“Don’t be a quitter!” How many times did you hear that phrase growing up?
But you know what? As great as that advice is for anything you are dedicated to achieving, there are some things you actually should quit if you want to live with confidence and happiness.
Below are 12 things to consider quitting right now. Quitting even one of these can make a huge difference in how you feel!
- Trying to Please Everyone
A lot of us are trained people-pleasers. It is important to try and get along with others, but it is also important to recognize that it is impossible to win everyone’s approval. You can’t control how other people think and react to what you do.
At the end of the day, do you know whose approval matters the most? Yours. If you take authentic actions which you know are right for you, you will build integrity, inner resolve, confidence, and joy that nobody can ever take away.
- Fearing Change
Change involves uncertainty, and it is difficult not to be afraid of the unknown. It is also the only means through which many beautiful possibilities can come to fruition. Don’t let fear hold you back.
- Living in the Past
When we feel we have been wronged in the past or old wounds reopen, we can easily lose ourselves in our negative memories.
However, the past no longer exists as more than thought. It is thinner than air, and can distract us from what is actually present. You have grown greatly since your past experiences and are capable of so much more today.
- Putting Yourself Down
If you have a habit of putting yourself down, it is one you learned from others. Parents, teachers, or peers may have put you down as a child, and you may have internalized their criticisms.
You know the golden rule – “do unto others as you would have done to you.” That applies in reverse as well, be as kind to yourself as you are to others. You deserve it, no matter what those negative voices say.
- Judgement of Self & Others
When we judge ourselves or others, we deny ourselves a chance to learn and grow in our understanding of ourselves and others.
Try replacing judgement with curiosity and ask why someone is the way they are. You may be surprised by what you discover.
- Overthinking
It is always wise to think before making a decision, but it is easy to overthink! A lot of decisions are pretty simple and straightforward when we act from a place of integrity. Resist the urge to overthink and take inspired action from the heart.
- Blaming Others
When we struggle, sometimes the easiest thing to do is blame someone else. When we take as much responsibility for our fumbles as we do our successes, we grow regardless.
- Any Type of Regret
Regret can easily turn to bitterness and self-loathing. When we’re constantly looking back, we become unable to see the present. Focus on taking actions you can be proud of and learn to reflect instead of regret.
- Needing Attention
When we crave attention, it’s a sign that there is a lack of love for self. When you surround yourself with self-love and authentic people who acknowledge you and respect you, you no longer NEED attention to feel fulfilled.
- Comparing Yourself to Others
In our social media age, it has become harder than ever to resist the urge to compare ourselves to others. Mark Twain said that “comparison is the death of joy,” and the science agrees. Research has found that comparing breeds feelings of envy, low-self confidence, and depression, as well as compromises our ability to trust others.
Instead of comparing yourself to someone, try understanding and recognizing each other’s differences.
- Feeling Broke or Broken
Whether you are struggling physically, psychologically, or spiritually, our bodies, minds and spirits listen to the messages we send them.
If we begin to identify with feeling broken, it becomes harder to heal and pick ourselves up again.
Give yourself a chance to heal, observe all the reasons that you are STRONG. You may be amazed at what becomes possible when you begin telling yourself a new, more hopeful story.
- Negative Self-Talk
Every statement you make to yourself impacts you. Often, our negative self-talk isn’t even rational, and is simply an echo of negativity we have received from others. When you catch yourself engaging in it, ask yourself critical thinking questions to challenge your assumptions and perceptions.
Where do these negative thoughts really come from? How can I reframe my thoughts more positively?
Need Help Learning to Quit?
Change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to rewire your brain and develop new, more positive habits.
Techniques like replacing bad habits with good ones and repeating positive affirmations can help. So can an accountability partner such as a mentor who can reflect back the best in you.
Our mentors can help you to quit negative habits and cultivate the assurance and self-love you need. Check out our FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY to download more tools on how to quit!
In love and light, Michelle Marie King
