You feel motivated to make a change in life, but there is something holding you back and you don’t know what it is.
Actually, you do know, and you are just not acknowledging it the way you should. I will help you pinpoint the things that are holding you back in life and the realization will probably leave your mind-blown.
Image Source: Revive Our Hearts
How Is It Possible To Not Know What’s Holding You Back?
Many of you can relate to a situation where you found yourself standing at a crossroads, wondering why you can’t seem to move forward.
You put in your best efforts, but opportunities seem to slip through your fingers, leaving you feeling frustrated and confused.
It’s easy to blame external factors like bad timing or circumstances beyond your control, but the truth may be closer than you think.
Often, the biggest obstacle to progress is not the world around us.
The invisible barriers we erect within ourselves blind us to identifying what fears are holding us back.
These barriers, disguised as excuses, self-doubt, or limiting beliefs, can silently sabotage our aspirations and keep us trapped in a cycle of mediocrity.
This self-imposed paralysis can be so subtle that we often don’t even realize it’s happening.
How To Identify What Is Holding You Back
It’s time to shed the veil of denial and face the bitter truth that you are the key to your own success or failure.
The power to overcome obstacles and achieve your dreams lies within you.
It’s a painful realization, but the sooner we acknowledge our role in holding ourselves back, the sooner we can begin to break free from its grip.
Identifying the invisible forces or things that are holding you back in life can be challenging.
Hence, I prepared this guide for you on ‘how to identify what is holding you back’:
1- Reflect and Observe –
Pay attention to recurring patterns in your life and the thoughts that run through your mind. Are you constantly procrastinating, making excuses, or feeling self-doubt?
2- Challenge Your Beliefs –
Examine your assumptions about yourself and the world. Are there any limiting beliefs holding you back like you are not as talented as your fellows?
3- Identify Your Fears –
What are you afraid of? Being rejected? Being made fun of? Fear can be a powerful barrier to progress.
4- Seek Feedback –
Ask trusted friends or mentors for their honest feedback on your behavior and habits.
Image Source: Inc. Magazine
12 Surprising Things That Are Holding You Back In Life
1. Fear Of Change – What Might The Future Hold?
I’ve always been a creature of habit. The same routine, the same people, the same everything.
It’s comforting, isn’t it? To know exactly what to expect. But lately, I’ve been feeling a stifling sense of stagnation.
Do you realize that this fear of change is one of the major things that are holding you back in life from what you truly desire?
People spend countless hours worrying about what might happen if they step outside of their comfort zone. “Will I fail? Will I regret it?”
But the only thing you are guaranteed to regret is staying stuck in the same place.
To overcome my fear of change, I’ve started taking small, manageable steps that you can do too, like:
- Try new hobbies
- Meet new people
- Venture outside of the usual routine.
It’s been challenging, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding.
Just remember, change is a natural part of life. Embrace it, embrace the unknown, and see where it leads you.
The future may be uncertain, but it’s also full of possibilities. (1)
2. Looking Upon Other’s Achievements
It’s easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others, especially when it seems like everyone around us is achieving great things.
I’ve often found myself feeling inadequate, questioning my own abilities and worth. But I’ve come to realize that this constant comparison can be a toxic cycle.
Instead of focusing on what others have accomplished, I’ve started to shift my perspective.
I’ve learned to appreciate the unique journey that has brought me to where I am today.
I’ve also realized that everyone’s path is different, and comparing myself to others is like comparing apples to oranges.
It’s important to celebrate others’ successes without letting them overshadow our own. Reward yourself with unique self-reward ideas from one of the 80 Amazing Self Reward Ideas I designed myself.
When you focus on your growth and progress, you can cultivate a healthier mindset and unlock your full potential.
3. Waiting For The Right Time
Have you ever found yourself waiting for the “perfect” moment to start something new, pursue a dream, or make a change?
It’s a common trap to fall into, but waiting for the right time can be a major roadblock.
