Success is no accident. It’s a result of hard work, yes, but also the willingness to say goodbye to certain behaviors that tie us down.

I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and an enthusiast of mindfulness.

I’ve found that it’s not just about what we do, but also about what we stop doing that can pave the way for success in less than a year.

In my journey, I’ve identified 9 behaviors you should bid farewell to if you desire real accomplishment.

And trust me, giving them up can make all the difference.

So let’s jump right in.

Here are the 9 behaviors to ditch if you want to be successful and accomplished within a year.

1) Procrastination

The number one enemy of success is procrastination.

Imagine this: you have a task that needs to be done, but instead of tackling it head-on, you delay it, distract yourself with other things, or just completely ignore it.

Sounds familiar?

Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks, often out of fear, lack of motivation, or plain laziness.

It’s a habit that can seriously hinder your progress toward success.

Consider this: each moment you spend procrastinating is a moment you’re not moving closer to your goals.

The good news? You can learn to overcome procrastination.

It starts by recognizing when you’re falling into the trap and then making a conscious decision to push through and get tasks done.

Overcoming procrastination isn’t about buying a planner or finding the right productivity app; it’s about changing your mindset and saying goodbye to this detrimental behavior once and for all.

2) Fear of failure

Let me share a personal story about fear of failure.

When I first started Hack Spirit, I was terrified.

The fear of failing and losing everything was paralyzing.

I spent my days worrying about what could go wrong, about the negative reviews and criticisms I might face.

But then I realized something: this fear was holding me back from reaching my true potential.

It was preventing me from taking the necessary risks that could lead to big success.

So, I made a conscious decision to let go of my fear of failure.

I started seeing every setback not as a sign of failure, but as an opportunity for growth and learning.

And you know what? That decision changed everything.

Hack Spirit took off, and I’ve become a more confident and resilient person in the process.

Fear of failure can be crippling. It can stop you from taking risks, trying new things, and ultimately achieving your goals.

As Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

So, don’t be afraid to fail. Instead, embrace it as an integral part of your journey to success.

3) Living with a bloated ego

When it comes to success, your ego can be your worst enemy.

An inflated ego can lead to arrogance and a belief that you’re always right, which can hinder personal growth and learning.

It might make you ignore valuable advice, miss out on opportunities, or rub people the wrong way.

In my journey, I’ve discovered that the most successful people are often those who are willing to keep their ego in check.

They’re open to learning, to listening to others, and to admitting when they’re wrong.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve deeper into the concept of ego and how it can often limit us.

It’s about learning to live with humility, grace, and a willingness to learn from others.

Keeping your ego in check doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself. It means thinking of yourself less.

4) Negativity

When you’re constantly focusing on the negative aspects of situations, you’re less likely to see opportunities when they arise.

You’re more likely to give up when faced with challenges, and less likely to take necessary risks.

Psychologists call this “negativity bias”, a tendency to give more weight to negative experiences than positive ones.

It’s an evolutionary trait designed to keep us safe, but in today’s world, it can often hold us back from achieving our full potential.

The solution is to consciously shift your mindset. Practice positivity.

Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, think about what could go right.

Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Show gratitude for what you have and where you are in your journey.

5) Overworking

Here’s something you might not expect: working excessive hours can actually hinder your success.

We’re often told that success comes from hard work, and that’s true, but there’s a limit.

When you’re constantly working, you risk burnout.

Your productivity drops, your creativity diminishes, and your overall health can suffer.

The key is finding balance. Yes, hard work is important, but so is rest.

So is taking time for yourself, for hobbies and interests outside of work, for spending time with loved ones.

In fact, studies have shown that taking breaks can actually increase productivity and creativity.

Sometimes, stepping away from the grind and indulging in a bit of ‘nonsense’ is exactly what you need to recharge and come back stronger.

If you want to achieve success within a year, it’s time to say goodbye to overworking.

6) Fear of change

Change is a part of life. It’s inevitable and often necessary for growth and progress.

However, many of us fear change. We cling to our routines and comfort zones, and in the process, we limit our potential for success.

Whether it’s a change in career, location, perspective or lifestyle, embracing change rather than fearing it can open doors to new opportunities and experiences.

It encourages adaptability—a key trait for success in today’s fast-paced world.

It’s natural to feel uncomfortable with change, but don’t let that discomfort hold you back.

Instead, see it as a sign that you’re stretching your boundaries and growing.

If you want to be successful and accomplished in less than a year, it’s time to say goodbye to the fear of change and embrace the opportunities it brings.

7) Perfectionism

Perfectionism can be a real roadblock on the path to success.

While it’s great to strive for excellence, obsessing over every little detail can hold you back.

There was a time when every article written had to be perfect.

Every sentence had to be meticulously crafted, every word carefully chosen. It was exhausting and incredibly time-consuming.

Then came the realization: perfection is an illusion.

Instead of striving for perfection, it’s more productive to strive for progress.

Release the need for everything to be flawless.

Accept that mistakes are part of the learning process.

They’re not a sign of failure, but an opportunity for growth.

8) Avoiding risks

Risk-taking is an essential part of success.

Whether it’s starting a new business, investing money, or pitching an innovative idea, all these actions involve a certain level of risk.

But here’s the thing: avoiding risks doesn’t guarantee safety.

In fact, it can often lead to missed opportunities and stagnation.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should blindly leap into risky situations.

It’s about calculated risks—weighing the potential gains against the potential losses and making informed decisions.

Final thoughts

The journey to success isn’t just about the actions we take, but also about the behaviors we let go of.

Each of us has the power to shape our destiny, to rise above our limitations, and to become the best version of ourselves.

And often, it starts with saying goodbye to behaviors that no longer serve us.

As we bid farewell to these behaviors, we open ourselves up to growth, learning, and ultimately, success.

Whether it’s overcoming procrastination, embracing change, or letting go of perfectionism, each step brings us closer to our goals.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve deeper into some of these concepts and offer practical advice on how to live a more fulfilling and successful life.

So take a moment to reflect. What behaviors are holding you back from achieving your full potential?

What can you say goodbye to today, to make room for success tomorrow? Whatever it is, know that you have the power to change it.

And who knows, in less than a year from now, you could look back on this moment as the turning point in your journey to success.