If you’re not growing as a person, these 9 habits could be why

Ever feel like you’re stuck and not moving forward in life? You’re not alone. Many of us want to grow, learn new things, and become better people. 

But sometimes, without even knowing it, we do things that stop us from growing.

In this article, we’re going to look at 9 habits that might be holding you back. Some of them might surprise you! 

Don’t worry if you recognize yourself in some of the habits here; knowing what’s stopping you is the first step to getting past it.

1) You’re avoiding challenges

Let me share a little secret with you: I used to be afraid of new things. Whether it was trying a new hobby or taking on a task at work, the unknown used to scare me. 

Naturally, that fear kept me static. Rooted to the same place for several years. 

Maybe you’ve felt the same way. It’s easy to stick with what we know because it feels safe. But staying in our comfort zone can mean missing out on exciting opportunities and personal growth.

Here’s what helped me: starting small. I didn’t dive into the deep end; I dipped a toe in first. 

Maybe for you, it’s trying a new recipe or signing up for a class that interests you. You don’t have to change your whole life overnight. But taking small steps towards something new can lead to big growth over time.

Remember, it’s okay to feel a bit scared or unsure. That’s normal. What matters is that we take the leap anyway. 

And who knows? You might find a new passion or skill you never knew you had.

2) You put things off

According to Solving Procrastination, there are many reasons why we wait until the last minute to get something done: 

• Wanting to feel better right now (prioritizing short-term moods)
• Anxiety and fear of being criticized or falling short
• Perfectionism
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Low motivation
• Inertia (like I discussed in the earlier section)
• Time-management issues

There’s more to this list than this, but as you can see, procrastination can be due to a wide range of reasons.  

No matter what the root cause is, it needs addressing. And a little more consciousness about setting goals. 

This leads me to my next point…

3) You’re not setting clear goals

Obviously, this one’s a definite contributor to procrastination. When you don’t really know what to work towards, it doesn’t take much to lose motivation. 

There’s no getting around it – in order to grow, you need a roadmap for growth. Without them, it’s easy to drift aimlessly. I know because I’ve been there. 

For a long time, I had dreams but no clear goals. And without clear goals, I was stuck.

Then I learned the importance of setting specific, achievable goals. And not just big ones, but small ones too. Here’s what helped me, and it might help you too:

• Be specific: Instead of “I want to be healthier,” try “I will walk 30 minutes every day.”
• Make it measurable: How will you know when you’ve succeeded? Track your progress.
• Set a time frame: When’s your deadline for achieving this goal?
• Make it realistic: Choose something challenging but achievable.
• Stay accountable: Share your goals with a person who can encourage you.

4) You’re saying “no” too often

Have you ever turned down an invitation or opportunity just because it was new or different? I used to say ‘no’ a lot. It felt safe but kept me from growing.

The truth is, saying ‘yes’ more often opens doors. It leads to new friends, fun experiences, and personal growth.

Next time an opportunity comes your way, why not give it a try? Say ‘yes’ and see where it takes you. It might be the start of something great.

That said, be careful of this next habit…

5) You’re saying “yes” too often

Now, hang on a minute. We just talked about saying ‘yes’ more, didn’t we? 

Well, here’s the twist: saying ‘yes’ too much can also hold you back.

I’ve been there, too, overcommitting myself and ending up stressed and overwhelmed. It’s hard to grow when you’re stretched too thin.

Finding the right balance is key. It’s about saying ‘yes’ to the things that truly matter to you and ‘no’ when you need to protect your time and energy.

Remember, it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes. By choosing your ‘yes’ carefully, you make room for what really helps you grow.

6) You’re stuck in a routine

What about your actual day-to-day life? Do your days look like a never-ending loop of the same activities? 

Wake up, eat the same breakfast, take the same route to work, perform the same tasks, come home, watch the same shows, go to sleep, and start all over again? 

It might feel like you’re living the movie “Groundhog Day.”

I remember when I was in that loop. It was easy, sure, but it was also boring. 

And more importantly, I realized that it was stunting my personal growth. I wasn’t learning, I wasn’t exploring, and I certainly wasn’t challenging myself.

Breaking out of a routine doesn’t have to be dramatic. It could be as simple as trying a new coffee shop on your way to work. Reading a book from a genre you’ve never explored before. Or even joining a local club that interests you.

The goal here isn’t to completely overhaul your life. It’s about adding a little spice, some variety that makes your day-to-day existence more exciting, engaging, and conducive to growth. 

So go ahead, take a chance on something different today. You might just find a new passion, make new friends, or discover a part of yourself that you never knew existed. And that’s what growth is all about.

7) You’re too set in your opinions

Another habit that could be getting in the way of your growth is rigidity of mind. 

What does that mean? 

Well, simply that when you have an opinion, you stick to your guns stubbornly and refuse to even consider other perspectives. 

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been pretty stubborn about mine in the past. I used to think that being strong in my beliefs meant that I had to hold onto them tightly, without room for change or growth.

But you know what I learned? Being too set in my opinions was actually closing me off from understanding other perspectives. 

I was stuck in my ways, missing out on valuable insights and learning experiences.

I decided to try a different approach. I started listening more, asking questions, and trying to see things from other people’s points of view. 

It wasn’t about abandoning my beliefs but about being open to learning and growing.

And it was eye-opening! I found that I could hold onto my core values while still being receptive to new ideas. I made connections with people I might have otherwise brushed off, and I grew in ways I hadn’t expected.

As Aristotle once said, “It’s the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”

8) You don’t ask for help

Just as not wanting to accept other perspectives is an enemy of growth, so is not wanting to ask for help. 

I used to think asking for help was a sign of weakness. That if I couldn’t figure something out on my own, I was failing. 

Sound familiar?

Well, I was so wrong. I now know that asking for help isn’t weak; it’s smart. It’s about using the resources around you, learning from others, and growing.

Next time you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend, coworker, or family member. You don’t have to do everything on your own, so why struggle?

9) You’re not taking care of yourself

This one’s kind of a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how so many of us let self-care fall by the wayside. 

I get it – life is busy, there are too many responsibilities to tend to, and all that. Or sometimes, life can just be so darn unsatisfying that you feel like there’s no point in investing in your well-being.

It might help to think of ourselves as plants. When plants aren’t nourished with enough water and sunlight, they just stop growing, right? 

We’re no different, really. When we neglect ourselves, failing to give our bodies and minds what they need, we stop growing too.

We need rest, nourishment, sunlight (or at least fresh air), social interaction, and a sense of purpose. Without these essentials, we become stagnant.

So, take a moment to consider: 

What are you doing to nourish yourself? Are you giving yourself the time, space, and care you need to thrive? 

If not, maybe it’s time to start watering that plant inside you. It might sound cheesy, but trust me, with a little care and attention, you’ll see yourself blossom and grow in ways you never thought possible.