Personal Development

It’s surprising how some of the bad habits we know aren’t great for us have turned into trends, often celebrated or even idealized. Think of endless scrolling on social media, where everything from ignoring red flags to dismissing communication issues in romantic relationships becomes romanticized through neatly curated photos and relatable captions. But when we glorify these unhealthy habits, we blur the line between charming quirks and genuinely harmful behavior, often overlooking the impact they can have on our mental health, relationships, and even personal growth. This post takes a closer look at how we romanticize certain habits and offers insight into how we can shift away from these cycles in favor of good habits that lead to healthier connections and better overall well-being.

What it Means to Romanticise Something:

To romanticize a habit or behavior is to view it through a lens that makes it seem ideal, charming, or even desirable, while downplaying the negative consequences. It’s a filter we often apply unconsciously, softening the rough edges of bad behaviors and making them look acceptable, or even aspirational.

The process taps into our internal beliefs and values, influenced by what we see from friends, family members, or popular culture. For instance, constantly joking about our “bad taste” in partners can seem endearing, but it can also set a foundation for unhealthy relationship patterns or unrealistic expectations in the first place.

Romanticizing isn’t always harmful, but when we glorify things like toxic relationships, substance abuse, or poor time management, it can lead us to overlook red flags and miss chances to grow and embrace healthier behaviors.

Bad Habits You Need To Stop Romanticising 

1. Pulling an All-Nighter

School is one of those topics we love to romanticize. After all, studying seems much more enjoyable when we view it in a positive light. But being the type of student who regularly takes advantage of the library’s night hours isn’t romantic; it’s a bad habit that shows a lack of prioritization.

One of those priorities should be getting at least 7 hours of sleep. Numerous scientific studies explore the necessity of sleep and the impact poor sleep has on us (I highly recommend the book Why We Sleep if you want to dive deeper into the topic). Not only does inadequate sleep impair our ability to retain new information, but it also has serious effects on our health if maintained over the long term.

2. Working in Bed

On the topic of work and sleep: another bad habit we romanticize is working in bed. And I get it—being all cozy in bed while staying productive has a soft, appealing vibe, perfect for times we don’t feel like working at all. However, working in bed is not doing you any favors.

First, it’s challenging to stay focused, as your brain associates your bed with sleep. You’ll likely find yourself yawning far more while working in bed than at a desk. On the flip side, if you’ve managed to resist the sleepy vibes over time, you may have trained your brain to associate the bed with work, making it harder to fall asleep later. Working in bed creates a push-and-pull effect between two outcomes you don’t want. So, just avoid it.

3. Aspiring to Have a “Summer Body”

With summer approaching, you might suddenly feel motivated to eat healthier and work on your fitness level—both admirable goals that encourage good habits, right? Well, the issue with the concept of a “summer body” is that it typically isn’t maintained year-round.

Often, people let themselves go around Christmas, only to put “losing weight” back on their New Year’s resolutions. This yo-yo effect is unnecessary and certainly not romantic. Instead of aiming for a “summer body” for a few months, focus on achieving fitness and health levels you’re satisfied with all year long.

4. Binge-Watching Series

A new series is trending, or the latest season of a popular show has dropped, and naturally, we feel the need to binge it over the weekend. Fun, right? But, when you look back at all the series you’ve binged, do you actually remember much? Would you have still enjoyed it if you had stretched it out, watching one episode per day? Could you have made progress toward a personal goal instead?

The problem with binge-watching is that it rarely frees up time during the week. Instead, you often find yourself filling that time with yet another series, leading to hours of time that could have been used in more meaningful ways. Once or twice may not be harmful, but have you ever calculated the hours spent binge-watching over the years? It doesn’t paint a pretty picture. And few people ever look back and wish they had watched more series.

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At the end of the day, it’s up to us to take a deep breath, reflect, and separate our real life from the illusions we create or see online. Choosing to reject romanticized bad habits doesn’t mean we’re settling for a dull life; instead, it opens us up to spending time on good habits that enhance our mental health, relationships, and self-worth. By focusing on healthy partnerships, open communication, and being the best version of ourselves, we can transform the way we think about what it means to live authentically, and maybe even inspire others to do the same. So next time you catch yourself romanticizing a bad habit, take a moment to ask, “Is this really the kind of person I want to be?”

