7 habits unsuccessful people have in common

Many of us want to succeed, but sometimes our own bad habits get in the way and make things hard without us really realizing it.

Looking back, it might be tough to figure out why we haven’t done as well as we’d like, and it’s tricky to know if these habits are common among others who also struggle to succeed.

Is your struggle because of these bad habits, or is it just normal life challenges?

Here, I’ve listed 7 habits that unsuccessful people often share.

If these sound familiar, it might be time to take a closer look at your routines and try something different.

1) Procrastination

Procrastination is a thief of time – an old saying that rings true for many unsuccessful individuals.

You might find yourself often delaying tasks, pushing deadlines, or simply hiding behind the veil of “I’ll do it later”.

But each moment wasted is an opportunity lost.

This habit can start subtly, with occasional postponements of minor tasks, but it can quickly snowball into a chronic issue that clouds your productivity and stalls your progress.

It’s like a quicksand, the more you struggle without a proper strategy, the deeper you sink.

Procrastinating isn’t just about being lazy; it’s also a sign of poor time management and a lack of self-discipline.

If you consistently find yourself putting off tasks until tomorrow, you’re not alone.

Many unsuccessful people share this habit.

Recognizing procrastination as a hindrance to your success is the first step towards overcoming it.

Awareness can empower you to break free from this cycle and move towards a more productive and successful life.

2) Fear of failure

Fear of failure is a common trait amongst unsuccessful people.

This fear often manifests as a paralyzing force, keeping you from taking those critical steps towards your goals.

You might find yourself constantly worrying about the potential negative outcomes, and this worry might be strong enough to keep you rooted in your comfort zone.

The problem with fear of failure is that it creates a self-fulfilling prophecy.

By being too afraid to take risks, you never venture out, and thus, never achieve anything of significance.

It’s like being trapped in a room with the key in your hand but too afraid to unlock the door.

Remember, failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a part of it.

Every successful person has experienced failures on their journey.

Identifying this fear and learning to see failure as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block can help shift your perspective and propel you towards your goals.

3) Lack of self-discipline

Another common habit among unsuccessful people is a lack of self-discipline, something I’ve struggled with personally.

Self-discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment, and without it, even the most ambitious dreams can remain just that—dreams.

I remember a time when I wanted to write a novel.

The idea was there, the excitement was palpable, but weeks turned into months, and the first page remained blank.

The reason?

I lacked the self-discipline to sit down every day and put words on paper.

Distractions were my constant companions.

Whether it was social media, TV shows, or even unnecessary chores, I always found something to keep me from writing.

It wasn’t until I recognized this lack of discipline and took active steps to address it that I finally started making progress.

Unsuccessful people often fall into the trap of letting distractions rule their lives.

They allow their unfocused energy to scatter in different directions instead of channeling it towards their goals. 

Developing self-discipline isn’t always easy.

It requires conscious effort, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Recognizing this habit and taking steps to build discipline can be pivotal in steering your life towards success.

4) Negative mindset

Unsuccessful people often harbor a negative mindset.

They see the glass as half empty rather than half full.

This pessimistic outlook can be detrimental to achieving success, as it feeds self-doubt and hampers motivation.

Consider this: research from Stanford University suggests that those who think they can change, do.

This simple yet powerful idea underscores the importance of maintaining a positive mindset.

If you’re constantly dwelling on the negative—focusing on problems rather than solutions, criticizing yourself and others, or expecting failure—you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

This habit of negativity can be hard to shake, but it’s not impossible.

By consciously choosing positivity, focusing on your strengths, and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth, you can shift your mindset and open the door to success.

5) Poor network

In my journey towards success, I discovered a crucial element that I had underestimated for the longest time – the importance of a strong network.

Unsuccessful people often neglect to cultivate meaningful relationships, either due to introversion, lack of confidence, or simply not recognizing its significance.

I remember a time when I was working on launching my own business.

I had the idea, the passion, and the plan, but I kept hitting roadblocks when it came to resources and opportunities.

It wasn’t until a friend introduced me to a group of like-minded entrepreneurs that things began to fall into place.

This networking group became a source of invaluable advice, connections, and opportunities that I would have struggled to find on my own.

It was a stark reminder that no one achieves success in isolation.

It’s never too late to start building your network.

Attend industry events, join online forums in your field, reach out to old colleagues or classmates.

Your network is not just about what others can do for you, but what you can contribute as well.

Fostering a robust professional network can be instrumental in propelling you forward on your path to success.

6) Avoiding responsibility

Unsuccessful people often have a habit of avoiding responsibility, especially when things go awry.

Instead of acknowledging their mistakes and learning from them, they tend to shift blame onto others or external circumstances.

It’s easier to point fingers than to take a hard look in the mirror and admit that you were at fault.

However, this habit of avoiding responsibility can be a significant roadblock on your path to success.

It hinders personal growth and keeps you stuck in a cycle of denial and stagnation.

Successful people understand that they are the masters of their fate.

They take ownership of their actions, both good and bad.

This accountability allows them to learn from their mistakes and continuously improve.

I get it.

Taking responsibility for your actions can feel daunting, but it’s a crucial step towards personal growth and success.

7) Lack of goal setting

Without defined targets, it’s like sailing a ship without a destination—you’re likely to drift aimlessly without making significant progress.

Setting clear, measurable goals gives your life direction.

It provides a roadmap for your journey towards success, helping you focus your efforts and measure your progress.

Many unsuccessful people neglect this important habit.

They may have vague aspirations but lack concrete plans to achieve them.

This lack of clarity can lead to aimless efforts and eventual frustration.

Take some time to reflect on what you truly want.

Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals that align with your dreams and aspirations.

Success is not an accident—it’s the result of deliberate actions, consistent efforts, and well-defined goals.

By addressing these seven habits common among unsuccessful people, you can steer your life towards achievement and fulfillment.