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Magnetic Monkey Marketing blog shifting mindsetsLast week we talked about building confidence, so it’s the perfect segue into today’s topic: changing habits that drain your energy. After learning all about how to boost self-efficacy, it’s time to discuss shifting mindsets.

We are our own worst enemies. Seems like a cliché, but clichés typically stem from the truth. There are certain habits we have that hinder our ability to grow as leaders. These tendencies drain our energies, which negatively impact our productivity. Let’s dive into these habits written by Entrepreneur contributor John Rampton and see what we can do to change.

  1. “Worrying about what is out of your control.” When you’re constantly thinking about things outside of your control, you will always feel like a failure. Spending too much time dwelling on a situation you can’t control will only drive you nuts. You can only make one choice after another, ultimately taking control of the situation.
  2. “Always being a perfectionist.” Being perfect doesn’t really exist and trying to waste time forcing something won’t get you anywhere. Of course, trying to better yourself and taking pride in your work is a good thing, but never letting go because it’s not so-called perfect will only hold you back in the long run. It’s a really draining way to live. Shift out of that mentality and you will grow tremendously.
  3. “Getting sucked up in what others care about.” Honestly, who cares what everyone around you thinks? There will always be people complaining and trying to drag you down. If you get sucked in, you won’t be able to succeed in your own endeavors. Now, we’re not saying don’t care about anyone or anything, just that sometimes it’s okay not to put so much energy into other people’s’ drama.
  4. “Helping people who don’t want to be helped.” This is a very slippery slope here. Trying to help someone who simple doesn’t want to be helped will drain the life out of you. You cannot change someone who refuses to change. It’s a simple unfortunate fact. Be careful of giving everything you have to someone who won’t listen or doesn’t care to change.
  5. “Paying undue attention to all the subtle actions and words of others.” This goes hand in hand with getting sucked up into the chaos around you. It’s easy to get lost in the drama of others. Words can be hurtful, but you can choose who and what to listen to! Don’t pay any attention to the small stuff and pick and choose your battles. It really is the best advice anyone can ever give.
  6. “Spending time with people who bring you down.” Complains and energy vampires getting you down? Sometimes it’s necessary to cut those toxic people out of your life. If they are not bringing you joy or making you a better person, it might be time to rethink the friendship. Surrounding yourself with people who want to succeed and learn and grown will inspire you to do so as well.
  7. “Doing work you do not enjoy.” Passion makes everything easier. Working on something you hate will destroy you. Find your bliss and productivity by working on projects that you love!
  8. “Skipping your workouts.” It’s all about motivation. If you are constantly skipping your workout, you are setting yourself up for foregoing motivation. Remember the great quote from Legally Blonde: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.”
  9. “Thinking about unfortunate past events.” Don’t dwell in the past. It won’t help you in the present or make a better future. Learning to let that go will help you so much in the long run.
  10. “Struggling to say no to people.” It’s okay to say no! It really is, we promise. Constantly saying yes, yes, yes to everyone will keep you from focusing on your own projects. You will get stuck in the routine of doing everything for everyone else. It is way less draining when you learn to say no sometimes.

Just remember these ten habits and you can actively chose to live a more productive, happier life.