive tasks.

Make the best decision you can with the information you have, and then move forward.

9) Comparison

Do you catch yourself scrolling through social media feeling envy, or doubting your own worth because someone else seems to be achieving more?

This is a surefire sign of the comparison habit.

In a world where everyone’s highlight reel is on display through social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison.

But this habit can be incredibly damaging, leading to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with your own life.

You might find yourself constantly measuring your accomplishments against those of others, or feeling envious of other people’s success.

But remember, everyone’s journey is different and what you see online is often a curated version of reality.

Your value is not determined by how you stack up against others.

Your worth lies in your unique strengths, individual journey, and the person you are becoming.

10) Not believing in oneself

At the root of many of our lazy habits, lies a lack of self-belief.

When we don’t believe in ourselves, we limit our potential and hold ourselves back.

Believing in ourselves is about recognizing our worth and abilities.

It’s about knowing that we are capable of achieving our goals and overcoming challenges.

Your belief in yourself sets the tone for how you live your life.

It determines what you think you can achieve, how you handle obstacles, and ultimately, how successful you are.

So believe in yourself. Believe in your abilities. Believe in your potential.

Because if you don’t, who will?

Final reflection: It’s in your hands

As we navigate through life, it’s important to remember that our habits can either propel us forward or hold us back.

Our actions are often a reflection of our inner thoughts and beliefs.

This means that our lazy habits, though they might seem insignificant, could be indicators of deeper issues.

But the beautiful thing about habits is that they are not set in stone.

They can be changed. With awareness, commitment, and patience, we can replace our lazy habits with productive ones that move us closer to our goals.

Remember the powerful words of the writer Will Durant: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

In the end, the choice is ours.

We can continue to be slaves to our lazy habits or we can take control and create new habits that propel us forward.

The journey might not be easy, but it’s definitely worth it.

So reflect on your habits. Recognize the ones that are holding you back and make a conscious decision to change them.

Because at the end of the day, your life is in your hands.