We all have goals we want to accomplish in our lives, but many of us are hesitant to take the first step toward achieving them. In fact, most of us wind up lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, our minds racing with future dreams but no idea where to begin.

You may also feel like you are your own worst enemy at times. You are not alone in feeling this way; many successful people have been shackled by habits that have held them back like invisible chains.

So, if you really want to achieve your dreams, say goodbye to these 5 habits.

1. Procrastinating

Procrastination is probably the most obvious dream killer. It’s something we all know we shouldn’t do, and yet we still do. Even when we are working on a project that really matters to us, we keep finding reasons to put it off.  

This habit might sound crazy, but it has an evolutionary purpose—keeping us safe. The more you stay in your comfort zone and the less you venture out, the fewer chances you have of putting yourself in danger.

However, in the modern world, procrastinating is no longer beneficial. It only delays your success, dreams, and better self. Make a deal with yourself: begin today, not tomorrow. Prioritize your chores, divide them into smaller, more manageable chunks, and then get started. Your future self will be grateful.

2. Multitasking

Who hasn’t experienced the exhilaration of juggling numerous activities at the same time, like a circus performer spinning plates? Some of us may consider multitasking to be our superpower.

For example, “Look at me, answering emails while cooking dinner and listening to a podcast!” we may exclaim, pleased with our apparent efficiency. But here’s the reality: multitasking is a myth.

According to research, our brains are not meant to focus on numerous things at once. When we multitask, we are actually swiftly shifting our attention from one job to another. The end result? Each task receives only a little portion of our greatest effort.

Furthermore, you squander time because your brain is continuously refocusing on another activity.So, if you want to get closer to your goals, it’s time to focus. Choose one thing and devote your entire attention to it. The depth of your focus will add a quality to your work that multitasking cannot, and you will make significant progress toward your goals.

3. Comparing yourself to others

Comparison is a habit that modern life almost compels you to develop. Everywhere you look, there are individuals bragging on social media and advertising trying to convince you that you are not good enough—unless you buy their product.

However, if you want to attain your goals, you must actively work to cease doing this. Because comparison is a slippery slope that can erode your self-esteem and distort your vision.

Comparing yourself to others will not get you closer to your goals; it will just get you sidetracked. As the saying goes, the only person to whom you should compare yourself is your prior self.

4. Seeking instant gratification

We have all struggled with the attraction of instant satisfaction, whether it’s binge-watching your favorite show instead of going to the gym or scarfing down a doughnut when you are trying to eat healthier.

Giving in to instant gratification frequently implies straying from the path you have charted for your long-term objectives. So, what’s the solution? It all comes down to rewiring our reward system. Begin to enjoy the small victories along the way to your big goal.

Did you, for example, do that workout? Give yourself a mental high-five. Have you ever finished a task ahead of schedule? Take advantage of the peace of mind that it provides. As you start completing your tasks, you will realize that true gratification isn’t instant—it’s built up gradually, step by step. It’s also a lot sweeter that way.

5. Blaming others

We have all been there: something goes wrong, and our first instinct is to point the finger at someone or something.

For example, you missed a deadline because your team did not assist you. You are late for the meeting because of traffic. And you botched the presentation because your colleague made you apprehensive just before it.

It may feel good to put the blame on others. However, it also confines you to a mental prison where growth is impossible. Because if nothing is ever your fault, there’s nothing you can do about it.

Next time you are inclined to assign blame, pause and ask yourself, “What role did I play in this situation?” The answer may be unpleasant, but acknowledging it is the first step toward true self-improvement.