It is obvious that as human beings, we have a tendency to improve and better ourselves. Be it improving our lifestyle or finding meaning in life, we are always on a quest for a better life. After all, life is all about constant evolution and progress. However, in doing so, we tend to look for new things and habits that may contribute to our overall well-being, all the while forgetting to reconsider our existing habits and routines.
Suraj / Pexels / Change of habits is difficult as they are part of our subconscious mind.
It is pertinent to note here that long-term habits are a part of our subconscious mind. In other words, we tend to follow certain habits unconsciously - or, without knowing them. It does not even matter whether these habits are good or bad but our mind imprints them with the passage of time. Consequently, we are destined to follow these learned habits regardless of whether they are good or bad. Disclaimer: If followed for an extended amount of time, bad habits drive you, instead of you driving them.
Here are 5 toxic habits everyone should quit.
-
Constantly Comparing Yourself With Others
Andrea / Pexels / Comparing yourself with others is a toxic habit that kills self-esteem and self-confidence.
“If you have to compare yourself with someone, it should be you,” says Wendy Wood, author of her bestselling book "Good Habits, Bad Habits." What this means is simple: If you want to be a better person, simply compare yourself with who you were yesterday. Assess the good habits that you developed today which were not a part of you yesterday. Likewise, reassess your friends' circle. Are you in the company of good people who have positive vibes? If your answer is yes, you are certainly a better person than you were yesterday.
Keep in mind that you should be good regardless, and not merely in comparison to someone else. You are not here to compete with anyone.
-
Dwelling on the Past and Overthinking
One of the most toxic habits that kills creativity and self-belief is dwelling on the past. Some people can not get over a tragic experience they had in the past. They simply can not live in the present and instead, they dwell on what once was and what could have been.
Yan / Pexels / Dwelling on the past not only causes major mental damage, but it also snatches happiness from the present.
Other Major Toxic Habits
Here are three more toxic habits that kill productivity and self-esteem. The earlier you quit them, the better:
- Taking everything personal
- Looking for happiness in things
- Excessive usage of social media
