Why You Feel Behind in Life and How to Turn It Around
Written by Michelle Ong | March 1, 2025 | Growth
Feeling like you’re falling behind, even when you’re trying your best? In this post, we explore the 5 common ways of self-sabotage that might be keeping you stuck, and how self-awareness can help you avoid these pitfalls and get back on track.
Ever feel like you’re falling behind in life, especially when you scroll through social media or catch up with your peers? That nagging voice whispers, ‘Everyone’s doing better than you!’ Throw in some family pressure to ‘get your life together’ and suddenly, self-doubt takes over.
“The greatest obstacle to success is self-doubt.”
The thing is, many of us aren’t self-aware enough to recognize the self-sabotage pitfalls we’ve fallen into. In this post, we dive into the 5 common ways that you might be blocking your own progress without even realizing it. Time to stop comparing and start noticing what’s really holding you back.
1. Arbitrary Milestones
“The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself.” – Jordan Belfort
We’ve all been there: family members asking when you’re going to “settle down” or “buy a house” like it’s a checklist for life. Growing up with social norms about when you’re supposed to hit certain milestones—like marriage, kids, or owning a house—can create mental stress.
But here’s the kicker: life doesn’t come with a standard timeline. Everyone’s journey is different.
“All of our lifetimes, all of our lives are too unique to copy the path from someone else.” – Master Shi Heng Yi
Worrying about fitting into other people’s timelines only adds unnecessary pressure. Embrace your path and ditch the race against society’s clock.
💡Check out this post where I share key realizations and the steps I took to become a better version of myself each day.
2. Poor Planning Skills
“Failing to plan is planning to fail.” – Alan Lakein
Do you feel like you’re drifting through life, aimlessly following the wind? That’s the effect of poor planning. Sometimes, it’s because you don’t have a clear vision of where you want to go—or worse, you’re bending to everyone else’s agenda. Maybe you’re not asking for help when you need it or overestimating your own abilities (hello, ego). This cycle of overwhelm and missed opportunities just keeps spinning until you’re stuck in place, wondering where it all went wrong. The solution? A little planning goes a long way. Get clear on your direction, ask for advice, and take control.
3. Dissipated Energy
“We often miss opportunity because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like hard work.” – Thomas Edison
You know that feeling of being totally unmotivated and just… stuck? You’re daydreaming about a life of success, but the actual effort? Nah, not today. Resistance to change and procrastination take the wheel, and suddenly, you’re blaming everyone but yourself for why you’re still in the same spot. Newsflash: no one’s going to wave a magic wand and make it happen. It’s all about taking small steps, being accountable, and investing the time and effort to make a change. But first, you have to kick the laziness habit.
💡Read this post to uncover the reasons behind laziness and why we give up easily.
4. Negative Environment
“It’s not what you’re capable of that limits you, it’s what you believe you’re capable of.”
Are you surrounded by people who only talk about what can go wrong or make you feel bad about yourself? That’s a toxic environment, and it’s hard to grow when you’re constantly swimming in negativity. It’s like trying to run a race while carrying a backpack full of rocks—overthinking, obsessing, and worrying about what others think can paralyze you. Letting go of negative influences and surrounding yourself with people who inspire you can help shift your mindset. Stop worrying about everyone else’s opinions, and start living for you.
💡Check out this post to learn how to care less about what others think and stop people-pleasing.
5. Poor Decision-Making Skills
“The enemy is not outside, it’s within.”
We’ve all made those snap decisions that we later regret—taking a job you hate because you were desperate or giving into instant gratification because it was “easier.” People-pleasing, poor stress resilience, and avoiding risks lead to poor decision-making, which keeps you stuck. Instead of following the crowd or caving to pressure, try taking a moment to think before you act. You don’t have to be perfect—just take your time to make choices that’ll move you forward, not backward. Balance is key, so don’t forget to reward yourself for tough decisions with a healthy dose of self-care.
💡Discover how to make smarter life choices in this post.
Get Back On Track
“Self-sabotage is like a roadblock in your mind. It’s time to get out of your own way.”
All is not lost—have faith and get back on track now! Sure, you’ll have to work harder to make up for lost time, but don’t quit. Sort out your mission, find the right strategy, and buckle up for the effort ahead. With insane dedication, success is still within reach—it’s never too late to turn things around.
💡Check out these posts to discover traits of successful people and get hacks that’ll help you thrive in life.
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