Sometimes, to become successful and get closer to the person we can become, we don’t need to add things — we need to give up some of them. There are certain things that are universal which will make you successful if you give them up, even though each one of us could have a different definition of success. Some of them are so simple, you could give them up today, while it might take a bit longer to let go of others.

Somebody once told me their definition of hell:

On your last day on earth, the person you became will meet the person you could have become.

 — Anonymous

1. Give Up The Unhealthy Lifestyle

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live. — Jim Rohn

If you want to achieve anything in life, everything starts with your health. First, you have to take care of yourself, and there are only two things you need to keep in mind: A healthy diet and physical activity.

2. Give Up The Short-Term Mindset

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. — Mae West

Successful people set long-term goals, and they know these aims are merely the result of short-term habits that they need to do every day. These healthy habits shouldn’t be something you do; they should be something you embody. There is a difference between: ‘Working out to get a summer body’ and ‘Working out because that’s who you are.’

3. Give Up Playing Small

Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone, and as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

– Marianne Williamson

If you never take great opportunities or allow your dreams to become realities, you will never unleash your true potential. And the world will never benefit from what you could have achieved.

So voice your ideas, don’t be afraid to ‘fail’, and certainly don’t be afraid to succeed.

4. Give Up Your Excuses

It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you play the hand.

― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

Successful people know that they are responsible for their life; no matter their starting point, weaknesses, or past failures. Realising that you are responsible for what happens next in your life is both frightening and exciting. And when you do, that becomes the only way you can become successful, because excuses limit and prevent us from growing personally and professionally.

Own your life; no one else will.

5. Give Up The Fixed Mindset

The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.

― Robert Greene, Mastery

People with a ‘fixed mindset’ think their intelligence or talents are simply fixed traits, and that talent alone creates success — without effort. They’re wrong. Successful people know this. They invest an immense amount of time on a daily basis to develop a ‘growth mindset’, acquire knowledge, learn new skills and change their perception so that it can benefit their lives.

Remember, who you are today is not who you have to be tomorrow.

6. Give Up Believing In The ‘Magic Bullet’

Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better. — Émile Coué

Overnight success is a myth. Successful people know that making small continual improvements every day will be compounded and, over time, will give them their desired results. That is why you should plan for the future whilst maintaining focus on the day that’s ahead of you.

Aim to improve just 1% every day.

7. Give Up Your Perfectionism

Shipping beats perfection.

— Khan Academy’s Development Mantra

Nothing will ever be perfect, no matter how much we try. Fear of failure (or even fear of success) often prevents us from taking action and putting our creation out there in the world. But a lot of opportunities will be lost if we wait for everything to be perfect.

So ‘ship’, and then improve (that 1%).

8. Give Up Multi-Tasking

You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.

― Winston S. Churchill

Successful people know this. That’s why they choose one thing and then beat it into submission. No matter what it is — a business idea, a conversation, or a workout.

Being fully present and committed to one task is indispensable.

9. Give Up Your Need to Control Everything

Some things are up to us, and some things are not up to us. — Epictetus, Stoic philosopher

Differentiating these two is important. Detach from the things you cannot control, and focus on the ones you can, and know that sometimes, the only thing you will be able to control is your attitude toward something.

And remember, nobody can be frustrated while saying ‘Bubbles’ in an angry voice.

10. Give Up Saying ‘Yes’ To Things That Don’t Support Your Goals

He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much; he who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.

— James Allen

Successful people know that in order to accomplish their goals, they will have to say ‘no’ to certain tasks, activities, and demands from their friends, family, and colleagues.

In the short-term, you might sacrifice a bit of instant gratification, but when your goals come to fruition, it will all be worth it.

11. Give Up The Toxic People in Your Life

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. ― Jim Rohn

People we spend the most time with, add up to who we become. There are people who are less accomplished in their personal and professional life, and there are people who are more accomplished than us. If you spend time with those who are behind you, your average will go down and with it, your success. But if you spend time with people who are more accomplished than you, no matter how challenging it might be, you will become more successful.

Take a look at around you and see if you need to make any changes.

12. Give Up Your Need To Be Liked

The only way to avoid pissing people off is to do nothing important. — Oliver Emberton

Think of yourself as a market niche. There will be a lot of people who like that niche, and there will be individuals who don’t. And no matter what you do, you won’t be able to make the entire market like you. This is entirely natural, and there’s no need to justify yourself.

The only thing you can do is to remain authentic, improve and provide value every day, and know that if the number of ