There’s a massive gap between longing for success and achieving it.

The gap often comes down to behavior. Some behaviors act like anchors, holding you back from reaching the success you desire.

But here’s the good news – you have the power to say goodbye to these behaviors. It might not be easy, but it’s totally possible and completely worth it.

In this article, I’m going to highlight 9 behaviors that could be preventing you from success. And most importantly, I’ll show you how to bid them farewell for good.

So, if you’re someone who dreams of success but has yet to taste it, this one’s for you. Let’s get started.

1) Procrastination

There’s one behavior that is a notorious success stopper – procrastination.

We’ve all done it. Put off the important tasks for later, while we busy ourselves with the mundane. It’s a trap that’s too easy to fall into.

But here’s the thing. Success doesn’t come to those who wait. It comes to those who act.

Procrastination is like a heavy chain, weighing you down and preventing you from moving forward. And the longer you procrastinate, the heavier that chain becomes.

2) Fear of failure

I used to fear failure a lot, especially when offered a promotion at work. Instead of feeling excited, I was terrified of messing up and not meeting expectations. This fear almost led me to decline the offer. 

However, I realized that failure isn’t the end; it’s often a stepping stone to success. I faced my fear, accepted the promotion, and it turned out to be one of my best decisions. Yes, there were bumps and mistakes, but each one taught me something. 

If fear of failure is holding you back, it’s time to let go. Embrace failures as opportunities to grow, and remember, every successful person has faced setbacks. It’s not about how many times you fall but how many times you get back up and keep going.

3) Neglecting self-care

We live in a world that often glorifies the hustle and bustle, leaving little room for self-care. But here’s the catch – neglecting self-care can actually stunt your progress towards success.

Researchers have found that stress can lead to decreased productivity, impaired cognitive function, and poor decision-making abilities. It’s like trying to run a marathon with a backpack full of rocks – it slows you down and exhausts you.

Therefore, start incorporating regular breaks into your schedule, make time for hobbies and activities you enjoy, and don’t forget to take care of your physical health through regular exercise and good nutrition.

4) Avoiding risk

Success rarely comes from staying in your comfort zone. Avoiding risks might feel safe, but it also means avoiding opportunities for growth and advancement.

Many of the world’s most successful individuals have taken calculated risks in their careers. They’ve stepped out into the unknown, embraced uncertainty, and reaped the rewards.

Now, I’m not suggesting you throw caution to the wind and take reckless chances. But if you’ve been holding yourself back because of fear of risk, it’s time to reconsider.

Start by taking small steps outside your comfort zone. Try a new approach, take on a challenging project, or even consider a career change.

Who knows? The success you’ve been longing for might be just one calculated risk away.

5) Not setting clear goals

Without clear, defined goals, it’s easy to lose focus and drift aimlessly. You might end up putting a lot of effort into tasks that don’t bring you closer to your desired outcome.

If you’ve been chasing success without a roadmap, it’s high time for a shift. Begin by outlining your personal definition of success. Next, break it into bite-sized, doable goals to pave your way forward.

Never forget: The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. With clear goals in place, you’ll have a roadmap to guide your steps towards the success you desire.

6) Neglecting relationships

In the pursuit of success, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters – our relationships with the people we care about.

However, in the pursuit of our goals, we occasionally sideline these vital connections. Our ambitions can absorb us so entirely that we overlook the significance of those closest to us.

Make a conscious effort to cultivate your relationships. Reconnect with a friend you’ve lost touch with, cherish moments with family, or show appreciation to those who’ve stood by you on your path.

7) Comparing yourself to others

I used to spend hours scrolling through social media, looking at the accomplishments of others and wondering why I wasn’t achieving the same level of success. It was a cycle of comparison and self-doubt that left me feeling drained and deflated.

Comparison is a tricky thing. It can sometimes spur us on to work harder, but more often than not, it breeds feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.

Your journey is unique to you, shaped by your own experiences, strengths, and challenges. Comparing your path to someone else’s can only take away from your focus on your own goals and progress.

Finding yourself stuck in a cycle of comparison?

Maybe it’s time to break free. Instead of looking at what others are doing, turn your focus inward. Celebrate your own achievements, no matter how small, and keep moving forward at your own pace.

8) Resisting change

Change is an inherent aspect of life, shaping our growth, knowledge, and evolution. Despite its natural course, the prospect of change often triggers fear or unease within us.

Yet, clinging to resistance can impede the journey to success. Be it shifts in personal life, career, or mindset, welcoming change unveils fresh avenues and possibilities for success.

If you find yourself resisting change, it’s time to break free from this habit. Reframe your perspective on change – see it not as something daunting, but as an opportunity for personal growth and learning.

9) Not believing in yourself

At the heart of all your endeavors, there needs to be a fundamental belief in yourself and your abilities. Without this, no amount of talent, opportunity, or hard work can bring you the success you seek.

Believing in yourself is about more than just positive self-talk. It’s about truly knowing that you have what it takes to achieve your goals. It’s about trusting in your abilities, even when the going gets tough.

If self-doubt has been casting shadows over your path, it’s high time to bid it farewell. When you believe in yourself, you’ve already covered half the journey.  

Final thoughts: Success is a journey

The path to success, as we’ve explored, is often paved with the need to let go of certain behaviors. But it’s important to remember that success isn’t a destination, but rather a journey.

Embracing this journey means acknowledging that we all have room for growth and improvement. It’s about recognizing that stumbling blocks are actually stepping stones leading us closer to our goals.

So as you reflect on the behaviors we’ve discussed and consider which ones might be holding you back, remember that every step you take towards letting go of these behaviors is a step forward on your unique journey towards success.