There will never be a perfect time. There will always be obstacles, uncertainties, and challenges.
Someday you will look back and might realize that time doesn’t matter, initiative does. The key is to embrace the imperfections and take action despite your fears.
Remember, progress is rarely linear. It’s often a series of small steps, setbacks, and breakthroughs. So don’t wait for the perfect moment to arrive.
Start where you are, with what you have, and make the most of the opportunities that come your way. (2)
4. Fear Of Judgement
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced in my entrepreneurial journey has been the fear of judgment.
I’ve often hesitated to share my ideas or launch new projects because I was afraid of what others might think.
Everyone experiences self-doubt and fear of rejection.
It’s a natural part of being human. You need to realize that this fear is one of the most significant things that are holding you back in life from achieving your goals. However, allowing these fears to dictate our actions can be detrimental to our success.
You can overcome this fear of judgment, by focusing on building self-confidence and reminding yourself that everyone has their own unique perspective.
Also, learn to accept that not everyone will approve of your choices, and that’s okay.
Remember, your journey is yours alone. Don’t let the fear of judgment hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Embrace your unique path and let your passion shine through.
5. Creating Fake Busyness
It’s easy to get caught up in the illusion of being busy. You might fill your schedule with endless tasks, meetings, and activities, but are you truly productive?
Sometimes, we create fake busyness as a way to avoid facing our fears, procrastinating on important tasks, or feeling a lack of purpose.
While it’s important to be productive, it’s equally important to prioritize quality over quantity.
Instead of overloading your schedule, focus on completing meaningful tasks that contribute to your goals.
Take breaks, practice mindfulness, and avoid multitasking, as it can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress.
Instead of getting caught up in the hamster wheel of busyness, focus on the tasks that truly move the needle.
This shift in perspective will not only boost your productivity but also bring a sense of purpose and fulfilment to your work.
6. Fear Of Making Mistakes
It’s a curse that I experienced firsthand for a long time, trying to be a perfectionist, striving for flawless results in everything I do.
This has often led to a paralyzing fear of making mistakes. Avoiding taking risks, missing out on opportunities, and even sabotaging productivity become the victims of this fear.
However, it is important to realize that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process.
It’s through failures that we grow, develop resilience, and gain valuable insights. Embracing mistakes allows us to learn from our experiences and become better versions of ourselves.
Instead of fearing mistakes, view them as opportunities for growth.
Develop a mindset of experimentation and learning, knowing that failure is not a dead end but a stepping stone toward success.
Overcoming my fear of making mistakes has been a catalyst for personal growth.
It has empowered me to step outside my comfort zone, explore new avenues, and unlock the hidden potential within me, leading to a more fulfilling and adventurous life.
7. Assuming Yourself Lacking In Talent Instead Of Exploring
Have you ever dismissed your abilities, assuming you lack the talent or skills to pursue your dreams?
It’s a common belief that some people are naturally gifted while others are not.
However, this mindset can be limiting and prevent you from reaching your full potential.
Talent is often developed through practice, dedication, and perseverance. Many successful people started with little or no natural ability but cultivated their skills over time.
Instead of assuming your lack talent, explore your interests and passions. Try new things, experiment, and be willing to learn and grow.
Rather than being confined by perceived limitations, cultivate a mindset that embraces growth and self-belief.
This empowers you to transcend self-doubt and uncover the extraordinary potential that lies within you.
8. Fear Of Wasting Time
Ask yourself this, ‘What is holding you back from achieving your goals?’ If the answer is time, trust me, you always have it.
This fear can be a significant barrier to progress which can lead to more procrastination, perfectionism, and a constant feeling of urgency. It can also be very counterproductive and prevent you from fully enjoying the present moment.
Instead of obsessing over efficiency, focus on making the most of your time. Prioritise tasks based on importance and urgency, and be mindful of your energy levels.
Take breaks, practice self-care, and allow yourself time for relaxation and enjoyment.
