There’s a fine line between success and failure.

Often, it’s the daily habits that determine which side of that line you’ll land on. You see, unsuccessful people tend to display certain behaviors at work, consistently, day in and day out.

These behaviors act as roadblocks, hindering their progress and preventing them from achieving their true potential. And the worst part? Most of them aren’t even aware they’re doing it.

In this article, I’ll be talking about those 9 behaviors that unsuccessful people unwittingly exhibit at work every single day.

By identifying these pitfalls, you can avoid them and set yourself on the path to success.

Let’s dive in.

1) Procrastination

We’ve all heard the saying, “Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?” Well, unsuccessful people seem to live by this mantra.

Procrastination is a common behavior exhibited by those who struggle to find success at work. It’s a destructive habit of delaying or postponing tasks that need to be accomplished.

Instead of tackling important tasks head-on, these individuals tend to push them aside, choosing to focus on less critical tasks or activities. This not only leads to a backlog of work but also missed deadlines and opportunities.

The worst part is, procrastination creates a vicious cycle. The more you delay, the more daunting the task appears, leading to further procrastination.

Successful people, on the contrary, prioritize their tasks effectively and don’t shy away from getting their hands dirty when needed. They understand the value of time and the importance of meeting deadlines.

Keep in mind, overcoming procrastination doesn’t mean rushing through tasks. It’s about effective time management and making sure that work gets done in a timely manner.

2) Negativity

Negativity is a massive roadblock to success. Unsuccessful people often harbor a negative mindset that permeates their work, interactions, and overall approach to their job. They’re quick to find faults, slow to acknowledge achievements, and are generally pessimistic about prospects and opportunities.

I remember a colleague of mine who was always down in the dumps. He’d come into the office with a cloud over his head, grumbling about how the traffic was horrible, or the weather was depressing.

Every meeting was an opportunity for him to complain about how unrealistic the targets were, or how we were all set up for failure. His negativity was draining, not just for him, but for everyone around him who had to bear the brunt of his constant complaints.

The problem with such an attitude is that it stifles creativity and motivation. It’s hard to inspire and lead a team when you’re always focused on the negative. This is why successful people cultivate a positive mindset and encourage optimism in their teams. They understand that challenges are just stepping stones towards achieving their goals.

3) Resistance to change

One of the biggest roadblocks to success is the resistance to embrace change. Unsuccessful people often exhibit a strong preference for maintaining the status quo, even when it’s clear that the current way of doing things is no longer effective or beneficial.

In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, adaptability is key. Companies are constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve, and employees are expected to keep up with these changes.

Yet, Kodak, a once thriving photography company, serves as a prime example of what happens when resistance to change takes over. Despite inventing the first digital camera, they clung on to their film business, reluctant to adapt to the digital revolution. As a result, they filed for bankruptcy in 2012.

Successful people, on the other hand, thrive on change. They see it as an opportunity to learn, grow and improve. They understand that in order to stay ahead, they need to be willing to adapt and evolve.

4) Lack of initiative

Unsuccessful people often exhibit a lack of initiative. They’re content with just doing what’s asked of them and rarely go beyond their job description or assigned tasks.

Taking initiative means taking charge, being proactive, and going the extra mile. It’s about identifying opportunities to contribute and add value, even when it’s not explicitly required or requested.

However, unsuccessful individuals tend to wait for instructions or direction before they act. They’re reactive rather than proactive, and this passive approach can be detrimental to their career growth.

On the flip side, successful people understand that taking initiative is a key ingredient to success. They’re always on the lookout for ways to improve processes, solve problems, and contribute to the company’s growth. This proactive approach not only accelerates their personal growth but also positively impacts the organization’s success.

5) Poor communication

Ineffective communication is another behavior that unsuccessful people frequently display at work. They often struggle to articulate their thoughts clearly, which can lead to misunderstandings and confusion.

Communication is a two-way street; it’s not just about speaking, but also about listening. Unfortunately, people who struggle at work often fail to listen effectively, missing out on crucial information and feedback.

Poor communication can lead to a variety of issues, including decreased productivity, low morale, and even conflict within the team. It can also negatively impact relationships with clients and customers.

Successful people, on the other hand, value and practice effective communication. They understand that good communication is key to collaboration, problem-solving, and maintaining healthy relationships in the workplace. They make it a point to express their ideas clearly and also listen attentively to others.

6) Lack of empathy

One of the most underrated yet crucial traits in the workplace is empathy. Unfortunately, unsuccessful people often lack this vital quality. They find it hard to understand or share the feelings of others, creating a barrier in their relationships with colleagues and clients.

Without empathy, it’s tough to create a harmonious work environment. People tend to feel undervalued and unappreciated, leading to a decrease in motivation and productivity.

I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of empathy can damage a team’s spirit. It creates an atmosphere of disconnection and isolation, where everyone is just looking out for themselves.

In contrast, successful people understand the importance of empathy. They know that by putting themselves in others’ shoes, they can build stronger relationships and create a positive work environment. They value the thoughts and feelings of others, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation.

7) Not taking responsibility

Another behavior that unsuccessful people exhibit is avoiding taking responsibility for their actions. When things go wrong, they’re quick to point fingers and place the blame elsewhere instead of owning up to their mistakes.

I remember a time when I was working on a project and made a significant error in the budget estimation. Instead of owning up to it, I tried to shift the blame onto a colleague, which only made things worse. The trust within the team was shaken, and it took a lot of time and effort to mend the relationships.

Successful people, on the other hand, understand that mistakes are an inevitable part of life. Instead of running from them, they take responsibility, learn from them, and use them as stepping stones to improve and grow. They realize that taking responsibility is not just about admitting mistakes but also about taking constructive steps to rectify them.

8) Lack of motivation

Unsuccessful people tend to lack the drive and motivation necessary to succeed. They often view their jobs as a chore rather than an opportunity to grow and excel. This lack of motivation can lead to low productivity, poor performance, and dissatisfaction at work.

Motivation is not just about getting things done; it’s also about having the passion and enthusiasm for what you do. It’s what keeps you going even when things get tough.

However, unsuccessful people often lack this crucial element. They merely go through the motions without truly investing in their work or seeking ways to improve.

On the other hand, successful people are driven by a strong sense of purpose and passion for their work. They are motivated to achieve their goals and continuously strive to better themselves. This motivation fuels their productivity and leads them towards success.

9) Ignoring feedback

The final behavior that unsuccessful people often exhibit is ignoring feedback. They tend to take criticism personally and view it as an attack rather than an opportunity to improve. This can hinder their growth, as they miss out on valuable insights that could help them perform better.

Feedback, both positive and negative, is essential for personal and professional growth. It allows us to identify our strengths and areas for improvement. Ignoring or dismissing feedback can lead to stagnation and prevent us from reaching our full potential.

Successful people, in contrast, embrace feedback. They understand that it’s not a personal attack but a tool for growth. They actively seek out feedback and use it constructively to improve their skills, performance, and relationships at work. They know that feedback is a stepping stone to success, not a stumbling block.

Final thoughts: It’s a choice

The journey towards success is often a winding road, filled with ups and downs. What separates the successful from the unsuccessful is not just their actions but their attitudes as well.

The behaviors we’ve discussed are not innate. They’re learned and cultivated over time. And the good news is, they can be unlearned and replaced with positive habits that propel you towards success.

Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistent effort, persistence, and self-awareness. It’s about making a conscious choice each day to forgo behaviors that hold you back and embrace those that move you forward.

As the renowned motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said, “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”

Let’s choose discipline over regret, growth over stagnation. It’s your journey. Make it count.