Avoiding These Destructive Habits Will Make Your Path to Success Clearer

Most people have grown up consistently hearing the saying don’t be a quitter. So much so that it’s become a part and parcel of their daily lives. This is one of the reasons why certain individuals will continue reading a boring book even if its flavor went down the drain after the first two chapters.

Unfortunately, this mantra is one that many parents go wrong with when instilling values and discipline with their children. It doesn’t matter whether it is a low paying job, an abusive relationship, or a project that’s just not coming in place, quitting can be a great virtue to have.

In fact, a recent study carried out by the University of Rochester discovered that some people got motivated either by avoiding their goals or approaching them.

Interestingly, individuals that fell in the approach category were highly motivated by challenges, and worked diligently to find a solution to their problems. Moreover, whenever they found that a particular challenge did not have a feasible solution, they did not waste any precious time on it. In other words, they knew when to quit.

On the other hand, individuals that derive their motivation from the approach category were more concerned about failing. This, in turn, led to them spending more time and effort on problems that did not have a feasible solution. In short, they did not know how to move on.

Thankfully, the art of quitting is a virtue that can be nurtured with time. This way, you will be able to identify dead ends and quite a particular project before it wastes any more of your time. Here are five ways to do this:

Eliminate Any Doubts You Have Regarding Your Own Ability

In this game of life, confidence is key. As a matter of fact, a recent study conducted by Hewlett-Packard on how people apply for promotions in an institution produced interesting results. In the study, it was observed that women would only apply to a promotion if they were 100% sure that they met all the qualifications for the job.

On the other hand, men would apply to a promotion if they believed that they met 60% of the job criteria.

From the study, some of the researchers from the tech company hypothesized that one of the reasons why so many men dominated the top ranks of a company is because they were willing to apply to promotions as compared to their counterparts.

That being said, confidence is what you will need to take yourself to the next level.

Cease from Procrastinating

Self-improvement is tough. Transformation is even harder. One of the things that most people need to come to terms with is that if it were easy, then everyone would do it.

It is recommended that one immerses themselves in their goals and achievements from the get-go. By saying that you will start on it tomorrow, you are rendering yourself susceptible to not doing it at all.

Eliminate the Belief That You Do Not Have a Choice in a Given Matter

Regardless of whether one sees it or not, the universal acceptance is that one always has a choice in a particular matter. By acknowledging that there isn’t one, you make yourself a victim of circumstances rather than the creator of circumstances.

 

Avoid Repeating the Same Thing and Expecting a Different Result

As famously quoted by Einstein, “insanity is doing the same thing over and expecting a different result.”

Unfortunately, there are some people who stick to doing something over and over and expecting a different outcome. As hearty as this might sound, perhaps if you see that something is failing, it’s high time to consider a different approach? Even if it will cost you more time and energy.

Avoid Saying ‘Yes’ to Everything

It’s normal to want to please everyone. As human beings, it’s innately wired that you would want to please everyone. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. You have to come to terms with the fact that there will be certain situations where you will trade a ‘yes’ for a ‘no’ for you own benefit.

For example, by accepting to work overtime at the office, you might be denying yourself some quality time with your family. At times, it’s good to say no if it’s for your mutual benefit.