If you really want to make your days count, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors

Ever feel like the days slip by without leaving an impact? If so, you’re not alone.

Many of us go through the motions, only to look back and wonder if we’re really making the most of our time.

Often, the answer lies in habits that we don’t realize are holding us back.

These habits and mindsets—often ones we don’t even think twice about—can weigh down our daily lives, keeping us from fully enjoying each moment or reaching our potential.

So, how do you end each day with a sense of accomplishment?

How do you make sure you’re spending your time on things that matter most to you?

Well, you can start by weeding out the habits that drain your energy and rob you of time.

Here are seven behaviors to say goodbye to if you want to live each day with purpose and fulfillment.

1) Procrastination

We’ve all been there. The task at hand seems daunting, and suddenly, every distraction seems incredibly appealing.

It’s easy to push things off until ‘later’, but the problem is, ‘later’ often turns into ‘never’.

Procrastination is a major roadblock when it comes to making your days count.

It’s the art of putting off tasks that you should be focusing on right now.

It’s a tricky behavior to overcome, primarily because it’s so easy to justify.

You might tell yourself that you’ll be more focused later, or that you work better under pressure.

But in reality, as studies show, procrastination only leads to stress. Not to mention lower quality of work, and a constant feeling of playing catch-up.

Want to make your days count? Start by saying goodbye to procrastination.

Tackle your tasks head-on and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes with crossing items off your to-do list. 

2) Negativity

I’ve learned the hard way how negativity can drain the life out of your day.

There was a time when I’d find myself constantly focusing on the things that were going wrong, the problems I was facing, or the challenges that seemed insurmountable.

All it did was rob me of joy and energy.

Negativity is like a cloud that blocks out the sun.

It keeps you from seeing the positive aspects of your life and makes everything seem gloomier than it really is.

I realized I had to make a change.

I started consciously shifting my focus to what was going well, expressing gratitude for the good things in my life, and working on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

The transformation was remarkable.

If you want to make your days count, try to let go of negativity.

Embrace positivity instead. It makes a world of difference, not just in your day but in your overall outlook on life.

3) Mindlessness

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to fall into the trap of mindlessness – going through the motions without truly being present.

This lack of mindfulness can leave us feeling disconnected and unsatisfied, even when we’re constantly busy.

In contrast, being mindful means being fully engaged in the present moment.

It involves paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment.

Now, this isn’t as easy as it sounds, and it’s something I’ve struggled with myself.

That’s why I decided to dive deep into the subject and share my insights in my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”.

In the book, I provide practical tips and exercises to help you cultivate mindfulness in your daily life.

This isn’t just about meditation (though that can certainly help), it’s about bringing a mindful approach to every aspect of your life – from eating and exercising to working and communicating.

By saying goodbye to mindlessness and embracing mindfulness, you can experience each day more fully, reduce stress, and improve your overall quality of life.

It’s a transformative change that can truly make your days count.

4) Avoidance of discomfort

It’s human nature to shy away from discomfort.

We often choose the path of least resistance, opting for what’s easy or comfortable instead of pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones.

The truth is, growth happens outside of our comfort zones.

It’s in those moments of discomfort that we learn the most about ourselves and our capabilities.

Take running a marathon for instance. The training is tough and the race can be grueling.

But crossing that finish line? There’s nothing quite like it.

It’s a rush of accomplishment and pride that far outweighs the temporary discomfort.

The same principle applies to other areas of life too.

Whether it’s tackling a difficult project at work, having tough conversations, or facing our fears, stepping into discomfort can lead to significant personal growth and satisfaction.

As psychologist Dr. Bruce Wilson writes in Psychology Today, “Mental and emotional challenges stretch one’s potential to overcome the obstacles of life. Although difficult, our achievements from our struggles will build self-confidence and self-efficacy.”

5) Obsession with productivity

We live in a culture that glorifies busyness and productivity.

We’re often made to feel that if we’re not constantly accomplishing something, we’re wasting time.

But ironically, this obsession with productivity can make our days less meaningful.

Yes, being productive is important, but not at the cost of our wellbeing.

There’s a difference between being productive and being busy for the sake of being busy.

We need time to rest, recharge, and simply enjoy life.

Believe it or not, taking breaks can actually make you more productive in the long run.

It helps prevent burnout, keeps your creativity flowing, and improves your overall performance.

So if you want to make your days count, strive for a balance between work and rest.

Remember, it’s about the quality of your time, not just the quantity.

6) Fear of failure

Fear of failure can be a major roadblock in our journey to making our days count.

It can prevent us from taking risks, trying new things, or stepping out of our comfort zone.

But here’s the thing: failure is a part of life. It’s how we learn and grow.

Sometimes, our biggest failures can lead to our greatest successes.

Instead of fearing failure, try embracing it. View each failure as an opportunity to learn something new, to grow, and to become stronger.

Think about this — every successful person has experienced failure at some point.

Yes, every single one of them. What sets them apart is their ability to pick themselves up, learn from their mistakes, and keep going.

7) Living in the past or future

The present moment is all we truly have, yet we often spend it dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

This can leave us feeling disconnected and unfulfilled, even when everything in our life is going well.

Living in the present doesn’t mean ignoring our past or not planning for our future.

It means fully engaging with our life as it is right now.

When we’re mindful of the present, we’re able to savor every moment, appreciate what we have, and truly make our days count.

It’s a simple shift in perspective that has the power to transform our lives.

Let go of living in the past or future.

Embrace the present. It’s the only place where life truly happens.

Final thoughts: It’s about choice

The crux of making your days count often boils down to the choices we make.

Each day, we are faced with decisions that can either enhance or detract from the quality of our lives.

Perhaps the most vital choice is deciding to let go of habits and behaviors that no longer serve us.

The seven behaviors we’ve discussed are prime examples of this.

By choosing to say goodbye to these, you open up space for more fulfilling, productive, and contented days.

But remember, it’s not just about the actions we take, but also about our mindset.

This is where the power of mindfulness comes in.

As I discuss in my book “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, being fully present and engaged can transform our experience of daily life.

At the end of the day, making your days count is a personal journey.

It’s about understanding yourself, taking charge of your choices, and consciously shaping your life in a way that aligns with your values.