Success is a funny thing—it’s not always the grand moves that trip us up, but the small habits we barely notice.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve felt stuck, only to realize it wasn’t some big external hurdle holding me back—it was me.
The truth is, we all have blind spots. Little ways of thinking or acting that seem harmless in the moment but quietly nudge us off course. And here’s the kicker: these habits are so ingrained, we often don’t even recognize them for what they are.
So, let’s do some detective work. Here are ten ways you might be unknowingly slowing down your own success, and—more importantly—how to turn things around.
1) You’re letting fear dictate your decisions
Fear is a powerful emotion. It can protect us from danger, but it can also hold us back from taking the risks necessary for success.
Often, we might not even realize fear is the underlying cause of our hesitation. We rationalize our inaction with practical reasons, but beneath those reasons, fear is pulling the strings.
Are you avoiding a hard conversation with a colleague? Are you shying away from a new opportunity because it’s unknown? It might be fear driving those decisions.
It’s okay to feel fear, but don’t let it steer your life. Instead, assess risks logically and make decisions based on that assessment, not on fear.
Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the determination to move forward despite it.
2) You’re not setting clear goals
I learned this one the hard way. For years, I kept telling myself that I wanted to be a successful writer.
But I wasn’t seeing any progress.
Why? Because my goal was vague. What did success even mean? Was it publishing a book? Was it making a certain amount of money? Or was it just about feeling fulfilled and happy with my work?
Once I got clear about what I wanted – which for me was to self-publish a novel and make enough income to support my lifestyle – everything changed. I had a target, something concrete to aim for.
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And you know what? Once I set a clear goal, I started moving towards it.
It became easier to take the right actions because I knew exactly where I was heading.
So, are you setting clear goals, or are you stuck in vague aspirations?
A goal without a plan is just a dream. Get specific about what you want and watch how your path towards success becomes clearer.
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3) You’re multitasking too much
While it might seem like you’re getting more done by juggling multiple tasks at once, research actually shows the opposite.
A study at Stanford University found that multitasking reduces efficiency and performance because our brains can only focus on one thing at a time.
When you try to do two things at once, your brain lacks the capacity to perform both tasks successfully. In fact, multitasking can drop IQ levels by an average of 10 points!
Instead of trying to do everything at once, try focusing on one task at a time. Prioritize your work, tackle the hardest task first and then move on to the next.
You’ll find you get more done and do a better job as well. It might take some practice, but the payoff is worth it.
4) You’re not embracing failure
Failure is a part of life. It’s also a crucial part of success. If you’re stuck in the mindset that failure is the end, you’re unknowingly holding yourself back.
Consider some of the most successful people in history. Thomas Edison, for example, made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts before he invented the light bulb. J.K. Rowling was rejected by 12 publishers before Harry Potter was accepted.
Instead of letting failure discourage you, use it as a stepping stone to learn and grow. Each failure is an opportunity to improve.
By embracing failure, you’ll foster resilience and persistence, two key traits shared by successful individuals.
5) You’re neglecting your health
In the pursuit of success, health often takes a backseat. Late nights, fast food, and skipped workouts become the norm.
But here’s the thing – neglecting your health can significantly hinder your progress.
In fact, numerous studies have proven that our brain needs proper nutrition, rest, and exercise to function optimally. If you’re tired, stressed, or malnourished, your performance will suffer.
So, make sure to take care of your physical health. Eat balanced meals, get regular exercise, and ensure you’re getting enough sleep. These habits will not only improve your overall health but also boost your productivity and mental clarity.
Success is a marathon, not a sprint. You need to keep your body and mind in top shape to reach your goals.
6) You’re not trusting your instincts
Have you ever had a gut feeling about something, ignored it, and then regretted it later?
I think we all have. That’s because our instincts, or intuition, can be incredibly powerful.
Your intuition is like an internal compass, guiding you towards decisions that align with who you truly are. When you disregard this compass, you might find yourself on paths that don’t truly resonate with you.
Trust in your instincts. Listen to that little voice inside you that says “this is right” or “something’s off here.”
It might not always make logical sense, but it often leads you to places that are in line with your deepest desires and values.
7) You’re not asking for help
I used to think that asking for help was a sign of weakness. I thought that in order to be successful, I needed to do everything on my own.
But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
There’s a limit to what we can achieve alone. We all have strengths and weaknesses. It’s impossible to be good at everything. Realizing this was a game-changer for me.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to others when you need assistance. Whether it’s a mentor in your field, a colleague, a friend, or even a professional coach, their guidance can be invaluable.
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength and wisdom. It shows you know your limitations and are willing to learn and grow.
8) You’re always saying “yes”
It might seem like agreeing to every opportunity or request that comes your way would lead you to more success.
After all, more opportunities could mean more chances to grow, right?
But here’s the thing – according to experts, saying “yes” to everything can spread you too thin, leading to stress and burnout.
There’s power in saying “no”. It allows you to focus on what truly matters and aligns with your goals.
It gives you the time and energy to excel in the tasks that are truly important, rather than scrambling to keep up with an overwhelming number of commitments.
9) You’re not valuing your time
Time is one of the most valuable resources we have.
Unlike money or possessions, once it’s gone, we can’t get it back. Yet, many of us don’t treat our time with the respect it deserves.
Are you spending time on tasks that don’t align with your goals? Are you allowing distractions to steal your focus? Are you spending more time planning than actually doing?
Start treating your time like the precious resource it is. Prioritize tasks that move you towards your goals. Eliminate or delegate tasks that do not.
Every minute you spend is an investment. Make sure you’re investing in activities that bring you closer to success.
10) You’re not believing in yourself
At the end of the day, all the strategies and tactics in the world won’t make a difference if you don’t believe in yourself.
Your belief in your ability to succeed is the foundation of all success.
Doubt and insecurity can creep in, especially when faced with challenges or setbacks. But it’s crucial to keep faith in your abilities.
Believe that you can achieve what you set out to do. Believe that you have what it takes to overcome obstacles. Believe that your vision of success is not just a dream, but a reality waiting to happen.
Final thoughts
It’s easy to think of success as this big, abstract concept that’s always just out of reach.
But really, it comes down to the choices we make every day—the habits we embrace or let go of, the stories we tell ourselves, and the small steps we take to align our actions with our goals.
I’m not saying change is easy. But it’s doable.
The key is to be honest with yourself about what’s working and what’s not. Start small. Maybe it’s saying “no” to one thing that doesn’t serve you. Or choosing to trust your gut once in a while.
And when that voice of self-doubt creeps in (because it will), remind yourself that success is achieved through persistence.
As I like to remind myself on tough days: you’re not stuck; you’re learning. And every step forward, no matter how small, counts.
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