In today’s economy, more and more people are exploring the idea of making the most of their time outside of their regular 9-to-5 job. Whether it’s building a side business, developing a freelance gig, or finally setting up that online businessyou’ve always dreamed of, maximizing your “5-to-9” hours can create extra income streams and help you work toward financial freedom. But finding the right balance between your day job and side projects takes thoughtful planning, hard work, and a bit of creativity. Here, we’ll explore how to best use your spare time before and after work, tapping into the extra hours you already have to reach financial goals while also nurturing your personal life and sense of purpose.

What Is the Idea Behind the 5-to-9?

The term “5-to-9” goes beyond simply working in the early mornings or late evenings. It includes any time outside of the traditional work hours—whether before, after, or even during small gaps like your lunch break. For side hustlers and small business owners alike, these extra hours present an opportunity to work toward realistic goals without sacrificing their full-time job. From morning routines for early risers to nighttime productivity for night owls, the 5-to-9 mindset is all about making your spare time count. With a little structure, your spare hours can be your greatest asset, allowing you to manage projects, develop new skills, and, ultimately, gain financial independence.

For those with a corporate job or service industry role, the 5-to-9 hours are perfect for testing out new business modelswithout the risk of leaving a stable employment contract. It can be a great time to try digital marketing skills on social media platforms, design social media posts, and experiment with content creation. Think of it as building your own thing on the side, just like Jeff Bezos did in his early days. By treating your 5-to-9 with purpose, you’re setting the foundation for future career changes, possible income streams, and perhaps even the chance to become your own boss.

How to Make the Most of Your Life Outside the 9-to-5

1. Have a To-Do List Ready
   The biggest reason most people don’t accomplish much outside of work is because they don’t plan for it. If you come home without a plan, you’ll find yourself chilling in bed, watching Netflix. The same thing happens in the mornings—rather than getting things done, you’ll use the time to relax before the workday.
   To counter this default to “laziness,” be proactive and have tasks ready to pursue. You could block time in your calendar for a specific task (e.g., workout from 5:30 am to 6:15 am) or mentally dedicate one hour to whichever to-do on your list feels right. The latter approach allows for flexibility but requires a well-thought-out to-do list. After a long workday, deciding what to tackle next is another mental hurdle, making it harder to stay disciplined. Do your future self a favor and plan ahead.
2. Get at Least 7 Hours of Sleep
   Yes, it’s a well-worn tip, but the importance of getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep is often overlooked. Knowing and doing are two different things. I considered myself a good sleeper, but reading Why We Sleep recently opened my eyes. Studies show we’re surprisingly bad at assessing our sleep quality, and the negative effects of one poor night last longer than we realize.
   If you’re not getting at least 7 hours of actual sleep each night (not just time spent in bed!), you’ll feel tired both in the morning and afternoon. Caffeine can sustain you, but think about how much more you could accomplish before and after work if you weren’t constantly tired. That’s why I challenge you to try 7 hours of sleep for 14 consecutive days and see how you feel afterward. If that feeling alone isn’t enough to change your habits, Why We Sleep might give you the nudge you need.
3. Rejuvenate After Work
   All work and no play isn’t a sustainable or fulfilling lifestyle. Integrate moments of play into your day. Ideally, find something enjoyable and beneficial. Instead of scrolling social media, try reading a book. Rather than watching Netflix on the couch, consider watching it on a gym bike or going for a walk with an audiobook. A post-work reset for your brain and body will help you stay energized and motivated.
4. Find Your Procrastination Trigger
   Here’s the tricky part: ensure your break doesn’t turn into procrastination. If you find it hard to stop a Netflix episode or close a book, a “short break” can easily consume your entire evening. If possible, avoid your procrastination triggers altogether—don’t lie down in bed after your walk, for instance. When complete avoidance isn’t practical, set alarms or use apps to limit your access to certain distractions.
5. Consistency Is More Important Than Big Actions (Most of the Time)
   Be realistic about your available time. We all have about 18 waking hours in a day (since proper sleep is non-negotiable!). After work, commuting, meals, and household tasks, there isn’t much left. That doesn’t excuse wasting your remaining hours, but it does mean setting achievable goals.
   Focus on small, consistent actions that add up. Five days of 30-minute workouts are great for your health; they don’t have to be an hour each day. Working on a side hustle an hour daily is better than only managing multiple hours occasionally. Consistency with small but effective habits can be incredibly powerful.
   On the other hand, some tasks are best done in one go. It makes little sense to do your taxes in 30-minute increments. For these, skipping a few daily habits occasionally to finish the task is a good approach—as long as it’s the exception, not the rule, you’ll get the most out of your 5-to-9.

