6 bad habits that are making you regress as a person, says psychology

For years, I was stuck in a rut.

I was living every day like the last, and felt like I was slowly going backwards instead of forwards.

My lowest point? About 3 years ago. Back then, I was trapped in a cycle of bad habits that were holding me back and causing me to regress as a person.

I’d wake up, repeat the same mistakes, go to sleep, and then start all over again the next day. It was a damaging cycle of self-destruction that I just couldn’t break free from.

Then I discovered something fascinating: Psychology had identified the 6 bad habits that were causing all my problems.

In this article, I’m going to reveal these habits. I hope they can help you as much as they helped me to turn my life around.

Let’s dive in.

1) Procrastination

Our first culprit is procrastination.

Sound familiar? It certainly was for me.

Procrastination was my go-to. Why do something now when you can put it off until later? But “later” often turned into “never”.

Every time I put something off, I was actually just delaying the stress and anxiety. The task didn’t disappear; instead, it loomed larger with each passing day.

So how did I beat it?

I started small. Instead of setting myself up for failure with huge, daunting tasks, I broke them down into manageable chunks.

I also learned to recognize my triggers – those moments when I was most likely to procrastinate – and found ways to combat them. For example, if I was avoiding a task because it felt too overwhelming, I’d break it down into smaller parts or set a timer and commit to working on it for just 10 minutes.

It wasn’t always easy, but breaking free from the grip of procrastination was a crucial step forward in my personal growth. And it could be for you too.

2) Negative thinking

I was constantly berating myself, always expecting the worst, and rarely giving myself credit for the things I did well.

Negative thinking can be a hard habit to break, especially if it’s been ingrained for many years. It was like my default setting, and trying to change it felt like trying to swim against a strong current.

However, as psychologist Albert Ellis once said, “The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.”

This quote hit me hard one day when I found myself spiraling into my usual pattern of negative thoughts. I realized that I had control over my thoughts and my outlook on life.

So, I started to challenge my negative thinking patterns. Every time a negative thought crept in, such as “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do this”, I’d stop and ask myself if it was really true.

Sometimes, I’d even write these thoughts down and then refute them with evidence from my own life. For example, if I thought “I never succeed at anything”, I’d remind myself of all the things I had indeed succeeded at.

Slowly but surely, I began to break free from the chains of negative thinking. 

3) Lack of physical exercise

I must admit, I’ve never been a gym enthusiast. The thought of sweating it out on a treadmill or lifting weights just never appealed to me.

Over time, this lack of physical activity took a toll on both my body and mind. I felt sluggish, my mood was often low, and I struggled with bouts of anxiety.

Psychology tells us that regular physical exercise is not just good for our bodies but also for our mental health. It can boost our mood, reduce anxiety and stress, and even improve our cognitive function.

So, I knew I had to make a change.

I started with just 10 minutes of exercise a day. Nothing strenuous – just a brisk walk around the block or some simple stretching exercises at home.

I make it a point to move my body in some way every day – whether it’s going for a walk in nature, doing some home workout routines, or even just dancing around in my living room.

This shift in lifestyle has not only improved my physical health but also my mental well-being. It’s been a game-changer for me, and it could be for you too.

4) Poor diet

I was no stranger to this. Fast food, sugary drinks, and late-night snacking were all part of my routine.

But as I began to learn more about psychology and personal growth, I realized that what I ate was impacting more than just my waistline.

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found a strong link between poor diet and mental health disorders. The research revealed that individuals who consumed a diet high in junk food were at a higher risk of depression and anxiety.

When I read this study, it was a real wake-up call. I began to take a closer look at what I was putting into my body.

I started by cutting out processed foods and replacing them with healthier options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

It wasn’t easy at first, and there were definitely moments of temptation. But over time, I began to notice a change.

Switching to a healthier diet was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my overall well-being. And the science backs it up: what we eat really does matter.

5) Avoiding new experiences

I was stuck in my comfort zone, doing the same things, and never venturing out. This routine felt safe, but it also felt incredibly limiting.

I found myself becoming stagnant, not growing or learning anything new. I was merely existing, not living.

Eventually, I took the leap.

I started small by trying new foods, reading books from different genres, and exploring new places in my city.

Then I gradually pushed myself to take on bigger challenges like signing up for a public speaking course and traveling solo to a place where I didn’t know anyone.

Each new experience was scary at first, but with every step outside my comfort zone, I felt a little more confident and a little more alive.

Embracing new experiences has opened up a whole new world for me. It’s taught me that it’s okay to be uncomfortable sometimes because that’s where growth happens. And trust me, the rewards are well worth it.

6) Not setting boundaries

I found myself constantly saying yes to things I didn’t want to do, putting others’ needs before my own, and feeling drained as a result.

As renowned psychologist Dr. Henry Cloud once said, “Boundaries define us. They define what is me and what is not me.”

This quote resonated deeply with me. I realized that by not setting boundaries, I was letting others dictate my time, energy, and happiness.

I then decided to make a change.

I started by learning to say no. It was uncomfortable at first, but over time, I realized that saying no to something I didn’t want to do meant saying yes to something I did want – whether it was time for self-care, pursuing a passion, or simply resting.

I also communicated my needs more openly in my relationships. It wasn’t always easy, but it ultimately led to healthier and more respectful interactions.

Learning to set boundaries has been a powerful tool in my personal growth journey. It’s helped me understand my worth and prioritize my own needs. And remember: setting boundaries is not about being selfish; it’s about self-respect.

Conclusion

Breaking free from bad habits is no small task, but it’s a worthwhile journey.

Remember: personal growth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and a whole lot of self-love. So be kind to yourself as you navigate this journey.

Start by picking one habit from this list that resonates with you. Then take small, consistent steps to change it. Celebrate your progress along the way and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.

You have the power to transform your life. So start today. Because the only thing standing between you and the person you want to become is the action you take right now.

Don’t wait for “someday”. Start today and make “someday” today. Your future self will thank you for it.