THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE SEE MY DISCLOSURES FOR MORE INFORMATION
Are you tired of feeling constrained by outdated conventions and norms that no longer serve a purpose in today’s society?
We’re here to tell you it’s time to break free!
It may seem challenging, but if we look closely at the key areas where conventions hold us back, then we can start making small changes that will ultimately help us achieve greater success.
Here, you’ll discover conventional beliefs and practices that are holding people back, how they can be challenged, and techniques for implementing change.
Together, let’s take a step out of our comfort zone into the unchartered waters of progress.
#1. Failing at Something Means You’re a Failure
Failure is a natural part of life. We’re not hardwired with all the knowledge we need to do everything, and there will naturally be things that not everyone is good at.
However, some people believe that failing at something means that they are a failure, a belief that they might have come up with on their own or that someone might have put in their head.
Regardless of how it came to be, failing at something does not make you a failure.
It means there’s more to learn, and you didn’t get it perfect the first time.
#2. Always Apologizing
One of the most common ways to stay stuck in a rut is by apologizing for everything you do.
This might seem kind, but it can also make it difficult for people to take you seriously.
Try not to apologize for things that you don’t need to, it will help others see your confidence and strength.c
#3. You Can’t Hold Others to Your Own Expectations
As we navigate life, we start to develop our own moral compass, virtues, and our own way of going about things.
This is what makes us all unique. However, some people also learn or are taught to hold others to their own standards.
After all, if what you believe or do is the best way to live, shouldn’t other people think or act similarly to how you do?
Some people find it hard to let go of this lesson and realize that everyone is their own person who cannot be held to the same expectations you hold to.
Sometimes, it might be something reasonable, like being a good person.
But sometimes, it can be unfair, like expecting someone to always show up early or consistently reciprocate things they shouldn’t have to.
You are unique, and so are others!
#4. You Don’t Have to Follow Current Beauty Standards to Be Beautiful
Beauty standards tend to change and evolve.
What we consider beautiful now might not have been considered beautiful hundreds of years ago or even decades ago.
However, one thing that doesn’t ever seem to change is that we tend to judge those who fall outside these beauty standards.
An excellent example of this is weight. Whether it’s men or women, those who weigh more than the average person and don’t look the same as those we consider beautiful aren’t always treated right.
But while the message comes across that someone has less worth or is less beautiful than others, it’s important to remember that beauty, worthiness, and love are not dictated by how you look.
You are a human being and deserve to be loved regardless of what you look like, how much you weigh, or any other aspects of your appearance.
#5. “No” Isn’t a Good Enough Explanation
Inquisitive people naturally push for more information.
As a younger individual, you’re often forced to expand upon things you shouldn’t have to.
But when you’re older, you have greater agency.
It might be a force of habit, but you should know that “no” is a complete sentence.
You don’t owe anyone anything more when you decide you don’t want to do something, and you can set boundaries that let people know that’s all you have to tell them.
#6. You Have to Please Others and Put Their Needs Before Your Own
People-pleasing is a behavior that arises for numerous reasons.
Some might be taught by their parents that they need to put the needs of others before their own and do everything that others request.
Others might learn this behavior because of trauma or difficult situations in which people-pleasing was the best way to navigate the situation.
Either way, it’s important to realize that your needs matter.
You can’t properly care for others without caring for yourself.
More importantly, you can’t avoid potentially negative interactions or those who don’t have your best intentions at heart if you’re focusing on pleasing others and fulfilling their needs without questioning whether or not it’s the right choice.
#7. Not Working Indicates Laziness
We live in a productivity-driven society. As technology has progressed and corporations have emphasized profitability more, people are expected to do more in substantially less time.
As a result, people have a greater expectation of others and themselves to be constantly busy.
If you’re not, the message is that you’re a lazy person who isn’t doing enough and likely won’t get anywhere.
It can take some time to grow out of this mindset, but choosing to relax, exist, and be is not lazy.
Everyone needs time to themselves, and no one is less of a person simply because they don’t want to adhere to the choice of packing their schedule so they don’t come across as lazy.
#8. You Don’t Have to Finish All the Food on Your Plate
This is a lesson that’s often taught to young children.