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At the end of the day, making the most of your 5-to-9 hours comes down to dedication, planning, and passion. Embracing this time outside of your 9-to-5 work hours is not only a fun way to explore new projects but can also bring you closer to financial freedom and personal fulfillment. Whether you’re interested in launching a small business, honing a new skill on the side, or setting financial goals for the next year, your 5-to-9 hours hold boundless potential. Just remember that consistent effort and realistic goals will take you a long way. So take the first step today—you’re already in the right place to turn your extra hours into something truly meaningful.

Aging is a natural part of life, and while it brings physical changes like gray hair, fine lines, and a higher risk of health problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure, it’s possible to age gracefully with the right approach. Maintaining good health in your golden years involves more than just physical health—it’s also about your mental health, emotional well-being, and keeping a positive attitude. From following a healthy diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats to staying active with regular exercise, these steps go a long way toward improving your quality of life. Building social connections, engaging in new hobbies, and spending time with family members are equally important for healthy aging and boosting cognitive function. Embracing these lifestyle changes can help you live your best life, no matter your age!

1. Practice Gratitude Towards Aging

It’s frankly embarrassing how many people try to hide their age or even lie about it. Some refuse to celebrate their birthdays because they don’t want to be reminded they’re getting older. Sure, aging means that death is approaching, but that has been true since the minute we were born. It’s not new information. Trying to resist one of the most basic parts of life in such a childish way is frankly ridiculous—and the complete opposite of “aging gracefully.”

To age gracefully, start practicing gratitude toward the aging process. Have you ever considered how many people don’t get the privilege of aging? How many would have traded everything they possessed to reach your age? Just turn on the news, and you’ll be reminded of the many people who haven’t had the luck you’re experiencing right now.

Once you truly grasp this fact, it becomes astoundingly easy to feel grateful for the age you are. And once you feel that gratitude, it will automatically shine outward. People might not be able to pinpoint exactly what makes you so magnetic, but that simple gratitude for life is a beautiful thing that draws people in.

2. Act Your Age

Acting your age doesn’t mean you have to wear frills and eye-searing floral patterns as a grandma. Nor does it mean you have to run around in booty shorts with your bra on full display in your twenties. You can be a teen obsessed with bingo, or a pensioner who loves playing video games.

Your age is more than just your physical years—it also depends on your mental age. After all, we’ve all met people who look far older or younger than they seem (without relying on makeup or Botox).

Acting your age simply means not forcibly trying to appear younger than you are. Wearing a hot red leather jacket in your sixties is only awkward if you do it to appear younger than you are. You might think people don’t notice the difference, but believe me, they do. And it’s always embarrassing to see someone obviously compensating for something. It’s the complete opposite of aging gracefully.

3. Stay Open to Change

We all know the cliché of an older person who grumbles about the youth of today and insists everything was better back in the day. The kind of person who seems to oppose everything new purely out of principle. Once you reach that point, you can be sure you’ve truly grown old.

Aging gracefully means remaining flexible and open to change. Think of how children, teenagers, and young adults are always excited for new experiences. That sense of wonder and inspiration is what we need to retain to stay young, even as we physically grow older. Finding older people with that excitement for life is sadly rare, but it’s a mark of true vitality. It takes self-awareness to ensure you don’t become stuck in your ways.

