Unproductive habits

Whether on an unconscious or conscious level, our day-to-day lives include all sorts of rituals and habits. Some are worthy of our time, while others are bad and just plain unproductive! Here are few bad habits you can’t kick fast enough:

1. Failing to admit your mistakes and learn from them: Everybody makes mistakes! They’re a crucial part of learning and growing, but any possible lesson will be lost if you cannot admit you made one in the first place.

2. Watching too much television: The average American over the age of 2 spends more than 34 hours a week watching live television. That’s a lot of screen time! Trade your viewing hours for something more productive, like conversation or exercise.

3. Going to bed too late and getting up too early: Not getting enough shut-eye can affect your weight, health, learning and thinking, sex life and who knows what else?! Bottom line — not much good can be gained from a lack of sleep.

4. Over-thinking: Do you find yourself questioning past behaviors, thinking, “I should have, could have, would have if given the chance to do it over again?” Or perhaps when you think of the future, several “what ifs” come into play? Over-thinking is usually endless, unstructured thinking. Instead, focus your energy on something you can control and fill your day with positive thoughts.

5. Procrastinating: Most everyone procrastinates from time to time, but if you chronically postpone or deliberately look for distractions, it might be a warning sign that you’re not passionate about what you’re doing. If you’re able, center your work around an inspiring purpose. Your days of procrastinating might come to a halt!

6. Obsessively checking your phone: Each time you are distracted, it takes an average of four minutes to get back on track. Add up all of the times you check your email, answer a text, look at your Twitter feed, post a picture on Instagram, give a status update on Facebook or take a phone call. I bet it’s a lot! Limit your phone time and you’ll be surprised at how much you can get done.

What other unproductive habits can you add to the list?