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We all want to live a good life.
However, sometimes, we don’t know how to make it happen.
Maybe you feel like your life is stuck in the same old routine, and you’re not sure how to break it.
Maybe you just want to make a few changes to feel more fulfilled.
Whatever the case may be, there are ten habits you can work on to get from ordinary to extraordinary, and they’re not as intimidating as you might think!
#1. Spending Too Much Time on the Internet
It’s really easy to spend too much time glued to our phones or computers. After all, there’s a whole digital world out there to explore!
Even if we spend the entire time watching YouTube videos, we’re occupied and entertained.
But have you ever stopped to consider its effect on you? Some people may have noticed that they’re more depressed because they’re consuming more and more media telling them about every bad development happening in the world.
Others may realize that they’re spending too much time on the internet and missing out on things they would rather be doing with their time. The good news? You can always change this.
One way to reduce your time on the internet is to use tools that limit screen time.
If you have limited time to use something before you lose access to it, it’s much easier to turn your attention to something else.
Others may decide to delete certain apps or block sites altogether. Whatever works for you, there’s plenty of support out there to help you kick this bad habit.
#2. Not Listening to Others
Some people are more excited about being able to say what they have to say that they miss out on what others say.
At best, this means you can miss crucial details that will be important later.
At worst, you can destroy some of your relationships because other people are tired of not feeling cared about or heard.
If you lend an ear and interact with people, make sure that you take time to process what they have to say and pay attention to the conversation.
After all, would you like it if you talked to someone who brushed off what you were saying because they were more eager to express their thoughts?
#3. Jumping to Conclusions
Those who act solely on their emotions can engage in bad habits that could tank their relationships.
Take, for example, those who quickly jump to conclusions. When you allow anger, paranoia, or anxiety to fill in the gaps between what you know and what you don’t, accusing people of things that never happened can be easy.
Take time to cultivate trust in every relationship and discover a way to challenge negative thoughts when they appear so that you don’t make assumptions when you believe something terrible has happened.
#4. Mindlessly Snacking
There’s nothing quite like pulling a bag of chips or another snack out of the pantry and munching on it while you’re engaged in whatever activity lies before you.
Snacking moderately throughout the day isn’t a bad thing. However, snacking frequently and without being mindful of your snack consumption can be harmful.
It’s easy to go through several snacks without focusing on the food in front of us.
Some people overcome this habit by looking for ways to feel fuller throughout the day. Some will only snack when the only thing they’re focused on is just having a snack.
Others will avoid the temptation by removing snack foods from the house and only having meals.
Whatever works for you, it might be time to consider your snack habits and whether or not they’re contributing to the current state of your health.
#5. Seeking Out Validation Rather Than Growth
The truth hurts, and very few people want their thoughts, beliefs, or opinions challenged.
Some people will go to extreme lengths to surround themselves only with people who agree with them and information that validates what they think they know.
Of course, this can lead to stunted growth, whether in the form of not hearing that some of your behaviors are bad so you can change them or continuing to believe in things that are wrong and detrimental to you.
Stepping outside of your comfort zone to challenge yourself can be difficult, but it’s essential if you wish to grow as an individual rather than continue to hold things that may not serve you.
#6. Not Sleeping Enough
It’s important to remember that everyone’s situation is unique.
If you’re unable to get enough shuteye because you’re juggling so many tasks, this bad habit may be a necessity.
However, not getting enough sleep can be highly detrimental to your physical and mental health.
It makes it harder to stay energized and focused and follow through on some physical tasks you want to be done throughout the day. Over time, it can even affect your cardiovascular health.
If you can, make it a greater priority to get in bed at a reasonable time.
You can start by establishing a bedtime routine, looking for ways to settle down before bed so that it’s easier to fall asleep and focusing on your sleep hygiene by switching from TV to books or even investing in products like sleep masks.
#7. Judging Yourself Too Harshly and Comparing Yourself to Others
We live in a world filled with celebrities and influencers. Their job is to glamorize their lives so that we keep watching them.
However, this can leave many people feeling as though they’re not good enough.
They compare their lives and themselves to these individuals and feel like they don’t have enough money, aren’t good-looking, or are coming short in other areas.
Of course, this doesn’t just apply to those in the limelight. You may also compare yourself to those around you who appear to be doing better than you in their lives.
The reality is that life is not a race, and comparing yourself to others rather than setting your own benchmarks for happiness can lead to you spending too much time trying to be someone else.
Find happiness in yourself rather than a life you think you should be living.
#8. Overthinking
It’s important to be aware that all actions have consequences. But it’s also important to remember that not everything you do will have life-changing implications.
Ruminating can be a major source of anxiety and depression for some, and you may find yourself focusing on things you’ve done wrong in the past or thinking about things you might do wrong in the future.
Overthinking is never good, but there are plenty of ways to manage it and lead a better quality of life.
If you want to calm your mind, engaging in exercises like journaling or mindfulness meditation can be a great way to gain perspective.
If your overthinking has become too much of a problem, contact a mental health professional to get the support you need moving forward.
#9. Trash Talking and Gossiping
There’s nothing wrong with being mad at someone for something they’ve done to you. However, it’s very easy to get into the habit of being angry and bitter.
This manifests in several ways. We might mouth off and talk to others rudely. We might also talk about others behind their backs to make ourselves feel better or superior to them.
Holding onto all of this resentment and anger rather than learning to let go is likely only hurting you, not the other person.
Consider both the words you say before you say them and how long you’re thinking about something that’s happened in the past.
Forgiveness and learning to let go are powerful tools that everyone can wield.
#10. Procrastination
Procrastination is a widespread bad habit and one that stems from anxiety.
Some people feel they need that anxiety and stress to power through tasks they don’t want to do.
The problem? This bad habit can leave you feeling like there’s never enough time.
More importantly, you’re putting off things you could miss, which may put you in a worse situation than if you had followed through on what you needed to do.
The solution? Sit down and get started on things to remind yourself that doing them isn’t so bad.
When you show up, it can help you reduce your anxiety and develop a better habit of getting things done on time.
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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.