12 Time-Wasting Habits You Didn’t Know Were Holding You Back

We all hate when others waste our time, but what if we’re doing it to ourselves?

It’s frustrating when people show up late, cancel last minute, or simply don’t value your time. But the truth is, many of us unknowingly waste hours each week on habits that do nothing for us.

Here are 12 surprisingly foolish ways people waste their time—see how many you’re guilty of and what you can do to change it.

1. Spending time worrying about what other people think of you

Worrying, in general, is a waste of time, especially about things that are out of your control, like what other people think of you.

Many agree that they need to quit worrying because, aside from the fact that it doesn’t help, it adds to all the anxiety and stress. Instead of improving the situation, you just get more anxious about it. That is just a counterproductive act.

2. Making unnecessary and unproductive side comments

Another waste of time is making unnecessary side comments at work.

Someone shared an instance where his supervisor often told him to look busy even after he had completed all his tasks for the day. It’s to somehow trick the upper management into a sense of productivity and hard work. Does it work? Nope. 

3. Sitting in traffic

While it may not be intentional, sitting in traffic is a big waste of time. 

Some are okay with not doing anything but waiting for the traffic to slowly move forward. Other people would prefer a more worthwhile task rather than staring in front and stewing in anger. Someone even suggested powering through audiobooks just to make the ride tolerable. That’s not a bad suggestion.

4. Getting so ridiculously drunk

Almost everyone can attest that social drinking can be fun and productive at the same time. But getting ridiculously drunk? Now, that’s an entirely different matter.

Feeling sick the next day and having a little case of amnesia the next morning is not anyone’s idea of fun. More than a waste of time, it’s also a waste of money, and it’ll just make you feel horrible. 

5. Doing something you don’t like in your leisure time

Spending time doing things you don’t like is a waste of time. Life is short, so why waste this rare opportunity on something you don’t like in the first place?

Many believe that whatever you’re interested in doing, even if people don’t understand it, do it anyway, and it will never be a waste of time. 

6. Doom scrolling

Doom scrolling is the act of scrolling through posts or news articles online through social media or other platforms.

Many people consider this mindless activity a waste of time and not productive at all. You’re not even really paying attention anyway.

7. Watching casino streamers all evening

Sometimes, you get sucked into a rabbit hole you never knew existed before.

Online casinos are one of those holes, and you don’t even need to play since you can just watch. If you have many things to do and just came across them in your feed, don’t start on them. It’ll be a huge waste of time. If you enjoy watching it, though, nobody’s stopping you. 

8. Working your life away

Hard work and grind are good, but work doesn’t have to be your life. Many focus their lives around work because their jobs support their basic necessities, but there is more to life than work.

Learn how work-life balance operates and pay attention to other important aspects of your life. Because at the end of the day, work probably won’t be the last thing on your mind on your last day on earth. Do you want to survive, or do you want to live?

9. Complaining about how boring life is

Complaining is similar to worrying in the sense that it doesn’t really solve anything, but it does waste your time.

If you’re complaining about how boring life is, work on making it a worthwhile experience instead. You’re wasting time complaining when you could have been transforming your life into something amazing. 

10. Working off the clock

Many claim that working off the clock is a waste of time, but some disagree and consider it a sign of hard work and loyalty.

If you’re doing it all the time and not getting paid for the overtime, you’re getting ripped off. But it’s not that bad if it rarely happens and only for emergency situations at work. That’s why if you’re salaried, there’s basically no clock to consider. 

11. Staying with someone who doesn’t care about you

However difficult it may be, have the courage to leave when you’re in a relationship with someone who doesn’t really care about you. All the heartaches and sleepless nights are not worth it if you’re the only one working on your relationship, so have that conversation you’ve been delaying for so long.

Do you want to spend your short life with someone who forgets you’re even there? 

12. Reddit

Reading unending questions and answers on Reddit seems like a waste of time for some people.

For others, it is a relaxing activity as long as they don’t do it at work and for an entire day with tasks piling up. Moderation is the key.

Source: Reddit