7 toxic traits that are holding you back from becoming your best self

In my journey of personal growth, I’ve come to recognize certain behaviors that were stopping me from reaching my full potential.

The realization wasn’t immediate. It took time and a lot of self-reflection. I had to peel back layers of habit and conditioning to uncover these deeply ingrained traits.

And it wasn’t easy. Admitting your flaws and acknowledging the parts of yourself that need work is challenging. But it’s a crucial step on the road to becoming your best self.

Here, I want to share seven toxic traits that, if left unchecked, may be holding you back from becoming your best self.

1) Perfectionism

In the quest to become our best selves, we often set the bar extremely high. We strive for perfection, believing that anything short of it is a failure. But this is a toxic trait that can hold you back more than propel you forward.

Perfectionism can cause paralysis. The fear of making mistakes or not meeting your own sky-high standards can prevent you from taking action. You’re trapped in a cycle of overthinking, planning, and second-guessing yourself without ever moving forward.

I’ve been there. I’ve spent countless hours refining my ideas, trying to make everything perfect before I even begin. But this obsession with perfection often resulted in stagnation rather than progress.

The truth is, progress is messy. It involves trial and error, stumbling and getting back up again. Errors and setbacks aren’t signs of failure, but stepping stones on the path to growth.

Start taking action, however imperfect, and learn as you go. It’s through action, not perfection, that we truly grow and become our best selves.

2) Fear of confrontation

Confrontation is often seen as a negative thing. We avoid it, fearing it will lead to conflict or damage our relationships. But in my journey, I’ve found that avoiding confrontation is a toxic trait that can hinder personal growth.

By avoiding difficult conversations or situations, we miss opportunities to express our thoughts and feelings honestly. We deny ourselves the chance to resolve misunderstandings and grow stronger relationships.

More importantly, we avoid confronting our own fears and limitations, which prevents us from evolving.

I used to be someone who avoided confrontation. It was easier to keep the peace than face the discomfort of expressing my true feelings or standing up for what I believed in. But I soon realized that this was holding me back from personal growth and authentic relationships.

As American psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” By confronting our fears and embracing our vulnerabilities, we can begin the journey of becoming our best selves.

3) Societal conditioning

We all grow up with certain societal norms and beliefs. These often shape our thoughts and actions, sometimes to the point where we lose touch with our authentic selves. This, I’ve found, is a toxic trait that can hold us back.

In my journey, I’ve had to confront and transcend these limiting beliefs. And one of the best resources that helped me do this was the “Free Your Mind” masterclass led by the shaman Rudá Iandê.

This enlightening journey was designed to help people break free from societal conditioning and embrace their true nature.

The masterclass is a transformative experience that uses practical exercises to dismantle common myths, break free from mental conditioning, and guide you towards genuine personal liberation.

One exercise that stood out to me encourages participants to overcome self-imposed limitations and embrace their true potential.

I have personally found great value in these teachings and believe in their power to transform lives. If you’re interested in aligning your thoughts and actions with your personal values, improving mental clarity, and fostering emotional resilience, I encourage you to join this masterclass.

It’s a practical approach to personal development that can help you break free from societal conditioning and become your best self.

Why wait? Start your journey towards mental and emotional liberation today.

4) Ignoring your authentic self

Living in a society with predetermined norms and expectations, we often find ourselves conforming to fit in.

We wear masks, playing roles that we believe others expect of us. This denial of our authentic selves is a toxic trait that can lead to dissatisfaction and frustration.

When we ignore our true selves, we suppress our desires, passions, and dreams. We live a life designed by others’ expectations rather than our own aspirations. The result? A life that feels unfulfilled and void of genuine contentment.

After I began my journey with the “Free Your Mind” masterclass, I realized how much societal conditioning had shaped my decisions. I had to come face to face with the fact that I was ignoring my authentic self.

This realization was raw and uncomfortable, but it was also the first step towards embracing my true nature and becoming my best self.

So, let me ask you this: Are you living true to yourself or are you wearing a mask to fit into societal expectations? It’s a hard question, but one worth reflecting on if you wish to become your best self.

5) Constant busyness

In our fast-paced world, being constantly busy is often seen as a sign of productivity and success. We pack our schedules, rush from one task to another, and wear our busyness like a badge of honor.

