If you’re striving to be a better person, stop doing these 8 things

We all aspire to be better versions of ourselves. But often, the path to improvement isn’t about adding new habits—it’s about letting go of old ones.

Becoming a better person is less about grand gestures and more about small, everyday choices. It’s about identifying the things that are holding us back and making a conscious decision to stop doing them.

Here are eight things you might be doing that are stunting your personal growth. I’m going to share my thoughts on what they are and why giving them up can transform your life for the better.

Get ready, because this journey towards self-improvement is about to get real. Let’s dive right in.

1) Being overly critical

We’re often our own worst critics. While self-reflection is important, there’s a fine line between constructive self-criticism and constant self-deprecation.

If you’re striving to be a better person, it’s time to stop berating yourself for every little mistake. Being overly critical doesn’t help you grow; it just shatters your self-esteem.

Instead, treat yourself with the same kindness you would extend to a friend. Acknowledge your mistakes, but also recognize your growth and accomplishments.

Remember, genuine improvement stems from understanding and acceptance—not endless criticism. So let’s put down the metaphorical whip, shall we? It’s time to embrace a kinder, more productive approach to personal growth.

2) Neglecting self-care

I’ve been there, believe me. There was a time when I thought that pushing myself to the limit was the only way to achieve my goals. I would wake up early, work late into the night, and barely take time for meals.

But guess what? That only led to burnout. I was stressed, tired all the time, and my productivity started to plummet. It was a wake-up call.

So, if you’re striving to be a better person, stop neglecting self-care. No goal is worth sacrificing your health and well-being. Allow yourself some downtime—read a book, take a walk, or enjoy a hot bath.

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential for your personal growth and overall well-being.

3) Avoiding difficult conversations

In a survey conducted by the Harvard Business Review, nearly 70% of respondents reported that they were uncomfortable communicating with others in difficult situations. Whether it’s addressing a conflict, giving negative feedback, or discussing sensitive issues, many of us tend to shy away from these tough talks.

But here’s the thing—if you’re striving to be a better person, it’s essential to stop avoiding difficult conversations. They’re an integral part of personal growth and building strong relationships.

While these discussions may be challenging, they can often lead to greater understanding, improved collaboration, and resolution of issues. The key is to approach them with empathy, openness, and respect. It might feel uncomfortable initially, but the rewards are worth the effort.

4) Comparing yourself to others

We live in a world dominated by social media, where everyone’s highlights are on display. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others. But remember, you’re only seeing their best moments, not their struggles or insecurities.

If you’re striving to be a better person, it’s important to stop comparing yourself to others. Your journey is unique and so are your achievements.

Instead of focusing on how you stack up against others, channel that energy into self-improvement and celebrating your own progress. Your only competition should be the person you were yesterday. By doing this, you’ll find that you’re happier, more content and more driven to reach your own goals.

5) Holding on to grudges

Holding onto past hurts can feel like carrying a heavy load. It’s exhausting, draining, and leaves little room for positivity. I know it’s easier said than done, but forgiveness is the key to lightening that load.

If you’re striving to be a better person, it’s crucial to stop holding on to grudges. Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting the hurt or condoning the wrong. It’s about choosing to free yourself from the burden of resentment.

Remember, forgiveness is a gift you give yourself—it’s an act of self-love. By letting go of grudges, you make space for peace, happiness, and personal growth. It might not be easy, but the freedom it brings is truly worth it.

6) Fearing failure

I’ll be honest, I’ve had my share of failures. I’ve missed opportunities, made wrong choices, and stumbled many times. The fear of failing used to keep me from trying new things and chasing my dreams.

But I realized that failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s a part of it. Each failure is a lesson, an opportunity for growth. It’s not something to be feared, but embraced.

So, if you’re striving to be a better person, stop fearing failure. See it as a stepping stone to success. It’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up and keep moving forward. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

7) Ignoring your passions

Life is too short to spend it doing things that don’t ignite your passion. Often, we get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget to pursue what truly makes us happy.

If you’re striving to be a better person, it’s crucial to stop ignoring your passions. They are an integral part of who you are and can bring immense joy and fulfillment.

Whether it’s playing an instrument, gardening, painting or writing—whatever sets your soul on fire—make time for it. When you do things you love, not only do you become happier, but you also become a better version of yourself. It’s a win-win situation.

8) Not believing in yourself

The most powerful tool you have on your journey to becoming a better person is self-belief. Without it, every obstacle feels insurmountable and every failure feels like the end of the world.

Believing in yourself is the foundation for all growth and improvement. It’s the voice that tells you, “You can do this,” even when things get tough. It’s your biggest cheerleader and your most reliable support system.

So, above all else, stop doubting yourself. You are capable of amazing things, and it’s time you start believing it.

At the heart of it all: Self-love

The journey to becoming a better person is deeply intertwined with the practice of self-love. It’s not just about ceasing certain actions—it’s about fostering a compassionate relationship with yourself.

At the end of the day, each one of us is a work in progress. We stumble, we fall, we pick ourselves up and we grow. But growth isn’t linear—it’s full of twists and turns.

Self-love is the compass that helps us navigate this journey. It encourages us to treat ourselves with kindness, embrace our flaws, celebrate our victories, and learn from our failures.

So, as you strive to become a better person, remember to be patient with yourself. Remember to love yourself not just for who you can become, but for who you are right now.

It’s this loving relationship with yourself that will ultimately guide you towards being the best version of yourself. The journey might be challenging, but it’s definitely worth it.