4. Keep Learning

Technically, we can’t prevent ourselves from learning new things as we go through life. However, there is a visible difference between people who stay mentally sharp by actively learning and those who rely on outdated knowledge. You don’t need to stay up-to-date with every minor change in the world, but aging gracefully means keeping up with key developments to some extent.

Being informed about current political, economic, and societal topics is part of that. You don’t need to know who the current Bachelor is or which iPhone model just got released, but you should at least know what those massive protests in your country are about and what company keeps making headlines for revolutionizing space travel.

Beyond that, you should also stay updated on the latest news in your profession. Whatever your career, I’m sure you’ve come across an old-timer who does things in a way that blatantly shows they haven’t updated their methods in years, if not decades. That kind of stagnation makes someone seem truly old, and it’s exactly what you want to avoid if you want to age gracefully.

5. Stay Fit

Staying fit as a child and young adult is easy and almost effortless. You’ve got gym class in school, sports clubs after school, and friends who want to hang out at the ice rink or go skating. But as we grow older, these athletic endeavors become less frequent, while our bodies naturally grow weaker and less flexible.

In his book Outlive, Peter Attia introduces the idea of training for the “centenarian decathlon.” In other words, you don’t go to the gym just to stay lean and attractive—you go to prepare for the inevitable decline of your physical abilities as you age. Do you want to be able to pick up your baby grandchild off the floor or chase your older grandkids around the garden? That’s something you can, and should, start training for now.

Look at the older people you know. How many of them are sick and frail? How many struggle to perform basic daily tasks like going to the grocery store or climbing stairs? Aging gracefully means being proactive in maintaining both your physical and mental health. It means becoming one of those rare older people who still cycle, dance, or participate in fitness activities well into their senior years.

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The good news is that while the aging process is inevitable, there are many healthy ways to manage it gracefully and improve your overall health. Whether it’s protecting your skin from sun damage, managing stress levels with deep breathing exercises, or staying sharp by learning a new skill or musical instrument, these small efforts contribute to graceful aging.

Make the most of your later life by staying engaged in social activities, maintaining meaningful relationships, and scheduling regular check-ups with your health care provider to address any potential problemsearly on. Aging doesn’t have to be about decline—it’s about living with vitality and purpose.

Remember, the best way to thrive as you age is by nourishing your physical health, fostering your emotional health, and keeping a positive outlookon the years ahead.

Feeling disappointed in yourself is something we all face from time to time, and it’s a natural part of life. Whether it stems from unmet expectations, repeating the same mistakes, or not meeting your own desires, these feelings can weigh heavily on your mental health. The good news is that disappointment, while unpleasant, can be a starting point for real personal growth. Taking an honest look at your own life and facing unmet expectations head-on is the first step to becoming a better person in the long run. This post will help you understand why it’s okay to be disappointed in yourself sometimes—and how you can use these feelings as a helpful way to propel yourself toward the most important thing: a more fulfilling life.

1. You keep making the same mistakes

Nobody is stupid for making a mistake. Mistakes are part of the learning process. You’ll never be able to do something truly amazing without making at least a couple of mistakes along the way.

In fact, many successful people fail countless times because they are willing to take risks and act before they are fully ready. And it pays off. So, no, making mistakes is nothing to be ashamed of. However, the moment you start repeating the same mistakes over and over again—that’s when you should be disappointed in yourself. It clearly shows that you haven’t learned your lesson, whatever it might have been.

• Maybe you constantly get in trouble for being late. You rush in the morning because you sleep in, miss your bus, or get reprimanded at work.
• Perhaps you’re a serial dater, jumping in and out of relationships quicker than people change their hairstyle.
• Maybe you keep forgetting appointments, causing unnecessary friction in your life.
• Do you keep injuring yourself at the gym?
• Do you constantly struggle with money because of impulsive spending?
• Perhaps you always forget to pack something when going on holiday.

Whatever mistake you keep repeating, I hope this is making you feel suitably ashamed of yourself. Perhaps it’s the push you need to start improving.

2. You’ve had the same goals and dreams for years

You want to lose weight, start a new hobby, learn how to draw, run a marathon, read 100 books in a year, quit your job, start a business, or do a hundred and one other things. How many of these goals did you already have last year—or the year before that?

