7 things you’re doing that you don’t realize are sabotaging your chances of success in life

Success often feels like an elusive target, something just out of reach, no matter how hard we strive.

We might be working tirelessly, setting ambitious goals, and doing everything by the book, yet somehow, true success remains just beyond our grasp.

But what if the very habits and behaviors many think are harmless—or even helpful—are actually the ones holding us back?

Success isn’t just about what we do; it’s also about what we avoid.

Sometimes, the roadblocks to achieving your full potential are the ones we don’t even see.

In this article, we’ll uncover some ways you might be unknowingly sabotaging your chances of success. Ready to identify and eliminate these hidden obstacles?

Let’s dive in. 

1) Procrastination

We’ve all been guilty of it. You have a task or a goal, but instead of tackling it head-on, you find a million other things to do.

Procrastination, my friends, is a silent dream killer.

You might not think it’s a big deal. You might even argue that you work better under pressure.

But the reality is that procrastination breeds stress, missed deadlines, and ultimately, missed opportunities.

When we delay tasks, we rob ourselves of the time needed for careful planning and execution. Often, this leads to subpar results.

The worst part? We’re usually not even aware we’re doing it. Procrastination has a sneaky way of disguising itself as ‘prioritizing’ other tasks.

Time waits for no one. Every moment spent delaying is a moment wasted.

As advised by Picasso, “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone”

2) Fear of stepping out of your comfort zone

 I used to be terrified of public speaking. Standing in front of a crowd would make my palms sweat and my heart race.

So, I did what most people do – I avoided situations that required me to speak in public.

But one day, an opportunity came up to give a presentation at a major conference.

It was a big deal, and I knew it could significantly boost my career. Yet, the mere thought of it filled me with dread.

But as I said, it was a big opportunity. So, I took a deep breath, said yes, and spent weeks preparing for the presentation. How did it go?

Well, it went okay. Not amazing, but not nearly as bad as I imagined. 

The experience, however, encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone more, and that lesson was invaluable.

That ability has led to real success. 

Stepping out of your comfort zone is scary. But staying in your comfort zone can be even scarier because it means settling for mediocrity.

Don’t let fear hold you back from seizing opportunities.

3) Neglecting exercise

We often think of success as being solely about the hours we put into work or the strategic decisions we make.

However, one of the most overlooked aspects of achieving success is the role of physical exercise.

Neglecting exercise might seem like a minor issue, but it can actually have significant repercussions on your ability to reach your goals.

Exercise does more than just improve your physical health; it’s a cornerstone for mental well-being and productivity.

According to HelpGuide, for instance, regular physical activity reduces stress, improves self-esteem, and boosts energy levels.

These are the very ingredients of a successful day, yet many of us continue to sacrifice our physical health in the pursuit of professional achievements, not realizing that one actually fuels the other.

4) Negative self-talk

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.” – Henry Ford

That voice telling yourself you’re not good enough or that you’ll never achieve your goals can be a major roadblock on your journey to success.

It’s like having a constant doubter in your ear, undermining your confidence and causing you to second-guess yourself. And when you’re trying to achieve great things, that’s the last thing you need.

The truth is, we often treat ourselves more harshly than we would treat anyone else.

We wouldn’t tell a friend they’re going to fail, so why do it to ourselves?

The conversation you have with yourself is the most important one you’ll ever have. Make sure it’s a positive one.

5) Not setting clear goals

Imagine getting in your car and just driving, with no destination in mind. You might enjoy the ride for a while, but eventually, you’d start to feel lost.

The same principle applies to success.

Without clear goals, you’re basically wandering aimlessly.

Goals give us direction. They help us focus our efforts and make progress towards what truly matters.

Yet, many people fail to set clear, specific goals.

They have a vague idea of what they want to achieve, but without a detailed plan, they struggle to make meaningful progress.

6) Holding on to past failures

We’ve all experienced failure. It’s an inevitable part of life and an essential part of success.

But sometimes, we let our past failures define us.

When we hold onto our failures, we prevent ourselves from moving forward.

We become stuck in the past, unable to see the opportunities that are right in front of us.

I’ve seen so many people, talented and driven, allow their past mistakes to overshadow their current achievements.

It’s heartbreaking because they’re capable of so much more, but they’re held back by something that’s already done and dusted.

If you’re holding onto past failures, know this: You are not your mistakes.

Everyone fails. What matters is how you rise after falling.

7) Overcommitment

There was a time when I prided myself on being a ‘yes’ person.

Whether it was a new project at work, an event, or a favor for a friend, I was always ready to say yes.

But soon, I found myself juggling too many responsibilities and struggling to find time for my own goals.

Overcommitment is a subtle saboteur of success.

It might feel like you’re being productive and helpful, but spreading yourself too thin can lead to burnout and hinder your progress toward your own goals.

It’s important to remember that it’s okay to say no.

In fact, saying no to things that are not aligned with your goals is actually saying yes to things that are.

Final thoughts: The power of self-awareness

Are some of these habits might be subtly sabotaging our chances of success?

Well, there’s a silver lining. Recognizing these patterns is half the battle.

Once we’re aware, we can begin to make changes.

With awareness and determination, you can break free from these subtle saboteurs and pave your own path towards success.