11 Habits That Are Seriously Holding You Back In Life...

Life can feel like a juggling act for many of us. Between managing work, family, friendships, and personal goals, it’s easy to let old habits slip into our routines that leave us feeling stuck or overwhelmed. For women, especially those trying to balance a busy schedule with spiritual growth, certain habits can be real obstacles on the path to fulfillment.

In this post, we’ll explore 11 habits that might be holding you back from stepping into your highest potential—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Don’t worry; this isn’t about guilt-tripping or adding more to your to-do list. It’s about identifying what’s no longer serving you, so you can create more space for peace, purpose, and joy. I have personally let go of some of these habits in my own journey and it's made a HUGE difference in my mental, emotional, and physical health.

Habits to let go of...

1. Procrastination

Procrastination can sneak up on you, especially when life gets busy. You put things off thinking you’ll have more time later, but those “later” moments never come. Spiritual growth often requires taking action, even when it feels like you’re not “ready.” By breaking tasks into smaller steps and setting realistic deadlines, you can push past the hesitation and create momentum in your life. Write a to do list every night before bed for all of the tasks that you have to get done the following day, and then be sure to cross them off as they get done. Remember that consistency is key, do this for a week straight and then reflect back at how organized it made your daily tasks.

Tip: Use the 5-minute rule: If something will take 5 minutes or less, do it immediately. This helps you chip away at tasks without overwhelming yourself.

2. Saying Yes to Everything

We all want to be helpful and supportive, but saying yes to every request or commitment leaves little time for self-care and spiritual growth. Constantly putting others’ needs before your own can lead to burnout and resentment. It’s okay to say no. In fact, it’s necessary for maintaining your energy and peace.

Tip: Practice the art of saying no with grace. Remember, saying no to others is often saying yes to yourself. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this.

3. Neglecting Self-Care

Between work and family obligations, it’s easy to let self-care fall to the bottom of your list. But neglecting your mind, body, and soul is a surefire way to feel drained and disconnected. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Whether it’s a morning meditation, a walk in nature, or simply sitting in silence, nurturing your well-being should be non-negotiable.

Tip: Schedule time for self-care like any other important appointment, even if it's just for 5 minutes a day.

4. Living in the Past

It’s easy to get stuck replaying past mistakes, missed opportunities, or regrets. But living in the past keeps you anchored to things you can’t change. To move forward in life, you must let go of old narratives and embrace the present moment.

Tip: Practice mindfulness to bring yourself back to the now. Reflect on the lesson from past experiences, but don’t let them define your future.

5. Ignoring Your Intuition

As women, we often have a strong intuition that we may ignore or doubt. But your intuition is a powerful spiritual guide that can help you make decisions that align with your true self. Learning to trust your inner voice can help you navigate life with more clarity and confidence.

Tip: Spend quiet time each day to tune into your intuition through meditation or journaling.

6. Holding On to Toxic Relationships

Sometimes, we hold on to relationships because we feel obligated, but toxic connections drain our energy. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a colleague, letting go of toxic relationships can free up space for more positive, nurturing connections.

Tip: Set boundaries with people who don’t contribute to your growth, and make room for relationships that lift you up.

7. Perfectionism

The desire to be perfect can lead to endless striving, stress, and disappointment. It’s easy to get caught up in an unrealistic ideal of perfection, especially when social media and external expectations play a role. Embracing your imperfections makes you more human, more relatable, and allows you to live more authentically.

Tip: Shift your mindset by focusing on progress, not perfection. Celebrate small wins!

8. Comparing Yourself to Others

In today’s digital age, comparing yourself to others can be an overwhelming habit. But comparison steals joy and can derail your spiritual path. Everyone has their own journey, and you don’t need to be anyone but yourself. Celebrate your unique path instead of measuring it against someone else’s highlight reel.

Tip: Practice gratitude by keeping a journal of your personal blessings and achievements.

9. Living Out of Alignment with Your Values

When your actions don’t align with your core values, it creates inner conflict and stress. It’s easy to get swept up in external demands and forget what’s truly important to you. Reconnecting with your values helps you make decisions that bring peace and fulfillment.

Tip: Take time to reflect on your values and ask yourself if your current actions are in alignment with them.

10. Overloading Your Schedule

A packed schedule can make you feel productive, but it often leaves little time for reflection or rest. If you’re constantly running from one task to the next, it’s hard to find time for your spiritual practices or personal growth. A busy schedule can make it harder to hear your inner voice.

Tip: Prioritize your most important tasks, and leave space for downtime and spontaneity. Sometimes less is more.

11. Being Afraid of Change

Change can feel daunting, especially when it requires stepping into the unknown. But without change, there’s no growth. If you’re stuck in old habits or routines that no longer serve you, embracing change is the first step toward living a more fulfilled and purposeful life.

Tip: Embrace small changes first. Take one step outside your comfort zone and trust the process.

Final Thoughts:

Breaking free from these habits won’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Life is about progress, not perfection. By making small shifts in your daily routines, you’ll create the space to step into a more aligned, peaceful, and purposeful version of yourself.

As women, we have the power to balance a busy life with spiritual wisdom. It’s not about doing more, but about doing what truly matters. Release what’s no longer serving you, and watch how life unfolds in a more beautiful and abundant way.

What habits do you need to release to move forward in life? Share your thoughts in the comments below!