Less Is More: The 7 Habits Holding You Back from Greatness

We all want to be successful, but what if the real secret isn’t adding more to your routine, but cutting out what’s holding you back? As entrepreneur and motivational speaker Brad Lea pointed out, the path to greatness often comes from subtraction, not addition. If you’ve been stuck in the same place, it’s time to take a hard look at the habits silently sabotaging your success. Here are seven things you must stop doing to unleash your full potential.

1. Scrolling Endlessly for Hours

We’ve all been there—opening social media for a “quick check” that turns into a marathon scrolling session. Before you know it, hours have slipped away, leaving you with nothing but digital fatigue. The solution? Set strict time limits for social media and replace idle scrolling with productive activities like reading, exercising, or working on your goals.

2. Overthinking Instead of Executing

Planning and strategizing are important, but excessive overthinking can become a roadblock. Fear of failure or making the wrong choice can lead to paralysis. The key is to take action—imperfect action is better than no action at all. Success comes from learning through doing, not from staying stuck in analysis mode.

3. Saying “Yes” to Everything

Many people struggle with setting boundaries, fearing they will disappoint others. However, saying “yes” to everything drains your time and energy, leaving little room for your own priorities. Learn to say “no” with confidence and protect your time for the things that truly matter.

4. Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparison is a surefire way to kill motivation and self-worth. It’s easy to feel like you’re behind when scrolling through the highlight reels of others’ lives. Instead of comparing yourself to someone else’s journey, focus on your own progress. Measure your growth against your past self, not against someone else's success.

5. Waiting for Motivation

Motivation is fleeting; discipline is what drives lasting success. If you only take action when you feel motivated, you’ll rarely make progress. Instead, develop habits and routines that keep you moving forward even on days when motivation is low. Success is built through consistent effort, not occasional bursts of inspiration.

6. Not Tracking Your Habits

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Whether it’s financial goals, fitness progress, or personal development, tracking your habits keeps you accountable. Use a habit tracker, journal, or an app to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments. Small, consistent improvements lead to big results over time.

7. Ignoring Your Health

Your mind and body are your most valuable assets. Poor sleep, lack of exercise, and unhealthy eating habits will ultimately slow you down. Prioritizing your physical and mental health isn’t just about longevity—it directly impacts your energy levels, focus, and productivity. Take care of yourself, and success will follow.

Final Thoughts

Success isn’t just about taking on more—it’s about removing what holds you back. By eliminating these seven habits, you create a clearer path toward your goals. As Brad Lea says, “Cut these out, and you’ll be unstoppable.”

*As always, this is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. AND before undertaking any diet, dietary supplement, exercise, or other health program.