5 uncomfortable habits that will make you more successful

Turn people down

Do you have a problem saying no? If you do, according to the University of California, San Francisco, you are more likely to experience stress, burnout, and even depression. As far as words in the English language go, no is one of the most powerful. Stop saying phrases like maybe, I don’t think I can or I’m not sure. When you say no, you are putting your existing commitments first and giving yourself more time to finish them.

Get up earlier

For night owls, getting up earlier than usual can take you way out of your comfort zone, but getting up early can pay off in a number of ways. Waking up earlier can give you time to collect your thoughts, eat a good breakfast, and prepare for the day without being rushed.

Practice public speaking

Nearly three-fourths of Americans have a fear of public speaking. Just like most fears, the only way to get over it is to address it. Even if you don’t work in a position where you have to do this on a regular basis, the ability to talk in front of large crowds is a dwindling, yet highly sought after skill.

Stop putting things off

Change is difficult. Life is hard. It doesn’t get any better by waiting. Gather the courage to go after what you want, and work to make it happen. When you put off something, you either don’t really want it or you want the results without having to put in the work. Neither of those reasons is good and will only hurt you.

Talk to someone you don’t know

Aside from public speaking, talking to people in general makes most people uncomfortable. Unless you are a serious extrovert, the prospect of having a conversation with someone you don’t know probably makes you uneasy. But, by doing so you are building your conversational skillset, improving your social interactions, not to mention expanding your network and learning new things from whoever you are talking to.