Signs that you're neglecting your self-growth

Lockdown 2.0 has already started, a lot of things are at a standstill again but that does not mean you can't get anywhere, or life isn't worth living. You have to look at the bigger picture and use this time to contemplate your life then learn from it. Take each day as it comes but question am I happy? Why am I doing this? Do I see this going anywhere? Do I enjoy what I'm doing? It doesn't matter what it is, it could be talking to someone, posting something, going to work, etc. I'm not saying find your purpose but figure out - mentally and physically - where you are, where you're heading and where you want to be. If something is holding you back from your true desires, acknowledge it and consider how you can change this. It's about growing and learning.

Here are a few signs that show you're neglecting your self-growth:

1. You let your habits consume you

Habits like overspending, smoking, eating too much junk food, being negative about everything, being late or leaving things until the last minute, etc; we are all guilty of having bad habits. Bad habits can hinder our growth and prevent us from being our best selves. To be the version of yourself, you have to learn to maintain good habits to protect your energy and project it on something that is actually useful to you.

2. It's your way or the highway

You're inconsiderate and closed off to any other opinion other than your own. The thing is we don't always get it right and that's human nature. In fact, at times there is no right or wrong in life so we have to respect others' point of view and try adapt to a different way of thinking. We can learn a lot from others so it's important that we learn to accept one another. If someone corrects you say thank you, rather than preaching that you're right and they're wrong. It's all about learning.

3. You're too comfortable in your current situation

Being comfortable is enough for you, you don't consider how your life could be better. Nothing has changed, you live life in the present, but you need to wake up and realise that we don't live forever. Yes you may feel like you're happy but what would make you feel fulfilled or accomplished? Live your life with reason and know that it's ok to dream. Dreaming isn't always a bad thing, you may face disappointment but if you really believe in your dreams then you can turn them into a reality. If your not progressing in life then it's time to make some life-changing decisions.

4. You're so bothered about what others think

Well I say go first. Who gives a f**k if your friend thinks you'll look weird if you post that video online or you'll sound stupid for asking a question. The only validation you need is from yourself, period. Stop waiting for others to approve of you and reassure you because sometimes they could feel threatened by you or they don't want to see you do better them. That's just the way it is unfortunately so if you want to achieve something, go get it. No one is going to hand over to you so you need to make the first move.

5. You don't make time for yourself

Life can be crazy at times, so I can't stress enough how important it is to make time for yourself. If you're living with family or with a partner it may be hard for you to make some time for yourself. Maybe you feel guilty for ditching the people you're around but you have to see it as taking care of yourself. Once you've had time to focus on your needs and interests it will make you better person which will help to enhance your relationship with those close to you. You can often feel burnt out constantly being in others company and thinking about their needs, that when you finally get your alone time you end up feeling demotivated and neglect yourself subconsciously. In order to grow, we need to recuperate to see how far we've come.

6. You're afraid to take a stand

As we get older, we learn more and one of the things we learn is the difference between right and wrong. When you feel like you're being taken advantage of or treated indifferently to others, especially in the times we're living in now where racism is still a global issue; we must find the courage to speak up. Stop being submissive to injustice. Asserting yourself will allow others to take you seriously. If you're a person of colour like myself then you know how much harder we have to try just to succeed in life. Stay true to yourself and take pride in your uniqueness because that is what will get you far in life. Don't let anyone walk in your way.

What do you think you could do today, to change tomorrow? Remember small steps can make big changes.