5 Things I Stopped Doing That Made Me Successful

For years, I thought I had to hustle endlessly to become successful. I read the books, watched the motivational videos, made to-do lists that never ended. I thought success was about always adding more—more effort, more hours, more pressure.

But it wasn’t until I started removing things from my life that I began to rise. The shift didn’t happen overnight. It was slow, subtle, and often uncomfortable. But each time I let go of something that no longer served me, I made space for clarity, joy, and growth.

Here are the five things I stopped doing that changed everything.

1. I Stopped Trying to Please Everyone

I used to say “yes” even when I wanted to say “no.” I’d overextend myself, ignore my own needs, and constantly try to meet other people’s expectations. Whether it was at work, with friends, or even with family—I wanted to be liked. I thought being agreeable meant being worthy.

But people-pleasing came at a high cost. I lost sight of who I was. My goals were buried under other people’s priorities.

Letting go of this habit was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I had to learn how to disappoint others without feeling like I was a bad person. I had to accept that not everyone would understand me—and that was okay.

When I stopped trying to please everyone, I started living with intention. My choices became clearer. My time became mine again. And slowly, success started to feel personal, not performative.

2. I Stopped Doubting Myself

Self-doubt is quiet but heavy. It whispers, “You’re not good enough,” and we listen. I used to question everything I did. Should I speak up in meetings? Am I really qualified for this role? Will people even care what I have to say?

That inner critic controlled me for a long time.

One day, a mentor asked me, “Why not you?” And I didn’t have an answer. That moment cracked something open. I started paying attention to the way I spoke to myself. I challenged the lies I had accepted as truth.

I stopped waiting for permission to believe in myself. I gave it to me.

Once I let go of self-doubt, I started taking bold steps—launching projects, applying for opportunities, and sharing my ideas. And each time I did, I grew a little more confident. Success followed because I finally believed I deserved it.

3. I Stopped Overcommitting

For a long time, my calendar was a source of pride. Every day was packed—meetings, events, favors, responsibilities. I thought staying busy meant I was important. But in reality, I was just exhausted.

There’s a big difference between being productive and being overwhelmed. I had to learn that saying “no” isn’t selfish—it’s strategic.

I started protecting my time like it was sacred. I stopped agreeing to things out of guilt. I started asking myself, “Does this align with my goals? Does this bring me peace?”

As I carved out space in my schedule, I found energy I didn’t know I had. I was more creative, more focused, and more present. Success didn’t come from doing everything—it came from doing the right things with intention and care.

4. I Stopped Avoiding Discomfort

Comfort zones are cozy—but they’re not where growth happens.

For years, I avoided situations that scared me. I didn’t take risks. I stuck to what I knew. But deep down, I was restless. I wanted more, even if I was afraid to chase it.

Then something shifted. I realized that fear and excitement often feel the same in the body. What if the fear wasn’t a warning sign—but a green light?

So I started doing the things that made my heart race. I had uncomfortable conversations. I applied for roles I didn’t feel “ready” for. I shared my voice publicly.

It was terrifying. But it was also transformative.

Every time I leaned into discomfort, I discovered a strength I didn’t know I had. And over time, that courage became my superpower. The bigger the risk, the greater the reward. Growth and success walked hand in hand with discomfort—and I finally stopped running from it.

5. I Stopped Waiting for the “Right Time”

I used to wait. For the perfect moment. For the right mood. For more experience. For someone to validate me.

But the truth? The “right time” is a myth. Waiting only kept me stuck.

One morning, I woke up and thought, “If I don’t start now, when will I?” That simple thought changed everything.

I stopped delaying the things I truly wanted. I started writing, even when the words weren’t perfect. I launched ideas that weren’t fully polished. I made moves with fear in my back pocket.

Action creates momentum. It teaches, it builds, it clarifies. Once I let go of perfection and started moving, doors opened that I never could’ve imagined.

Success didn’t wait for me to feel ready. I had to meet it halfway.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, success didn’t come from adding more to my life. It came from subtracting the noise, the fear, the habits that held me back.

I stopped pleasing everyone. I stopped doubting my worth. I stopped overcommitting, avoiding discomfort, and waiting for permission. And in doing so, I discovered clarity, courage, and peace.

The Moral

Letting go is an act of strength. When you stop carrying what weighs you down, you rise. Success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about what you stop doing. Choose wisely, and create space for the life you truly want.

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Thank you for reading...

Regards: Fazal Hadi