10 habits that secretly hold you back from gaining respect and success

I’ve always been fascinated by the little things we do without even realizing—the quirks, the habits, the autopilot decisions.

But then, there are those habits that are less quirky and more… problematic. You know, the ones we hold onto because they’re familiar, even when they’re quietly sabotaging us.

I’ve been there—replaying the same patterns, wondering why things weren’t falling into place.

And then it hit me: sometimes, it’s not the big dramatic decisions that shape our lives. It’s the everyday stuff. The things we don’t question. The things we probably should.

So today, let’s get real. Here are ten habits that might be holding you back from the respect and success you deserve—and how to finally break free of them.

1) Playing it safe

Risk-taking isn’t for everyone. But neither is success.

You see, if you’re always playing it safe, sticking to what’s comfortable and familiar, you’re missing out on opportunities. And without seizing opportunities, respect and success may remain elusive.

This doesn’t mean diving headfirst into every risky endeavour that comes your way. Instead, it’s about assessing situations and taking calculated risks when it makes sense to do so.

Success often comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones and daring to tread uncharted territory.

And respect? It comes from the courage that’s seen in those who dare.

So don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Every failure brings with it valuable lessons and growth opportunities. Don’t play it safe all the time, take a risk once in a while.

2) Neglecting personal growth

I’ve learned this the hard way. Back in my early career, I was so focused on immediate results that I completely overlooked the importance of personal growth.

I was doing well, or so I thought, sticking to what I knew best and avoiding areas where I didn’t excel.

My annual reviews were positive, but there was something missing – a sense of progression, of growing beyond my current capabilities.

Then came a wake-up call. I was passed over for a promotion in favor of a colleague who had consistently invested in personal development. They had expanded their skill set, sought feedback, and continually improved themselves.

That’s when it hit me—success isn’t only tied to excelling at what you do today; it’s also rooted in preparing and adapting for the challenges ahead.

So don’t neglect personal growth, it’s the engine that drives respect and success. Learn new skills, seek feedback, and strive to be better than you were yesterday.

Trust me, it’s worth it.

3) Procrastination

According to research, 20 to 25% of the population experiences chronic procrastination.

It is a habit that silently sabotages your path to success. It’s easy to put things off till later, convincing yourself that you’ll have more time or be in a better frame of mind tomorrow.

But tomorrow brings its own challenges and the cycle continues.

This habit can hinder your productivity, affect your performance, and ultimately cost you respect and success.

It’s important to tackle tasks head-on and manage your time effectively. So break those big tasks into smaller, manageable ones, set realistic deadlines and stick to them.

Success is often a result of taking action today, not tomorrow.

4) Avoiding feedback

Feedback, although sometimes hard to swallow, is the breakfast of champions. It’s the secret sauce that accelerates growth and development.

You see, when we avoid feedback, we’re essentially choosing to remain in the dark about our shortcomings. We miss out on the chance to learn from our mistakes and improve.

People might respect your confidence, but they’ll respect your humility and willingness to learn even more.

So, don’t shy away from constructive criticism. Seek it out, listen with an open mind, and use it as a stepping stone towards your success. There’s always room for improvement and growth.

5) Overworking yourself

In our quest for success, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overworking.

We often believe that the more hours we put in, the more successful we’ll be. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Working round the clock can lead to burnout, affecting your mental and physical health. It can also affect your productivity, creativity and decision-making skills, all of which are crucial for success.

Balance is key. It’s important to take breaks, recharge and take care of your health. You can’t pour from an empty cup. So make sure to balance work with rest and self-care.

Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself for sustainable progress and long-term success.

6) Lack of self-belief

Let’s face it, we all have moments of self-doubt. But when this becomes a habit, it can be a major roadblock to respect and success.

Believing in yourself isn’t just thinking highly of yourself. It means recognizing your value and potential, understanding that you’re capable of tackling obstacles and achieving your goals.

When you believe in yourself, you radiate confidence. And confidence attracts respect from others and opens doors to opportunities.

So be kind to yourself. Celebrate your achievements, big or small, and know that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

Self-belief is the backbone of success. Trust in your abilities and keep pressing forward. You’ve got this.

7) Fear of change

There was a time when I found comfort in routine and predictability.

The thought of change was intimidating, almost paralyzing. I clung to what was familiar, even when it was clear that it wasn’t serving me well.

But here’s what I’ve come to realize – change is inevitable. It’s a part of life. And more often than not, it’s the catalyst for growth and success.

Staying stuck in your ways, refusing to adapt to new circumstances or opportunities, can stifle your potential. It can prevent you from exploring new avenues and reaching new heights.

So embrace change. See it as an opportunity for growth, not a threat to your comfort.

The only constant in life is change. The sooner you make peace with this fact, the sooner you can leverage it to your advantage on your path to success.

8) Seeking perfection

We often equate success with perfection. But striving for perfection can sometimes be more harmful than helpful.

Perfection is an elusive goal, one that keeps moving further away the closer you get. According to health experts, the pursuit of it can lead to stress, anxiety, and even hinder productivity.

Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress. Focus on improving, learning, and growing. Acknowledge your mistakes, learn from them, and keep moving forward.

Success isn’t defined by perfection. It’s built on persistence, resilience, and the ongoing effort to grow. Let go of striving for flawlessness and embrace the progress you make, imperfections included.

9) Neglecting relationships

Success isn’t built in isolation. We often focus so much on personal achievements and goals that we overlook the importance of relationships.

The connections you make and maintain can open doors, provide support during tough times, and enrich your life in countless ways.

Neglecting relationships, whether personal or professional, can limit your opportunities and potential for success. It can also affect the level of respect you earn from others.

So make time for those who matter. Build and nurture your relationships.

Success isn’t solely measured by what you accomplish—it’s also shaped by the people who walk alongside you.

10) Not knowing your worth

Understanding your worth is critical. If you don’t value yourself, how can you expect others to? Underestimating yourself can lead to missed opportunities and prevent you from reaching your full potential.

Know your worth. Stand up for yourself. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Believe in your abilities and the value you bring.

This self-assuredness commands respect and paves the way for success.

Final thoughts

I keep coming back to something a mentor once told me: “Your habits either work for you or against you—there’s no in-between.”

It’s a little harsh, but isn’t it true? The way we spend our days is the way we spend our lives.

And those sneaky little habits? They have a funny way of dictating our futures.

The good news is, habits aren’t destiny. They’re choices we repeat, and that means we can un-choose them, too.

Whether it’s shaking off the fear of failure, letting go of perfectionism, or finally carving out time for personal growth, every small shift makes a difference.

So, here’s the real question: What’s one habit you’re ready to leave behind today?

Because the only thing standing between you and the life you want is what you decide to do next.

Feeling stuck in self-doubt?

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Picture of Ethan Sterling

Ethan Sterling

Ethan Sterling has a background in entrepreneurship, having started and managed several small businesses. His journey through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship provides him with practical insights into personal resilience, strategic thinking, and the value of persistence. Ethan’s articles offer real-world advice for those looking to grow personally and professionally.

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