How much longer do you want to keep wallowing before you finally take action? Doesn’t it embarrass you to see other people go after the same goals you have, while you remain in the same position you were in last year? Aren’t you disappointed in yourself? Surely, these people aren’t that much better than you. If they can do it, so can you. Which leaves the question: Why don’t you?

3. You mostly follow the well-trodden life path of education/career

Let me guess—you went to school, graduated, and pursued some form of higher education, be it college, university, or an apprenticeship. Maybe you changed your major along the way, but eventually, you graduated again and got a job. Or you’re on your way to doing that.

If this general outline for your life fits, then congratulations—you’re doing well.

Perhaps you even managed to graduate with flying colors and earned an especially impressive degree. Again, congrats—you’re doing great.

But, are you happy with just doing great? Are you satisfied being one person among millions with exactly the same life path? Don’t you want to stand out at least a little?

Ask yourself: Who is the most interesting person your age that you know personally, and what makes them so interesting?

Chances are, they’re doing something that makes them stand out. Perhaps they have a successful YouTube channel, regularly compete in some sport, have a small Etsy business, or go on insane adventure trips.

Whatever it is that makes them interesting, you could easily do something similar within a year. All it takes is focused effort. Aren’t you disappointed in yourself for simply following the common path when there are so many other options out there?

4. You are way too f#cking comfortable

Of course, it’s a blessing if you don’t have to suffer from any major health, money, or relationship issues that make your life a living hell day after day.

However, if you stay perfectly comfortable over weeks and months at a time, it’s a huge sign that you’re settling for your comfort zone. And what a boring life that is!

Just think about what your life could have been like if you’d pushed yourself outside your comfort zone just once every three months, let alone once each month. How disappointing is your current life compared to the opportunities you denied yourself because you wanted to just chill and waste your time?

Do you even remember what you wasted your time on?

If your year feels like it has flown by, that’s a sign you didn’t make enough exciting memories. Instead, everything just melds together into a washed-out blur of memories. How disappointing.

5. You waste your time online

I’m sure I don’t have to elaborate on why you should feel disappointed in yourself for wasting time online. Most of us do it, and we all hate it. Although, apparently, we don’t hate it enough to stop doing it—which is so damn disappointing.

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At the end of the day, disappointment is not the end of the world, but rather a learning experience that can guide you toward better decisions and a more fulfilling life. It’s a great practice to reflect on where you are and where you want to be.

Remember, even successful people like Richard Branson or Jerry Seinfeld have faced their share of disappointing experiences, and they didn’t get to where they are without stepping out of their comfort zone.

The next time you feel disappointed, take a deep breath and realize it’s just part of the journey of growth. You have plenty of time to get things right and make progress toward your own expectations.

Have you ever found yourself excited to start something new, only to lose interest before finishing? Maybe you’ve hopped from one hobby to another, feeling the thrill of learning but never sticking around long enough to master anything. If this sounds familiar, you might be a “dabbler.” While trying out different things and pursuing new skills can be fun and rewarding, there’s a point where constantly chasing the next shiny object can prevent you from experiencing long-term growth. In this blog post, we’ll explore what it means to be a dabbler, how to spot the signs in your own life, and how you can shift your mindset to commit to your goals without constantly jumping ship.

What is a Dabbler?

A dabbler is someone who enjoys trying out new hobbies, side hustles, or projects but rarely sticks with any of them for the long term. They’re the type of person who starts a new job, picks up a new sport, or tries the newest advanced tactic, but as soon as the initial excitement wears off, they move on to the next shiny new option.

Dabblers often have a long resume of different interests and skills but never fully master any of them. While it’s a good thing to explore different areas of your life and step outside your comfort zone, the downside of dabbling is that it prevents you from seeing the true calling that may come from commitment and hard work.

Signs of progress are great, but a dabbler often quits just when they’re about to make a breakthrough. In the end, it becomes a constant cycle of starting over, rather than building upon past accomplishments.

Signs You Are A Dabbler

1. You Can’t Remember the Last Time You Finished Something

When was the last time you finished something that you started? I’m not talking about a meal, walking your dog, or taking a shower. Life pretty much forces you to finish these things.

