Many of us know the feeling of merely surviving rather than truly living.

It’s like being caught in a cycle of routines that leave you drained and unfulfilled.

But here’s the good news—it doesn’t have to stay this way.

Often, it’s our own habits that keep us from fully embracing life’s potential.

Breaking free from these habits isn’t always easy, but it begins with recognizing them and choosing to let them go.

In this article, I’ll reveal 8 habits you need to release if you want to move from simply surviving to truly living your life to the fullest.

1) Being a perfectionist

Perfectionism – it’s a trap many of us fall into. We tell ourselves that everything must be just right, and we can’t move forward until it is.

But here’s the thing – life isn’t perfect, and neither are we. Chasing perfection can leave us feeling perpetually unsatisfied and stuck in survival mode, always striving but never arriving.

Think about it. When you’re so focused on making everything perfect, you miss out on the messy, beautiful chaos that is life.

It’s time to let go of the idea that everything has to be perfect. Instead, embrace the concept of “good enough”. This doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity – it means recognizing that sometimes, done is better than perfect.

2) Constantly comparing yourself to others

This is a habit that I’ve personally grappled with. It’s so easy to look at others and feel like you’re falling behind. With social media constantly showcasing the highlight reels of everyone else’s lives, it can feel like you’re always playing catch-up.

I remember a time when I found myself endlessly scrolling through Instagram, seeing my friends travelling, getting promotions, or buying houses. I began questioning my own life choices, wondering why I wasn’t achieving these same milestones.

But here’s what I learned – comparison is the thief of joy. It can make you feel like you’re in a never-ending race, simply trying to survive rather than embracing your own journey.

Letting go of this habit allowed me to focus on my own path, my own growth. I started celebrating my wins, no matter how small, and stopped measuring them against others. This shift helped me move out of survival mode and start fully living my life.

3) Neglecting self-care

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. We become so focused on our tasks and responsibilities that we forget to take care of ourselves.

When you’re constantly running on empty, you’re not truly living – you’re just surviving. And did you know that chronic stress can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other illnesses?

Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s about taking time for activities that nourish your body and mind. This could be anything from a 10-minute meditation, to a walk in the park, or even just a cup of tea and a good book.

4) Overcommitting

We often say “yes” more than we should, whether it’s to social events, work assignments or helping others with their tasks. While it’s great to be helpful and involved, overcommitting can lead to burnout, leaving you feeling like you’re barely keeping your head above water.

The key is to learn when to say “no”. It’s not about being selfish or unkind, but about understanding your own capacity and limits.

When you start valuing your time and energy, you’ll find that you have more of it to spend on things that truly matter to you. This shift can help take you out of survival mode and into a state of living fully and joyfully.

5) Holding onto grudges

Holding onto grudges, it’s like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere you go. It weighs you down and prevents you from moving forward freely.

Remember, forgiveness is not about letting someone off the hook for their actions, but about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment. It’s about choosing your own peace over re-living the pain.

When you let go of grudges, it’s like setting down that heavy backpack. You’ll feel lighter, more free and suddenly life becomes much more than just surviving – it becomes a journey of joy and growth.

6) Ignoring your feelings

We’ve all been there. Something upsets us, but instead of dealing with it, we push it aside, telling ourselves we’ll handle it later. But that “later” never seems to come, and before we know it, we’re carrying around a pile of unresolved emotions.

I used to be a master at suppressing my feelings. I’d put on a brave face and carry on, despite the turmoil inside me. But over time, I realized that ignoring my feelings wasn’t helping me – it was keeping me stuck in survival mode.

When I started acknowledging and expressing my emotions—even the uncomfortable ones—I felt a huge shift. I felt more in tune with myself and more capable of handling life’s ups and downs. It’s like I was finally living, not just surviving.

7) Staying in your comfort zone

Your comfort zone may feel safe and familiar, but it can also keep you stuck in survival mode. This is because growth and personal development often happen outside of our comfort zones.

When we challenge ourselves to try new things, meet new people, or learn new skills, we open ourselves up to experiences that can enrich our lives in ways we never imagined.

8) Not valuing your own worth

This is perhaps the most critical habit to let go of if you want to shift from survival mode to really living. You are valuable and deserving of happiness, success, and fulfillment, regardless of what anyone else might say or think.

You have unique talents, skills, and experiences that no one else in the world has. So don’t sell yourself short or settle for less than you deserve.

Final thoughts: The power to change is within you

Ultimately, the power to shift from merely surviving to truly living lies within you.

It’s about making a conscious choice each day to let go of habits that hold you back and embrace those that move you forward.

Life is a beautiful and complex journey, filled with ups and downs.

By choosing to break free from these eight habits, you’re taking a significant step toward a more fulfilling life.

Change takes time, so be patient with yourself and celebrate each small victory.

Remember, you’re not alone—millions are on this journey with you, working toward a vibrant life.

Here’s to stepping out of survival mode and into truly living—one day and one habit at a time!