In the journeys of our lives, sometimes we unknowingly adopt certain behaviors that act as anchors, holding us back.

There’s this saying that my family had held close for as long as I remember: “If you want to keep moving forward, be mindful of the baggage you carry.”

I find it helpful to remind myself of it whenever I feel stuck. It is a cue to take a look at my habits and beliefs which may no longer serve me – and see how I can change them.

Now, let’s get this straight.

I’m not here to tell you what to do. But if you’re feeling like you’re lagging behind in life, it may be time to take a hard look at these seven specific behaviors that could be slowing down your progress.

In this article, we will explore these behaviors and discuss how saying goodbye to them can propel you forward in life. So if you’re ready for some self-reflection and growth, read on.

1) Living in the past

Here’s something to ponder.

Ever catch yourself reliving past mistakes or wallowing in regret about a missed opportunity? It’s perfectly natural to reflect on the past, but when we get stuck there, it becomes a problem.

Look, we’ve all been there. We’ve all made mistakes.

But those who keep moving in life are those who learn from their past without letting it dictate their future.

Living in the past is like driving a car while constantly looking in the rearview mirror. It’s dangerous and prevents us from focusing on what’s ahead.

So, let’s make a pact.

Choose to view your past as a lesson, not a life sentence. Take what you’ve learned and use it to make better decisions moving forward. That’s how you turn setbacks into comebacks.

Remember, the only time you should ever look back is to see how far you’ve come. So, let go of your past if you want to move forward in life.

2) Fear of stepping out of your comfort zone

Let me share a personal story.

A few years back, I was offered an opportunity to lead a project at work. But, it required public speaking – something I was terrified of. To be honest, I almost turned it down.

Why? I was comfortable where I was. The idea of stepping out of my comfort zone and facing my fear head-on seemed too daunting.

But here’s what happened.

I took a deep breath, mustered all the courage I had, and accepted the offer. Sure, it was scary, incredibly challenging even.

But guess what? It turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Staying in our comfort zones feels safe and cozy, but it also means missing out on new experiences and opportunities for growth.

A little discomfort now can lead to big achievements later. Growth, after all, often happens in uncomfortable spaces.

3) Being a people pleaser

I’m going to lay it on the line here.

We all want to be liked. It’s human nature. But when the desire to please others begins to dictate our decisions, it becomes a roadblock to our personal growth.

Think about it. How many times have you said ‘yes’ when you really wanted to say ‘no’? How often have you changed your plans just to accommodate someone else?

I’ll tell you this. It’s exhausting. It’s like running a race but constantly changing your direction based on where others are heading. You’ll never reach your destination that way.

Here’s what I learned.

There’s a fine line between being considerate and compromising your own needs and happiness. It’s okay to put your interests first sometimes.

If you don’t want to get left behind in life, start by saying ‘no’ when you need to. After all, it’s your life. You should be the one calling the shots.

4) Comparing yourself to others

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others as you scroll through social media. We see their highlight reels and start feeling inadequate about our own lives.

Been there, done that.

But here’s the truth. Comparison is the thief of joy. It takes away our happiness and contentment. It distracts us from focusing on our own journey.

Let’s face it: there will always be someone who has more than you. But that doesn’t mean they’re happier or more successful.

Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on becoming a better version of yourself. Set your own goals, follow your own path.

5) Neglecting self-care

We often prioritize our jobs, our families, our friends, and forget about the most important person – ourselves.

Did you know that stress-related health issues are among the leading causes of death worldwide?

That’s right. Yet, we often put self-care on the back burner, thinking it’s selfish or a waste of time.

I’ve been guilty of this too. But over time, I realized that taking care of myself isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days. It’s about nurturing my mental, emotional, and physical health.

It’s about setting boundaries, saying no when needed, eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercise. It’s about making time for hobbies and activities that make me happy.

The bottom line is this.

If you want to keep moving forward in life without burning out, take care of yourself. Because you can’t pour from an empty cup. Fill your own cup first before you fill others’.

6) Holding onto grudges

I get it. People hurt us. They let us down. It’s hard to let go of those feelings of anger and betrayal.

But holding onto a grudge is like carrying a heavy weight around your neck. It drags you down, causing pain and stress that can affect every aspect of your life.

But imagine for a moment.

What if you could let go of that weight? How much lighter and freer would you feel?

Forgiving someone isn’t about letting them off the hook. It’s about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment. It’s about giving yourself the gift of peace and happiness.

It takes strength to forgive, but it leads to a path of healing and growth. So if you don’t want to get left behind in life, consider letting go of past grudges and moving forward with a lighter heart.

7) Fear of failure

This is crucial.

Fear of failure holds us back more than failure itself. It keeps us stuck in our comfort zones, preventing us from taking risks and seizing opportunities.

Believe it or not, failure is a part of success. It’s how we learn, grow, and become more resilient.

So, instead of fearing failure, embrace it. See it as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.

After all, every successful person has failed at some point. But they didn’t let fear hold them back. They used their failures as fuel to keep going.

The final takeaway

If you’ve recognized some of these behaviors in yourself, don’t fret. It’s the first step towards growth.

Change is a process, not an event. It begins with awareness, followed by intentional action.

Start by acknowledging these habits. Observe when they show up in your life. Ask yourself – how is this behavior serving me? Is it helping me move forward or holding me back?

Don’t expect it to be an overnight transformation. It’s the small, consistent changes that add up over time.

Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Be patient with yourself. You’re human and it’s okay to make mistakes. What matters is that you learn from them and keep going.

As the saying goes, “The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you’ve come.” So, embrace your journey and keep moving forward.

After all, life isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being better than you were yesterday.

So take a deep breath, let go of these behaviors, and step into your potential.

You’ve got this!