You can pick an idea that suits well with you for a self-care break from this interesting read → 16 Ultimate Self Care Menu Ideas For A Happier You
Remember, life is not a race to be won, but a journey to be savored. By embracing the present moment and letting go of the fear of wasting time, you can live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
9. Over-committing To Other’s Needs – People Pleasing
People-pleasing can be a draining habit that can leave you feeling exhausted, resentful, and unfulfilled.
When you prioritize the needs of others over your own, you may neglect your own well-being and sacrifice your personal boundaries.
It’s important to recognize that it’s okay to say no and prioritise your own needs. For instance, if a friend asks you to do something that you’re not comfortable with, it’s okay to say, “No, and here’s why”.
Setting healthy boundaries can help you maintain a balance between giving and receiving, and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and resentful.
Rather than depleting yourself by constantly giving, prioritise self-care to replenish your energy.
A full cup overflows with compassion, enabling you to support others more effectively and experience a richer life. (3)
10. Trying To Be Perfect
The pursuit of perfection can be a relentless cycle that leaves you feeling stressed, anxious, and unfulfilled.
Do you ever inquire what is holding you back from achieving your goals? When you set unrealistic standards for yourself, you may find it difficult to achieve what you aimed for, and even small setbacks can feel like major failures.
It’s important to recognize that perfection is unattainable and can be a source of unnecessary stress.
Instead of trying to figure out the answer to the elusive question of ‘what things are out of my control’, and striving for flawlessness, focus on progress and continuous improvement.
Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, and learn from your mistakes. It’s okay to make mistakes and fall short of your expectations.
The key is to learn from these experiences and keep them.
Rather than striving for unattainable perfection, focus on continuous improvement and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
11. Making Excuses
I’ve always been a master of excuses. When faced with a challenge, I’d find a reason to avoid it, whether it was a lack of time, resources, or talent.
These excuses served as a comfortable shield, protecting me from the fear of failure and disappointment.
However, I’ve come to realize that excuses are merely self-sabotage. I regret how many opportunities I missed because I simply excused myself with ‘it isn’t for me’.
These baseless excuses prevent us from taking risks, stepping outside of our comfort zones, and achieving our full potential.
To break free from the cycle of excuses, I’ve started to challenge my negative beliefs and focus on finding solutions instead of obstacles.
I’ve also learned to embrace the possibility of failure as a natural part of the learning process.
Excuses are like chains, binding us to the familiar and preventing us from venturing into the unknown.
By breaking free from these chains, we can unlock the boundless potential that lies within us and embark on a journey of self-discovery and fulfilment.
12. Self-Sabotage By Complicating Your Own Environment
I’ve always been a fan of chaos. I love having multiple projects going on at once, a cluttered workspace, and a packed schedule.
I thought this would make me feel productive and accomplished, but I soon realized that it was actually hindering my progress.
The constant clutter and chaos in my environment were creating unnecessary stress and distractions.
It was difficult to focus, prioritize tasks, and maintain a sense of calm. I realized that I was sabotaging my productivity by creating a complex and overwhelming environment.
To simplify my life, I started by decluttering my workspace and organizing my belongings. I also learned to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and delegate responsibilities when possible.
A cluttered environment reflects a cluttered mind. Simplify your surroundings so you can create a more peaceful and productive space for yourself.
Here’s something to help you remove complicacy from your life → How To Simplify Your Life In 30 Days
Let’s End It On A Positive Note
Ask yourself what things are out of your control. It can be other people, but not you. I know it is a tough task to hold yourself accountable, but it’s a big step toward reaching your dreams and living a happy life.
I hope I could be of some use in helping you spot these sneaky saboteurs and tackle them head-on.
Life is always changing, and there will be bumps, challenges, and moments of doubt. But keeping your chin up and believing in yourself will free you from those self-doubts to reach unimaginable heights of success.
So take a deep breath, believe in yourself, and start this journey of self-discovery and growth.
