There’s a significant gap between progressing in life and staying stagnant.

The difference lies in habits. Continually doing certain things can hold you back, even if you’re not aware of the implications.

According to psychology, there are certain daily habits that people who never get ahead in life tend to exhibit.

These habits may seem harmless, but they can be real progress-killers. And those who want to succeed should be aware of them.

In this article, I’ll reveal the 10 daily habits that could be stopping you from moving forward in life.

Let’s dive in.

1) Procrastination

There’s a common trait that’s often found in people who struggle to get ahead in life.

It’s called procrastination.

Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks, often to the point of causing discomfort or stress.

Psychology tells us that this habit can be a real progress stopper. It can prevent individuals from making use of their potential and accomplishing their goals.

Consider it this way. Each time you postpone a task, you’re pushing back your success. You’re creating a backlog of work that piles up and becomes overwhelming.

The impact of procrastination is often underestimated. But if you’re serious about getting ahead in life, overcoming this habit is a great place to start.

2) Neglecting self-care

Here’s a personal confession. I used to be one of those people who would put everything else before my own needs.

I believed that taking care of myself was secondary to my job, my social obligations, and the never-ending list of tasks that seemed more important.

But I quickly realized this was a one-way ticket to burnout city.

Neglecting self-care is a habit that many people fall into, and it’s a common trait among those who never seem to get ahead in life.

When you don’t prioritize your physical and mental health, it can lead to exhaustion, decreased productivity, and even health issues.

It took me a while, but I finally understood that taking care of myself was not a luxury but a necessity. It made me more productive, happier, and ultimately more successful.

3) Fear of failure

Fear of failure is a powerful deterrent that keeps many people from achieving their dreams.

The irony is, some of the most successful people in the world have failed numerous times. For instance, Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper early in his career for “lacking imagination and having no good ideas.”

Yet, he went on to create one of the most recognizable brands in entertainment history.

The fear of failure can paralyze you, stopping you from taking risks and seizing opportunities. It can keep you stuck in your comfort zone, where growth is limited.

But remember, failure is not the opposite of success. It’s part of the journey. The key is to learn from your failures and use them as stepping stones towards success.

4) Negative self-talk

A key habit that can stall progress is negative self-talk.

This is when you constantly criticize yourself, doubting your abilities and berating yourself for every mistake. It’s like having a harsh inner critic that never takes a break.

Negative self-talk can severely damage your self-esteem and confidence, making it harder for you to take on new challenges or work towards your goals.

Think about it. If you’re always telling yourself that you can’t do something, eventually, you’ll start believing it.

On the contrary, positive self-talk can be empowering. It can boost your confidence and motivate you to push through obstacles.

Remember, the way you talk to yourself matters. So be mindful of the words you use and the thoughts you entertain. Show yourself the same kindness and encouragement that you would show to a friend.

5) Lack of goal setting

Another habit that can keep you from moving forward in life is the lack of goal setting.

Goals give us direction. They provide us with a clear path to follow and a sense of purpose. Without them, we can easily drift off course or lose sight of what we want to achieve.

Not setting goals is like setting off on a journey with no destination in mind. You might enjoy the ride, but you’ll likely end up getting lost or going around in circles.

On the other hand, setting clear, measurable, and achievable goals can provide a roadmap to success. They can keep you focused, motivated, and increase your chances of achieving what you want.

So remember, if you want to get ahead in life, start by setting some clear goals. It’s the first step towards taking control of your future.

6) Not believing in oneself

One of the most heartbreaking habits I’ve seen in people who struggle to move forward is a lack of belief in themselves.

This is more than just a lack of confidence. It’s an ingrained belief that they are not capable, not worthy, or simply not enough.

This self-doubt can be crippling. It can stop you from trying new things, taking risks, and reaching for your dreams.

But here’s the thing. Each one of us has unique talents, skills, and experiences that make us who we are. And each one of us is capable of achieving great things.

Believing in yourself might not be easy, especially if you’ve been knocked down a few times. But it’s crucial for moving forward.

So remember, you are enough. You are capable. And you deserve to reach for your dreams and achieve your goals.

7) Being a perfectionist

Perfectionism is a tricky beast. It can convince you that everything you do needs to be flawless, and anything less is unacceptable.

Once, I spent an entire week tweaking a presentation because I was convinced it wasn’t good enough. The result? I missed the deadline, causing more harm than if I had submitted an imperfect version on time.

The pursuit of perfection can lead to unnecessary stress, burnout, and even hinder progress.

Moreover, it can stop you from starting projects for fear they won’t turn out perfect, or cause you to spend too much time on tasks that don’t warrant it.

It’s important to strive for excellence, but remember that perfection is unattainable. Rather than aiming for perfection, aim for progress. It’s healthier and more conducive to growth.

8) Avoiding discomfort

Many of us have a natural tendency to steer clear of discomfort. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental, discomfort is something we’d rather not deal with.

But here’s a surprising truth: avoiding discomfort can actually hold you back.

Discomfort often signals growth. It’s a sign that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, challenging yourself, and learning new things.

When you constantly avoid discomfort, you might miss out on valuable opportunities for growth and advancement.

So the next time you’re faced with a challenging situation that makes you uncomfortable, don’t shy away. Embrace it. It could be the stepping stone to your success.

9) Ignoring feedback

Feedback, whether positive or negative, is a crucial tool for personal growth and development.

However, some people have a habit of ignoring or dismissing feedback, particularly when it’s critical. This can stem from a fear of criticism or a reluctance to change.

But ignoring feedback can limit your ability to grow and improve. You might continue making the same mistakes without even realizing it.

On the other hand, being open to feedback and using it constructively can help you improve your skills, rectify your shortcomings, and ultimately get ahead in life.

Remember, feedback is not meant to bring you down. It’s meant to help you grow. So take it in stride, learn from it, and use it to your advantage.

10) Not taking action

The most significant habit that keeps people from getting ahead in life is simply not taking action.

Dreaming big, setting goals, and planning are all important. But without action, they’re just ideas.

Action is what turns your dreams into reality. It’s the bridge between where you are now and where you want to be.

Without action, the most detailed plans or the highest aspirations mean nothing.

So take that step, no matter how small. Start moving towards your goals. Because in the end, it’s not about having the best plan; it’s about doing something with it.