10 Debilitating Habits Getting in the Way of Success

It’s time to get vulnerable. It’s time to get honest. This list took a lot of self-reflection and deep digging into my own habits. Some of these have been struggles for years, and I know I’m not alone. The truth is, habits shape all of us—whether we realize it or not. The small choices we make every day can have a lasting impact on the way we live our lives. A good rule of thumb for making or breaking a habit? Give it 30 days. If you can stick with it for a month, your body and mind will adjust, making it easier to sustain over time. While there are plenty of good habits to build, today, we’re focusing on the ones holding us back—the debilitating habits that get in the way of success.

These 10 bad habits are getting in the way of success—whether in college or life after. The good news? There are remedies you’ve probably been needing to hear.

Grab a pen and paper, and let’s get into it.

Reaching for your phone in the morning = Debilitating Habit.

Yes, I’m guilty of this. You wake up, roll over, grab your phone, and before you know it, three hours of TikTok have disappeared. My poison is lying to myself and saying I will get off in 5 minutes. Mindless scrolling is a time thief and can have long-term effects on your attention span. Try this: keep your phone across the room and start your day with something intentional—stretching, journaling, or even just making your bed. A small change can make a big difference. Break that bad habit.

Not planning your days in advance.

Winging it? That’s a really good way to feel overwhelmed. Planning out your day the night before is a game-changer. Checklists? Life-saving. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing a big item off your to-do list. The best habit I developed in college was planning my week in advance, breaking down tasks into manageable pieces. You will avoid procrastination and actually meet deadlines without last-minute panic. This is one of the most influential tips you will ever find for surviving college and work deadlines. Start developing these small habits now to be more successful down the road.

Running on fumes.

Sleep is not optional. Yes, I’m talking to you. Yet, somehow, we treat it like it is. Staying up until 2 a.m. binging Netflix might seem harmless, but you’ll pay for it the next day. Sleep fuels your brain, and without it, everything suffers—your memory, mood, and energy levels. Aim for at least eight hours every night. There is a reason that little kids sleep so much. I know it’s hard to get at least 8 hours, but your future self will thank you.

Using your phone before bed.

We both know that blue light isn’t doing you any favors. I used to scroll until I passed out, and I felt exhausted every morning. It takes me forever to fall asleep if I’m using it right before bed. Setting a wind-down alarm changed everything for me. There is a sleep setting in the health section of your iPhone. Put your phone in sleep mode and charge it away from your bed. Trust me, you’ll sleep so much better.

Not drinking enough water.

If you looked at how much water you actually drink in a day, would you be proud? Or would you realize it’s noon and you’ve had nothing but coffee? Dehydration leads to fatigue, headaches, and brain fog. Get a water bottle you actually like and make drinking water a habit. Your body will love you for it. You can start tracking your water intake by buying a planner with a water log. However, you could also download a habit tracker app on your phone.

Forgetting to eat.

Yes, I wrote this one for myself. And maybe for you too. Ever put off eating until you finish “just one more task“? Then hours pass, and suddenly you’re starving? I hate to say it, but this is an everyday problem for me. It happens, especially if you have ADHD. Set reminders to eat, and prioritize meals with protein. Your brain needs fuel to function at its best.

Becoming a caffeine addict.

We love coffee. We really do. But when caffeine becomes a crutch, it starts working against you. It only gives a temporary boost before the inevitable crash. I actually started taking naps during the day just because I couldn’t function without the high caffeine intake every day. Plus, did you know there’s a recommended daily caffeine limit? Yeah, me neither, until I looked it up. Try cutting back and focus on getting real energy from sleep and food instead.

Not time blocking.

Ever been late because you thought you could get ready in 10 minutes? Same. Have you ever thought a task would take a few minutes but ended up taking three hours? Yeah. Time blocking is the fix to your worries. Plan out how long each task will take—including getting ready and commuting—so you’re not constantly rushing. You’ll feel way more in control of your time.

Dismissing your feelings and self-criticism.

Let’s get real. We are our own worst critics. If you constantly put yourself down, it’s time to break the cycle. College (and life) is about growth. Making mistakes is normal. Instead of beating yourself up, catch those negative thoughts and replace them with something kind. Changing your mindset is powerful. You have the power to change the narrative.

Falling asleep with the TV on.

I used to think this was just an old myth or a wives’ tale. I’d push off the logic, “it can’t be that bad for you.” Turns out, it’s scientifically proven that watching TV before bed messes with your sleep. If you need background noise, try white noise instead. Your sleep quality will improve, and your brain will actually be able to process all the information you gathered from that day and reset for the next. Make sleep a good habit.

*Bad Habits Bonus* : Not budgeting.

Ignoring your finances won’t make them go away. Ignorance is not bliss. That Amazon shopping cart will come back to haunt you. Start tracking your spending and setting a realistic budget that you can easily manage. Even small changes can have a big impact over time.

You Are Not Alone

When it comes to breaking bad habits, it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own. But the truth is, many habits require more than just willpower—they need time, patience, and, sometimes, professional help. It’s important to remember that some habits take extra love and care to overcome. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional who can guide you through the process. Whether it’s therapy, coaching, or other forms of support, professionals can offer tailored strategies and insights that might be hard to see on your own.

Now that I’ve completely exposed my own bad habits (past and present), it’s your turn.

Take 10-15 minutes and make your own list. Awareness is the first step to change, and there is no judgment here. Let’s start building better habits together.

Pro Tip – Check out our similar blog post: Unlock Your Dream Job with These 3 Essential Podcasts

*Follow Future Ms. CEO on Pinterest to stay updated on our latest blog posts and college tips!*