No, I’m talking about non-essentials, like your New Year’s resolutions. How many of them did you start pursuing in January, and how many did you actually accomplish? What about the books you read and the series you watch—do you usually finish them or just drop them once the initial interest has faded? Perhaps you have a half-finished home renovation project lying around somewhere. Or you bought something with the intention of using it, yet it has been collecting dust for years.  

It’s alright not to finish every single task you’ve started. Sometimes, we realize along the way that this is just not the right thing for us, or we are doing it the wrong way. In these situations, changing the direction of your focus and efforts is a thought-out decision that saves you time and/or money. Dabblers, on the other hand, rarely have a plausible reason for why they quit. Sure, they have an endless list of seemingly reasonable excuses. However, the longer the list, the clearer it becomes that the excuses are really just that—excuses.

2. You Have Far More Goals/Interests Than Accomplishments  

There are only 24 hours in the day (well, 18 hours, considering sleep should be non-negotiable). It’s perfectly normal to have more things you want to do than time to do them. However, it shouldn’t only be your list of interests and goals that’s ever-growing but also your list of accomplishments.

If, at the end of the year, you have few new things to add to this list (beyond the milestones that automatically come with school or work), then that’s a clear warning sign that you are not disciplined enough to focus your time and effort on a task until its completion.

After all, a year is a long time—even if it sometimes seems to fly by. It’s definitely enough time to learn a new skill like juggling, holding a handstand, or photography. Sure, you won’t be at a master level after a year, but you will definitely be more skilled than a beginner.

3. You Expect Results Immediately

I once read a statistic that the great majority of new bloggers quit within six months of starting. Why? Well, it’s not because blogging is hard.

No, blogging as an activity is easy once you’ve set up your blog. You just have to sit down once a week or so, type out a text, and hit “publish.” That text could be anything from personal ramblings to a structured list meant to teach something. It can have any length from 50 to 5,000 words. You can include images, or leave it as raw text. There are so many types of blogging that I’m sure most people will agree that the act of blogging isn’t difficult.

What is difficult is getting the results you want. And that’s why most new bloggers throw in the towel. They start blogging with high aspirations of being able to monetize their blog through traffic after three months. By the time six months roll around, most new bloggers (disregarding the few unicorns that do succeed in such a short time) have little to no traffic to show for it. Without instant gratification—and unless blogging is your one true passion—it can be quite boring.  

Boredom, much more than challenges, is the reason many dabblers quit their projects. They discard the book they’ve started because it isn’t as exciting to read as watching a series. They drop out of martial arts classes because repeating the same movements for over an hour every week doesn’t make them feel like Karate Kid. They drop out of college or switch their major because surely, there must be a more exciting degree out there. And on and on it goes.  

In a world full of constant stimuli, it can be a true challenge to persevere during times of boredom. And if you’re a dabbler, you easily succumb to this need for stimulation.

4. You Are Chronically Jealous of Other People’s Attainable Skills and Accomplishments  

Through social media, other people’s accomplishments are constantly shoved in our faces. It’s natural to get jealous over some of them. However, when you find yourself chronically jealous of skills and accomplishments that are very much attainable for the average person, it’s a sign you’re a dabbler.

After all, if you weren’t a dabbler, you’d pick one of those goals and commit to it until you achieved it. Improving your style, makeup, friendships, career, hobbies, etc., are things anyone can do with sufficient effort and dedication. The dabbler, on the other hand, tries for a short while, then quits, and goes back to being jealous.

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It’s great to have many interests and try out different things, but there comes a time when sticking with something long enough to master it pays off.

If you’ve been jumping from one shiny object to the next, consider focusing on one or two areas of your life and pushing past the initial progress stage. The satisfaction of seeing long-term success often outweighs the temporary thrill of picking up a new skill.

So, the next time you’re tempted to dabble in yet another side hustle or hobby, remember that consistency and commitment are key to truly excelling—whether it’s in your personal life or career. Keep going at your own pace, but don’t be afraid to stick with something long enough to see the real rewards.