Success Advice
8 Common Mistakes People Make When Developing New Habits

More and more people are realizing that our habits are our identity and the things we repeatedly do are the reason for our success, or the lack of it.
And we form a new desire – to change our behavior, to replace the bad habits with good ones, to do what successful people do.
And we give it a try.
We start doing that new thing, or eliminate an activity that is harmful. And we feel motivated for a while. But soon we fail.
Some try again, although their motivation gets much lower. And they fail again soon.
Then they stop, go back to what they’re used to. And it feels so comfortable to be back where you feel safe and everything is familiar.
But that’s the prison we live in. The comfort zone we’ve been in for years keeps us from living. Nothing new or exciting will ever happen there, nor will we improve ourselves and do great things with our future.
But that’s not your only option.
Because soon that desire to change will call again. And you’ll feel the need to do something.
So don’t give up on becoming successful just yet, and get back to that new habit you want to develop. But this time, think and act smart.
Here are the most common mistakes people make when changing behavior and trying to start a new habit:
1. Trying to build or quit too many habits at once
Don’t do that to yourself. Not only will you fail at all of them, but you’ll also feel much more disappointed after that, will have used up your willpower and will be discouraged to try again.
Instead, focus on one habit.
Gradual change is what really works.
After all, we’re talking about lifelong changes here, not just doing something for a few weeks.
So if you want to start or stop doing something, let it be the only thing you’ll be focusing on for some time. Leave everything else behind.
2. Starting big
Another huge mistake.
All entrepreneurs and successful people do this: they think big, but they start small. So should you.
You must have a goal if you want to change your behavior. And whatever it is, you’ll first have to develop a certain habit.
If you want to get fit, you’ll need to start eating properly, and then make fitness a habit.
If you want to make writing your career, you’ll need to find the will to sit down every day and write.
Now break that goal down to specific tasks. Each of them will be something you need to achieve to eventually get there.
Then figure out what steps you’ll need to take every day in order to get closer to that goal.
And start with the first one.
Make it as tiny and simple as you can. Let it be impossible for you to say no to it tomorrow!
3. Not being consistent
It takes time. And that’s where most people find out they’re too weak and not at all ready to change.
But if you really want it, you’ll need to be patient.
It’s not hard. You just need to do that one action we just mentioned. But if you don’t do it each day, you won’t see results.
4. Not being focused
There have never been so many distractions in life as there are these days.
And you’ll have to accept that from day one.
Because no matter what you’re trying to get done, people will come in the room, devices will make sounds and notifications will be received. Your mind will often need to switch to another task like checking email or social media, going out, reading something else, thinking about yesterday, or planning for tomorrow.
Stop! Notice when that happens and quickly come back to what you’re doing right now.
Even if you take only a few minutes each day to do the one task connected to your habit, stay focused all the time.
After all, it’s all a matter of priorities. And if your habit becomes number 1 on your list, you’re destined to succeed.

5. Not taking it seriously
Most successful people start out with mini habits.
Some wanted to gain muscle, and started by doing one push up a day. Others needed to improve their health and get in shape, and started by just adding veggies to one of their daily meals. Aspiring writers started by writing a few sentences each morning. Others – by meditating for just a few minutes.
That’s all it takes. And you’ll get there.
But actions like that often seem too small, and people usually want to change too fast. That leads to them not taking the whole process seriously, and giving up before they’ve seen any results.
Don’t let that happen to you!
6. Not knowing why you do it
Your ‘why’ lies deep within you. It’s your purpose, the driving force that will help you overcome the limitations in your mind (like fears, procrastination, expectations, impatience, etc.)
And without it, you won’t have a direction.
So sit down and think about that. Why do you want to make that change in your life? How bad do you want it?
7. Waiting for results from the start
Those who are too eager to see progress from the very beginning, end up quitting way too early.
So you better focus all your energy on staying concentrated and consistent, and let things be. When the time is right, you’ll see results. And they’ll be the motivation to keep going.
8. Giving up after one fail
If you did that (after following all the previous items), you don’t want it bad enough. If that’s the case, go work on something else.
But don’t forget that after failing you’re more experienced, have learnt a lesson and know exactly what not to do next time, and it makes you stronger. And if you keep trying, eventually you’ll find the way to succeed.
These are the main reason we fail when developing new habits. And I guarantee you that if you work on each of them, you’ll get what you want in life. And by the time this happens, you’ll have become more disciplined, experienced, confident and 100% ready for what the future has in store.

So which of these mistakes are something you struggle with, and what do you do to make sure it doesn’t get the best of you?
Change Your Mindset
The Secret Daily Routines Behind History’s Most Brilliant Thinkers
Uncover the daily rituals and hidden habits that powered history’s most brilliant minds to success.

Why Daily Rituals Matter
Every great achiever has one thing in common: discipline. Behind the novels, inventions, discoveries, and masterpieces are small, consistent habits repeated daily. (more…)
Did You Know
How to Turn a Simple Link-in-Bio Into a Powerful Brand Hub
Transform your forgotten bio link into a high-impact gateway that fuels engagement, clicks, and conversions across every social platform.

Social media is one of the greatest marketing tools in 2025. According to a recent study, some 86% of marketers globally use platforms like Facebook and Instagram for advertisements, while 94% use it for content distribution. (more…)
Personal Development
These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident
Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.
But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.
Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.
1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task
Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.
After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.
Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.
But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.
2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First
Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.
Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”
For example, if you’re a writer:
-
Research your topic at night.
-
Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).
-
Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.
You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.
3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace
Focus is the foundation of success.
According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.
Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.
Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.
4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life
Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”
This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.
If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.
5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills
Knowledge compounds over time.
Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.
I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.
Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.
6. Develop a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.
-
A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.
-
A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.
Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.
7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You
I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.
If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.
Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.
Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.
8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions
Good mentors can fast-track your growth.
While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.
If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.
9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations
Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”
Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.
When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.
10. Focus on Your Strengths
Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.
If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.
A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.
Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.
11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Your beliefs shape your reality.
For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.
Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.
Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.
Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.
Success Advice
Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)
The surprising truth about leadership styles that can make or break your team’s success.

Leadership has always been as much about people as it is about performance. Ken Blanchard, in his influential book, “The One Minute Manager”, put it simply: different strokes for different folks. (more…)
-
Entrepreneurs4 weeks ago
The Leadership Shift Every Company Needs in 2025
-
Change Your Mindset3 weeks ago
7 Goal-Setting Mistakes That Are Secretly Sabotaging Your Success
-
Success Advice3 weeks ago
What Every New CEO Must Do in Their First 100 Days (or Risk Failure)
-
Success Advice2 weeks ago
Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)
-
Business2 weeks ago
The Entrepreneur’s Reading List That Transforms Ideas Into Empires
-
Business2 weeks ago
What Every Fitness Business Owner Needs To Know About Relocating Their Gym
-
Personal Development1 week ago
These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident
-
Did You Know7 days ago
How to Turn a Simple Link-in-Bio Into a Powerful Brand Hub
5 Comments