The world is full of people who follow all the rules, do everything by the book, but still can’t seem to get ahead.

You know who I’m talking about – those folks who are always on time, never miss a deadline, but somehow, they’re still stuck in the same spot.

It’s frustrating, right?

Psychology might have some answers. There are certain habits these people have that hold them back, even when they’re doing everything “right”.

In this article, I will share 8 such habits that could be keeping you or someone you know from making progress in life. Let’s dive in and see if we can break the cycle.

1) Perfectionism

Here’s a habit that’s often seen as a virtue, but can be a real roadblock: perfectionism.

Perfectionists are those high achievers who are never satisfied with good enough. They always aim for the best, which sounds great, right?

Well, not always. Psychology tells us that this obsession with perfection can actually hold us back.

Why?

Because in the quest for perfection, these folks often struggle to make decisions or complete tasks.

They fear making a mistake, so they spend way too much time stuck in planning and preparation mode.

They’re so focused on getting everything right that they miss opportunities, deadlines, and sometimes, life itself.

So if you find yourself spending more time perfecting than progressing, it might be time to loosen up a bit.

Remember, done is often better than perfect.

2) Fear of taking risks

Now, this is a habit that hits close to home. Let me share a personal story.

A few years back, I was working in a job that I was good at. I mean, I was great at it.

But it wasn’t fulfilling.

I knew I had the potential to do something more, something bigger.

But the idea of leaving the safety and security of a steady paycheck? Terrifying.

I let my fear of taking risks keep me stuck in that job far longer than I should have been.

Psychology tells us that this fear of taking risks can be a significant barrier to success.

It’s natural to fear the unknown, but if we let that fear dictate our actions, we end up missing out on potential opportunities.

Taking calculated risks is a part of life. It’s how we grow and learn.

So if you find yourself avoiding risks like I did, it might be time to face that fear and take that leap. You never know what incredible opportunities might be waiting on the other side.

3) Overplanning

Here’s a habit that seems productive on the surface but can actually limit your progress: overplanning.

Overplanners get caught up in the details. They spend so much time strategizing and predicting every possible scenario that they rarely get started on the actual task.

This constant need for control can result in missed opportunities and delayed progress.

So, if you find yourself stuck in the planning stage of a project, it might be time to take a step back, simplify your approach, and just start.

4) Avoiding confrontation

Avoiding confrontation is a habit that many of us are guilty of. It’s often seen as the polite or easy way out.

But here’s the thing. While it might keep the peace in the short term, it can actually hinder your progress in the long run.

When you avoid confrontation, you’re not dealing with problems head-on. You’re pushing them aside, hoping they’ll disappear.

But they don’t. They linger and grow, causing more trouble down the line.

Moreover, avoiding confrontation doesn’t just affect your personal life or relationships. It can impact your professional life too.

If you’re not standing up for your ideas or voicing your concerns because you fear conflict, you’re limiting your ability to grow and succeed.

So, if you find yourself stepping back to avoid confrontation constantly, it might be time to learn how to address conflicts constructively and assertively.

It’s not about picking a fight; it’s about standing up for your beliefs and addressing issues head-on.

5) Neglecting self-care

There’s a quote that I hold close to my heart: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” And it couldn’t be truer when it comes to self-care.

Neglecting self-care is a habit that many of us fall into, especially when we’re striving for success. We push ourselves to work harder, longer, and forget that we too need care and attention.

Psychology tells us that neglecting self-care can lead to burnout. It can affect our physical and mental health, our relationships, and ultimately our progress in life.

The irony is, by taking time for yourself, you actually become more productive. You have more energy, more focus, and more resilience.

So if you find yourself constantly running on empty, remember to pause. Breathe. Take care of yourself. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary. And it could be the very thing that propels you forward in life.

6) Fear of failure

A few years ago, I had an idea for a project. It was something I was passionate about, something I believed could make a difference. But I never pursued it.

Why?

Because I was afraid it wouldn’t work out. I was afraid of failure.

Fear of failure is a common habit that many of us have. It’s that nagging thought at the back of your mind saying, “What if it doesn’t work out? What if you fail?”

It can be paralyzing.

But here’s the thing; failure is not the end. It’s a stepping stone to success. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow. It’s a testament to the fact that you tried.

So, if you find yourself holding back because of fear of failure, remember this: You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing your dreams.

7) Living in the past or future

Living in the past or future is a habit that can seriously hinder your progress. It’s easy to get caught up in what was or what could be, but the truth is, life happens in the present.

If you’re constantly ruminating on past mistakes or failures, you’re not giving yourself a chance to move forward. You’re stuck in a cycle of regret and self-blame.

On the other hand, if you’re always planning for the future, always waiting for the “right” moment or the “perfect” opportunity, you might miss out on what’s happening right now.

Psychology tells us that mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, can improve our well-being and increase our chances of success.

So if you find yourself constantly dwelling on the past or fretting about the future, take a moment to pause and bring your focus back to the present. It’s the only moment we truly have control over.

8) Not believing in oneself

The most debilitating habit of all: not believing in oneself.

You can have the best ideas, the most solid plans, but if you don’t believe in your ability to execute them, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

Self-belief plays a crucial role in our success. It influences our:

• Motivation
• Resilience
• Willingness to take risks

So if you find yourself doubting your abilities or worth, remember this: You are capable. You are worthy. Believe in yourself, and the rest will follow.

Final thoughts: It’s about awareness and change

As you can see, seemingly harmless habits can be barriers to success.

But the good news is, once you’re aware of these habits, you can start to make changes. You can shift from perfectionism to acceptance, from overplanning to taking action, from fear of failure to embracing learning opportunities.

As you reflect on these habits and how they might be impacting your life, remember that change is a process.

It takes time and patience. But with awareness and deliberate action, you can break free from these habits and start moving in the direction of your dreams.