5 Things You Know You Need To Stop Doing

We all have habits and vices that we know we need to give up. Some of them are minor, some of them are major, but we all have them. Today we'll be going over 5 of the top worst offenders, the things you know you need to stop doing immediately.

1. Smoking

Cigarettes have to be one of the worst things I can imagine a person doing to themselves, short of hard illegal drugs and direct self harm. You are literally spending money to shorten your life, ruin your health, smell terrible, and harm those around you. I know you need to quit, and you do too. The benefits of quitting are numerous. You will live longer and healthier, have more money, and have better performance in your physical pursuits. Don't be a slave to an addiction, chemical or otherwise. That isn't strength. And you're here to be your strongest, best self.

2. Eating junk food every day

Yes, I know those sodas, shakes, and french fries taste great. I love them too. Once a week. You and I both know what really matters, and it isn't having that donut every morning. Eat like you know you need to, so you can have the life you know you want. You'll have cravings for a while at first. But trust me, your body will adapt, and you'll thank me when it does. We weren't made to live off corn syrup and sugar. Get that real food back in your diet.You'll feel better, both mentally and physically. At least 80% of your health is what you put in your body. You can't outrun your fork.

3. Skipping Your Workouts (or not exercising at all)

While it is true that the majority of your health is what you do and don't put in your body, the other 20% is how you train it. There are certainly some forms of exercise that carry more benefits than others, but what matters is that you do SOMETHING at least 3 days a week. If you want to go hard, then by all means get into strength training. Lifting a barbell off the floor or over your body is hands down one of the best things you can do for yourself. However in the end, the best kind of exercise is the kind you actually DO CONSISTENTLY. I would much rather you go for a walk 3 days a week and work up to lifting than lift weights once a month or not at all. Leave your excuses in bed and get active.

4. Procrastinating on Professional Growth

Unless you truly love your job, you have no excuse for not updating your resume or pursuing the skill set and career you actually want. Sure, it's hard, even scary. It might be easier to stay at the mediocre paying job and just eke out a living. But we're not here for easy. We're hear to dig in and get what we crave, what we know we deserve. Watch an hour less of TV and get your professional life in gear.

5. Harming Others

No matter how strong we become, we never have an excuse to harm and abuse other people. You know the difference between standing up for yourself and your loved ones and just lashing out at people because you can. Be a kinder person. If you are stronger than someone else, lift them up, don't tear them down. That's true strength.

These are just a few of the things you can cut out of your life for immediate improvements. I encourage you to share your own experiences and suggestions in the comments. What did you stop doing that led to a better life for you?