Have you ever had those days, weeks, months, or maybe even years where you just felt stagnant? Or perhaps you feel unfulfilled, as though you are not reaching your fullest potential in aspects of your life.
We have all been there. I have felt that way more times than I like to admit! Here’s the thing, that kind of negative mindset only limits what you can achieve. It is that anchor that is holding you back from exploring and achieving new accomplishments.
The question then becomes, how do we avoid this and focus more on a positive mindset? It all comes down to habits. Here are four habits that you need to leave behind in the past.
Limiting Beliefs
What is a limiting belief you ask? They are the thoughts and untruths that stop you from achieving personal and professional goals. Limiting beliefs hold you back.
Where do limiting beliefs come from? Well, that is a hard one to answer because each person is different. Typically, we develop limiting beliefs to protect us from future pain. Studies have shown they usually develop from painful experiences we may have encountered.
As hard as it can be (and trust me, I am still working on this as well), you must try to leave your limiting beliefs behind and rise to your fullest potential.
Toxic People
Ah…toxic people. Just even hearing the word toxic makes you realize why you need to let them go. If you were told the water you were drinking was proven to be toxic, would you keep drinking it? Of course not; so why would you continue to let toxic people be a part of your life?
How do you know if someone is toxic? Honestly, if you feel the need to question if someone is toxic, they most likely are. When someone is toxic in your life, you are often left feeling emotionally exhausted and intimidated. Toxic people try to guilt and manipulate you to benefit themselves.
How can you expect to succeed and reach your full potential when there are people trying to hold you back for their own benefit? These people are not supporting you. Leave them in the past, you will not regret it.
Overspending
We are all a little guilty of overspending at times – I know I am! However I have realized, there is a direct correlation between overspending and your mental health.
Yes, you heard that right! Studies have shown that people often overspend to help cope with anxiety and depression, but here’s the thing, it actually has the opposite effect. When you overspend repeatedly, it can cause real financial difficulties, which in turn causes you to get more anxious and depressed. It is a vicious cycle that’s very hard to break!
Material possessions will not make you happier, in fact, decluttering and reducing the number of items you own is proven to help improve your mindset. Want a more positive mindset? Stop spending money!
Expectations
I know what you are thinking – isn’t it good to have expectations? Some expectations are good! However, when you expect too much or when you are so certain about someone/ something, then expectations can lead to disappointment.
Unmet expectations can create depression, anxiety, and even feelings of hopelessness. This of course is not a feeling we want to have and it will most certainly hold us back from our true potential. So what can we do? Live more in the moment. If something does not go to plan, realize that although it may be disappointing, it is OKAY.
It is important that we always try to improve ourselves and allow ourselves to reach our fullest potential. Leaving these four things in the past is a great start to becoming the best version of ourselves. Which do you feel you need to work on? Let us know in the comments below.
