(1) LACK OF SLEEP: Having poor sleep habits makes it impossible for any one to be strong and healthy. Men typically aren’t worried about not getting enough sleep. Rather, they focus on how to grind harder to achieve success in life. You need to be feeling your best and have a strong mind and body. That begins with your sleep. In a study published in 2019 in the international journal Healthcare (Basel), researchers explained: “Insufficient sleep leads to the derailment of body systems, leading to increased incidences of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, derailment of cognitive functions, vehicular accidents, and increased accidents at workplaces.” The evidence suggests that “insufficient sleep causes hosts of adverse medical and mental dysfunctions,” the study noted. Image Credit: Shutterstock
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(2) LACK OF DISCIPLINE: The lack of discipline, often fueled by distractions and the pursuit of fun and pleasure, can have significant consequences across various aspects of life. Research suggests that individuals who struggle with discipline may face challenges in academic, professional, and personal spheres. Lack of discipline – allowing yourself to be distracted by fun and pleasure, rather than doing the things that need to be done – leads to untold negative consequences. It decreases productivity in the workplace and under-achievement in academics. Excessive smartphone and social media use impairs self-discipline and time management, as per a Computers in Human Behavior study. Embrace consistency like the rising sun, persisting regardless of feelings or circumstances. Image Credit: Pexels.com
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(3) NOT MAKING HEALTH A PRIORITY: Your health is your No. 1 valuable asset. It’s not money or time. Without health, nothing else matters. Too many people focus on making money, massaging their ego and are neglecting their body and their health. You need to get into the gym, and work out. Working out not only makes your body strong, but it strengthens your mind as well. Exercise is medicine. Stop drinking processed drinks, avoid alcohol. Drink enough water. A landmark 2011 study published in the journal Nutrition Review, shows that water, or its lack (dehydration), can influence cognition – i.e. mild dehydration produces alterations in a number of important aspects of cognitive function such as concentration, alertness and short-term memory across all age groups. Image Credit: Shutterstock
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(4) NOT WORKING HARD: There’s no substitute to hard work. Hard gaming won’t take most people anywhere, aside from isolation. Don’t be scared to do real spade work. Be willing to roll out your sleeves and get your hands dirty. You can’t expect to live an extraordinary life with an ordinary work ethic. It takes grit, determination. The “Pareto Principle” states that for many outcomes, roughly 80 per cent of consequences come from 20 per cent of causes. This 80-20 rule, also known as the “law of the vital few” or the principle of “factor sparsity”. Choose to be part of the vital few. This takes persistence and discipline to build the life you dream of. Do the hard work even you don’t feel like it. Image Credit: Gulf News Report
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(5) NEGATIVE SELF-TALK: Constantly engaging in negative self-talk can erode self-confidence and mental strength. This negative habit is controlled by our unconscious mind, which battles constantly with our conscious intentions. Cultivating a positive mindset and practicing self-affirmation can contribute to increased resilience and a healthier overall outlook on life. So it’s perfectly fine to evolve beyond certain individuals, especially those who underestimate your abilities. In short, it’s OK to outgrow people. In fact, it’s crucial for your personal growth, which often involves outgrowing certain connections, which is necessary. Beyond overcoming negative self-talk, surround yourself with high-quality individuals, who share your aspirations. You want to diet? Consult a diet coach who affirms the positive outcomes of a good, healthy diet. You want to exercise? Consult an exercise coach. Be teachable. Pay heed to mentors to lead you where you want to go. Your trajectory is significantly influenced by the company you keep. Image Credit: Gulf News Archives
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(6) NOT LETTING GO: It’s crucial to overcome the challenges from your past. It’s best to address these issues to pave the way for a happier and healthier life. This may involve having difficult conversations and practicing forgiveness, both for others and for yourself. The past is behind you, and dwelling on it won’t change what had happened. Acknowledging that past events may have been difficult. Examine your conscience. Ask the hard questions. Accept the fact that bad decisions led to bad outcomes. But then you need to let go of it. And then forgive others and forgive yourself, too. Move forward and focus on building a positive and fulfilling life. Don’t let the past continue to ruin your future. In his book “Forgive for Good: A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness,” Dr. Fred Luskin explains that harboring resentment and refusing to forgive heighten stress levels and adversely impact our overall well-being. The good news: we have the capacity to acknowledge and correct our mistakes. Through this process, we not only enhance our individual growth but also cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling life.Image Credit: Shutterstock
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(7) WAITING FOR THE PERFECT TIME: The time to act is now. It always has been. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now. Waiting for the perfect time is the perfect excuse for doing nothing. As Henry Ford, the founder of the automotive giant, wisely noted, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” This profound principle underscores the need for change, to have a bias for action, in order to achieve different outcomes in life.