Yet, this constant state of activity can be a toxic trait that hinders us from becoming our best selves.

When we’re always busy, there’s little time for introspection or self-awareness. We don’t take the time to reflect on our actions, our choices, or our direction in life. We become disconnected from our values and lose sight of what truly matters.

I’ve been in that trap before, caught up in the whirlwind of constant activity.

But I’ve come to understand that real success isn’t about being busy all the time. It’s about aligning our actions with our deepest values and using our time to contribute positively to the world around us.

Slow down. Make space for reflection and connection with your true self. Remember, it’s not about how busy you are, but how well you live your life according to your values.

6) Neglecting self-care

It’s easy to deprioritize self-care in our quest to achieve more. We sacrifice sleep, healthy eating, exercise, and mental well-being in the name of productivity. But this neglect of self-care is a toxic trait that can prevent us from becoming our best selves.

When we don’t take care of ourselves, we’re not performing at our best. Our energy levels drop, our mental clarity diminishes, and our emotional resilience suffers. We’re not able to give our best to our relationships, our work, or our creative pursuits.

I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. In my zeal to accomplish more, I neglected my own well-being. But I soon realized that self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for personal growth and success.

Take time for yourself. Prioritize your health and well-being. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Nourish yourself first, and you’ll be better equipped to become your best self and make a positive impact in the world.

7) Living in the future

We often spend so much time planning for the future—our goals, our dreams, our success—that we forget to live in the present. This constant future-focus can be a toxic trait that keeps us from truly experiencing life as it unfolds.

When we’re always looking ahead, we miss out on the joys and lessons of the present moment. We overlook the opportunities for growth that come with each day’s challenges and successes.

I’ve been guilty of this too, always planning for what’s next without fully experiencing what’s now. But I’ve come to understand that each moment is precious and holds its own worth.

Stay present. Embrace each moment as it comes—with its joys, its challenges, its lessons. Because every moment is an opportunity for growth, and by living fully in the present, you’re actively shaping your journey to becoming your best self.

Embrace your authentic self

The good news is that recognizing these traits is the first step towards transformation. Once we start acknowledging these patterns, we can begin to break free and move towards genuine growth and self-fulfillment.

One resource that can greatly support this journey of self-discovery and transformation is the “Free Your Mind” masterclass with Rudá Iandê.

This masterclass, which I had the privilege of helping produce, provides practical exercises to dismantle limiting beliefs and societal conditioning—issues we’ve discussed in this article.

Rudá Iandê guides you through the process of developing your personal cosmovision, enabling you to overcome self-imposed limitations and live authentically. The masterclass fosters mental clarity and emotional resilience, aligning your actions with your personal values.

So if you’re ready to let go of the toxic traits holding you back and embrace your true potential, I highly recommend joining this masterclass. It’s an empowering step towards living an authentic life and becoming your best self.

Embrace this journey with an open mind and heart, and remember, every moment is an opportunity for growth.

Start your journey today.

Feeling stuck in self-doubt?

Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.

Join Free Now

Picture of Justin Brown

Justin Brown

Justin Brown is an entrepreneur and thought leader in personal development and digital media, with a foundation in education from The London School of Economics and The Australian National University. His deep insights are shared on his YouTube channel, JustinBrownVids, offering a rich blend of guidance on living a meaningful and purposeful life.

RECENT ARTICLES

TRENDING AROUND THE WEB

7 ways to politely get someone to leave your house when they just won’t go

7 ways to politely get someone to leave your house when they just won’t go

Global English Editing

People who blame the world for their problems often use these 8 toxic excuses

People who blame the world for their problems often use these 8 toxic excuses

Small Business Bonfire

7 habits of resilient people who bounce back stronger after setbacks, according to psychology

7 habits of resilient people who bounce back stronger after setbacks, according to psychology

Global English Editing

7 phrases a narcissist we use when backed into a corner

7 phrases a narcissist we use when backed into a corner

Global English Editing

If you really want to flourish in your 60s and beyond, say goodbye to these 7 self-sabotaging behaviors

If you really want to flourish in your 60s and beyond, say goodbye to these 7 self-sabotaging behaviors

Global English Editing

8 subtle things narcissists do to make you feel like you’re the problem

8 subtle things narcissists do to make you feel like you’re the problem

Global English Editing