No matter what you’re eating, you have to finish everything on your plate to be excused.
However, people are starting to learn as they grow up that these eating habits have often contributed to dysfunctional eating.
Some people now have eating disorders due to being forced to eat when they’re not hungry.
No, you don’t have to finish all the food on your plate. When you’re full, you’re full.
#9. Everyone Is Paying Attention to You, So You Have to Act Like It
There are a lot of people who are overly worried about what people think about them.
They believe that all eyes are on them, and they have to carefully think about everything they do before doing it.
The reality? Most people are going through life preoccupied with their own issues and almost completely focused on themselves.
Relax. 99% of the time, most people aren’t even looking your way or focused on what you’re doing.
#10. You Can Change Someone If You Try Hard Enough
Many people love someone so much or are so involved in their lives that they believe they can change them.
Even if evidence shows over time that the person will engage in the same behaviors, some people continue to hold out hope.
A hard lesson for these people is that you can’t change someone no matter how hard you try.
Their decision to change their lives is the only thing that can make a difference.
While you can make suggestions or offer advice, you can’t change anyone.
#11. If You Try Hard Enough, You Can Change Someone’s Perception of You
Another thing people try to change with all their hearts is another person’s perception of them.
Whether it’s a parent, a sibling, or someone else, there is often someone in a person’s life who is simply unsatisfied regardless of what they do.
One lesson you need to learn if you keep striving for approval from someone who doesn’t give it to you is that they’ll never be fully satisfied.
Once you reach an achievement, they’ll remind you that it wasn’t good enough and name some ways you could have improved.
Do things for yourself, not to try to satisfy others.
#12. Your Worth Is Not Determined By What Others Think
It is easy to get caught up in trying to please everyone around you, but this can lead to burnout and a lack of purpose.
Instead, focus on your own personal goals and try to see yourself from an unbiased perspective.
Your worth should be based on what YOU think of yourself, not the opinions of others.
#13. Think Differently
Challenge yourself to explore new horizons and boldly come up with creative solutions.
Don’t hesitate to ask thought-provoking questions, and never confine your thinking to what you already know or have experienced.
Instead, draw inspiration from diverse sources and push the boundaries of what you once believed possible.
By nurturing this mindset, you can unlock endless possibilities and pave the way for uncharted success.
#14. Take Risks
Breaking out of your “safe” routine can be challenging, but taking risks is necessary for progress and achieving goals.
Thoroughly research options, weigh pros and cons, and gather the courage to step out of your comfort zone.
Embrace new experiences for personal growth and extraordinary opportunities.
Unlock the door to endless possibilities!
Change Your Mindset
Going from a negative mindset to a positive one can feel overwhelming.
But with a little guidance and tips, you can do this.
When Life Gives You Lemons
Nothing in life always works out perfectly.
Many times we hit rough patches where everything goes wrong. Learn how to handle these situations and come out better on the other side.
10 Choices You Will Regret In 10 Years
We all make choices in life. Some turn out to be smart ones, and others, well, not so much.
Here are 10 bad choices that if you make them today, you will regret them in 10 years.
10 CHOICES YOU WILL REGRET IN 10 YEARS
The Secret To Living A Happier Life
Do you want to be happier? It’s a lot easier to get than you might think.
Here is a step by step plan to help you have a happier life and get more out of every single day.
Inspirational Life Lessons To Remember
Life is a great teacher. We experience things and learn from them. Sadly though, the message doesn’t always come through.
So we end up repeating the same mistakes over and over until the life lesson finally sinks in. Fortunately, not all life lessons need to be experienced to be learned. Here are life lessons to learn from others.
15 INSPIRATIONAL LIFE LESSONS TO REMEMBER
This thread inspired this article.
Jon Dulin is the passionate leader of Unfinished Success, a personal development website that inspires people to take control of their own lives and reach their full potential. His commitment to helping others achieve greatness shines through in everything he does. He’s an unstoppable force with lots of wisdom, creativity, and enthusiasm – all focused on helping others build a better future. Jon enjoys writing articles about productivity, goal setting, self-development, and mindset. He also uses quotes and affirmations to help motivate and inspire himself. You can learn more about him on his About page.