According to Alex Mathers, a personal branding expert based in the US, everyone possesses untapped potential. However, many individuals struggle to advance due to unseen mental barriers.
Below are seven common habits that obstruct success.
**Obsessing over the past**
No rule dictates that you must act as you once did. If someone criticized your math skills, or a relative complained about your laziness, it does not mean your capabilities are limited to those past perceptions.
"These are merely concepts, not facts. Do not wait for a personality shift to allow you to change. Act immediately to break old self-perceptions", Alex states.
**Fear of displeasing others**
To achieve success, you must accept that some people will always dislike you. Continuously trying to meet others' expectations often backfires.
Psychologists Paul Hewitt and Gordon Flett of York University, Canada, revealed in their study on "socially prescribed perfectionism" that constantly trying to please everyone to avoid conflict often leads to severe psychological pressure and burnout, rather than success.
**Giving minimal effort**
Blending into the crowd can easily extinguish enthusiasm. People often lower their standards, doing just enough to get by. However, if you only do the bare minimum, you will fall behind. Life always has countercurrents to filter out the weak. Only through continuous effort can you demonstrate your true capabilities.
**Blaming circumstances**
According to Doctor Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania, US, and his "explanatory style" theory, unsuccessful individuals often have a pessimistic mindset, viewing adversity as their own fault and believing it will last forever. Conversely, successful people see setbacks as objective and temporary factors.
Reasons such as "lacking creative gene", "a deprived childhood", or "living too comfortably" are psychological barriers. All excuses vanish when you discard the thought, "I cannot".
**Quitting midway**
Successful individuals cultivate the habit of completing tasks thoroughly. Expert Alex Mathers advises starting with the smallest things: When washing dishes, finish them; when cleaning the house, clean every nook and cranny. This habit builds the identity of a "capable person", helping you progress quickly in all areas.
**Fear of boredom**
Many people sabotage their focus by escaping boredom through social media or entertainment videos. In reality, the quietude of boredom can be a gateway to creative inspiration.
A 2023 study by Katy Tam and Michael Inzlicht of the University of Toronto confirmed that the habit of constantly switching between applications (digital switching) to "kill time" actually makes people feel more bored and reduces satisfaction levels. Successful people know how to "befriend" boredom to achieve mental clarity.
**Not seeing success as a mandate**
"If you view success as merely an option, you are ensuring yourself a mediocre future", Alex remarks.
Define success as mandatory—an obligation to yourself. You need to clearly articulate what success means to you and build a life that reflects that commitment.
Nhat Minh (Source: Yourtango)
