We all know the feeling: endless to-do lists, constant distractions, and days that seem to slip by without real progress. Time is our most valuable resource, yet many of us struggle to spend it wisely.

But if you look closely at people who seem to have it all together—those who lead with purpose, maintain strong relationships, and move forward in their careers—they don’t just manage their time well; they protect it fiercely.

It’s not just about what they do—it’s about what they don’t do. People who excel at life are intentional about avoiding certain habits that drain time and energy.

Today, we look closer at these habits—and see how you can reclaim more of your day.

1) Worrying about things they can’t control

How often do you find yourself stressing over things you can’t change?

Whether it’s worrying about the weather, other people’s opinions, or unexpected setbacks, we all fall into the trap of fretting over things beyond our control. But what does that really accomplish?

As wellbeing specialist Diane Solomon noted in a recent Psychology Today post, “Focusing on problems out of your control sucks away energy and good feeling.”

Instead of spinning their wheels, people who thrive in life channel their energy into areas where they can actually make a difference. They accept what they can’t change and focus on what they can. This leads to less stress, greater productivity, and peace of mind.

2) Trying to make everything perfect

Striving for excellence is one thing, but aiming for perfection can be paralyzing.

As experts at Choosing Therapy point out, “Perfectionism and procrastination are intrinsically linked,” creating a cycle where nothing ever feels good enough to finish. We all know that’s a recipe for unhappiness and a serious drain on productivity.

I’ve fallen into this trap myself. I once spent weeks obsessing over a presentation, tweaking every detail, until I nearly missed the deadline. In the end, all that extra effort didn’t make a noticeable difference. What mattered was delivering the project on time and being prepared to present it with confidence.

People who thrive focus on getting things done, not on making everything perfect. They know that progress beats perfection every time, and often, “good enough” is more than enough to succeed.

3) Judging others

Instead of forming quick opinions or jumping to conclusions about people, the folks who really get ahead in life take the time to understand and appreciate the individuality and uniqueness of others.

Basically, they believe in the inherent value of all people and respect their differences.

This doesn’t mean they’re naive or blind to the faults of others. It simply means they choose not to pass judgment. They understand that no one is perfect, including themselves, and everyone is doing their best with what they have.

In refraining from judging others, they create a more positive environment for themselves and those around them. This not only fosters healthier relationships but also encourages personal growth and understanding. 

4) Engaging in needless drama

We’ve all been there—caught in the middle of gossip, petty arguments, or drawn into someone else’s conflicts. It’s easy to get pulled into these distractions, but engaging in unnecessary drama only drains emotional energy and takes away from what truly matters.

Instead of getting entangled in trivial issues, people who live with purpose avoid drama by setting boundaries and staying focused on their goals. They recognize that involving themselves in negativity or conflict not only wastes time but also disrupts their peace of mind.

By steering clear of needless drama, they protect their energy for what really counts.

5) Dwelling on the past

Whether it’s replaying mistakes, holding onto regret, or wishing things had gone differently, it’s easy to get stuck in a loop of “what ifs.”

However, as noted by the experts at Psych Central, “For those who struggle with letting go of past pain or regret, they can feel trapped by their situation and unable to move forward in their lives.”

To break free from this cycle, it’s crucial to focus on the present. Practicing mindfulness, journaling about your feelings, or setting small, forward-focused goals can help shift your attention away from the past.

Instead of ruminating on what’s already happened, people who excel at life choose to learn from their experiences and move forward, knowing that their energy is best spent on today—not yesterday.

6) Trying to please everyone

The poet John Lydgate once said, “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.”

Yet, we often find ourselves trying to do just that—stretching ourselves thin to meet everyone’s expectations.

This is another one I have been guilty of. I used to say “yes” to every request, whether it was helping a colleague, attending events, or taking on extra tasks, all to avoid disappointing anyone. Eventually, I found myself overwhelmed and resentful, realizing I was sacrificing my own priorities in the process.

When you’re constantly trying to make others happy, you risk neglecting your own needs and priorities. As experts have acknowledged, this “can often lead to resentment and relationship burnout.” 

Those who are intentional with their time understand that saying “no” is sometimes necessary. They focus on what aligns with their values and know that true success comes from setting boundaries, not from trying to keep everyone satisfied.

Conclusion

In a world full of distractions and demands, it’s easy to fall into habits that drain our time and energy.

But by being intentional about where we focus our efforts—and what we choose to avoid—we can take back control of our day. Whether it’s letting go of things we can’t control, learning to set boundaries, or moving on from the past, the habits we break can be just as important as the ones we build.

Take a cue from those who thrive: protect your time, focus on what matters, and leave behind the rest. The path to a more fulfilling, productive life starts with what you choose to leave behind.