8 tiny habits low-quality people cling to without realizing it, says psychology

It’s one of those tough revelations that can change the way you view the world:

You’ve been noticing certain patterns of behavior in people around you, or maybe even in yourself, that seem to be holding back growth and happiness. You’ve tried to ignore it, push it aside, but it’s always there, nagging at the edge of your awareness.

It’s not always a big dramatic moment of realization.

Sometimes it’s just a slow dawning, a creeping sensation that something isn’t quite right. That these tiny habits are causing more harm than good, even if your instincts fight against accepting it.

Here’s a look into what psychology has to say about these 8 tiny habits that low-quality people may unknowingly hold onto, and how recognizing them can be the first step towards change.

1) Ignoring the importance of self-growth

It’s a subtle habit, often mistaken for contentment or even humility.

People who don’t prioritize self-growth, who shrug off personal development as something that’s not necessary or important, tend to stagnate. They remain the same, year after year, while the world around them changes and evolves.

Sometimes, it’s not even a conscious decision.

It’s just a pattern of behavior that becomes ingrained, a comfortable rut that’s easy to fall into and hard to crawl out of. But this lack of growth isn’t just harmful for them, it has a ripple effect on everyone around them.

They may not realize it, but by refusing to grow and develop, they’re holding themselves back from reaching their full potential. And if you’re close to them, it might be impacting you as well.

Recognizing this habit is the first step towards changing it. It might be challenging to confront this reality, but doing so can open up a world of possibilities – for them and for you.

2) Lack of empathy

This one hit me hard, right where it matters.

I had a friend, we’ll call her Jane. We were close, practically inseparable. But there was something about Jane that always left me feeling drained after our conversations.

It took me a while to put my finger on it. She seemed to lack empathy, the ability to truly understand and share the feelings of others.

It’s not that Jane was unkind. It was just that she could never really put herself in other people’s shoes. If I had a problem, she’d listen but her responses were always about how she would handle it, never really addressing my feelings or perspective.

I began to notice this wasn’t just about me. It was a habit, a pattern of behavior Jane exhibited with everyone around her.

The thing is, Jane never realized it. She probably still doesn’t. But lack of empathy is a habit that can isolate you from meaningful connections and genuine relationships.

3) Refusing to take responsibility

As the great Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”

Can you imagine what happens when someone refuses to take responsibility for their actions? Yeah, it’s not pretty.

I’ve seen it happen, with people blaming everyone and everything but themselves for their misfortunes. It’s as if they believe they’re a leaf in the wind, helpless against the currents of life.

They’re not leaves, and this isn’t a gust of wind. These are their lives, their choices, and they’re the ones steering the wheel.

Refusing to take responsibility is a tiny habit that can have huge repercussions. It undermines personal growth and harms relationships.

Remembering Roosevelt’s words, I’ve come to realize that taking responsibility for our actions is not just about owning up to our mistakes. It’s about acknowledging that we have the power to shape our own lives – and that’s something truly empowering.

4) Being judgmental

Did you know that according to a study by the University of Michigan, people who are judgmental are more likely to be unhappy? Yes, there’s a direct correlation between being judgmental and personal unhappiness.

It’s a common habit that people unknowingly fall into. You might see someone acting in a certain way and immediately form a judgment about them, without knowing their full story.

But, this habit doesn’t just harm the person you’re judging. It harms you too.

When we judge others, we create negative energy that surrounds us and affects our own happiness. Not to mention, it can prevent us from forming meaningful relationships and understanding different perspectives.

Being judgmental is like putting on blinkers; it narrows our view of the world and the people around us. It stops us from seeing the whole picture.

Recognizing this habit is crucial. The next time you find yourself passing judgment, take a moment to ask yourself why. What’s driving that judgement? Is it fair? Is it necessary?

5) Living in the past

It’s like being stuck in a loop, running the same track over and over again.

People who live in the past are always looking backwards, reminiscing about the good old days or brooding over past mistakes. They’re so focused on what’s behind them that they miss out on what’s right in front of them.

This habit can be damaging, not just for the person stuck in the past, but for everyone around them. It can lead to regret, resentment, and missed opportunities.

Living in the past prevents personal growth. It’s impossible to move forward if you’re always looking back.

The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence. It’s important to learn from our past experiences, but we should never let them define our present or dictate our future.

Breaking free from this habit requires acceptance. Accepting that the past cannot be changed, but the future can be shaped by our actions today.

6) Fear of change

It’s a sneaky little habit, this one.

People who fear change often get caught in a cycle of complacency. They stick to what they know, even if it’s not serving them well, simply because it’s familiar.

Change can be scary, I get it. The uncertainty, the risk of failure – it’s enough to make anyone nervous. But here’s the thing: change is an integral part of life and growth.

Those who resist change, who cling to the familiar at the cost of their personal growth, can end up feeling stuck. It’s like driving with the handbrake on – you’re not going anywhere fast.

Embracing change isn’t about throwing caution to the wind. It’s about understanding that change is inevitable and learning to adapt and grow with it.

So the next time you face a change, don’t shy away from it. Lean into it, embrace it, and see where it takes you. You might be surprised at what you discover.

7) Neglecting self-care

It’s easy to overlook this one, especially in our busy, hustle-bustle lives.

People who neglect self-care often put everyone else’s needs before their own. They’re always there for others, but when it comes to taking care of themselves, they’re nowhere to be found.

But, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Neglecting self-care is like trying to run a marathon without training. Sooner or later, you’re going to burn out.

Self-care isn’t just about spa days and bubble baths (although those are nice!). It’s about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing your needs.

Believe it or not, taking care of yourself doesn’t make you selfish. On the contrary, it equips you to take better care of others. When you’re healthy and happy, you’re more capable of helping those around you.

8) Lack of gratitude

This is a big one, probably the most important one.

People who lack gratitude often focus on what’s wrong in their lives, rather than appreciating what’s right. They’re always chasing after the next big thing, never taking the time to appreciate what they already have.

But here’s the truth – gratitude shifts your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that’s already present. It’s like a magic trick that can instantly make you feel happier and more satisfied.

Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the bad stuff. It’s about acknowledging the good stuff, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

It’s easy to fall into the habit of complaining and focusing on the negative. But adopting a mindset of gratitude can change your perspective and, consequently, your life.

Wrapping it up

Recognizing these tiny habits is the first step on a journey of self-improvement.

If you’ve seen yourself in some or all of these habits, don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone has room to grow and improve, and acknowledging these habits is a big leap toward becoming a better version of yourself.

It’s essential to remember that change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that requires patience, persistence, and self-love.

The key is not to beat yourself up over these habits but to understand them and consciously try to change them.

As Carl Jung once said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”

And most importantly – be kind to yourself during this journey. After all, you’re doing the best you can, and that’s all that really matters.