We tend to
think that most opposition comes from around us—a complaining spouse, a
controlling boss, a road-raging driver—but rarely do we acknowledge the truth
of the matter: we are often our own worst enemies. Here are a few ways to stop
self-defeating behavior.
1: Let go of
victory. It’s nice to win, but you don’t have to win all the time. The lust for
victory can often lead a person to keep chugging along a path of stupidity,
wastefulness, and recklessness. On the other hand, sometimes it’s good to admit
defeat and win a lesson instead.
2: Stop
trying to please everyone. You cannot make everyone happy all of the time.
Rushing around and trying to make other people happy is a huge cause of
self-defeating behavior. Whether you’re doing it at work or in your personal
relationships, trying to make everyone happy all the time can cost you your
health and peace of mind.
3: Accept
imperfection. If you seek perfection, you will never find completion. Can you
imagine great artists like Michelangelo continuing to work and work on the
Sistine Chapel, because it wasn’t exactly the way he wanted it? Nothing would
ever get done! Imperfection is part of being human, and most of the time,
you’re the only one who will notice your mistakes anyway.
4: Eliminate
bad habits. These days, most people have bad habits that relate to technology,
like obsessively checking our email or social media accounts. Take stock of how
you spend your time. Make a detailed log of the minutes and hours, and see how
much time you might be wasting with various pursuits.
5: Overcome
fear. Fear is something that holds most people back from living a higher
purpose. You can’t fly if you don’t jump, and you can’t jump if you’re afraid.
Fear doesn’t necessarily have to be a direct sense of trepidation. It might be
disguised as laziness or avoidance.
6: Stop being
a lone wolf. Everybody needs help sometimes, even lone wolfs. Don’t be ashamed
to ask for help when you need it, because a severe, self-imposed sense of
independence could actually be doing you more harm than good. Whether it’s in
business or personal life, make friends, accept help, and seek help when it’s
needed.
7: Drop the
guilt. Allow yourself to
إرسال تعليق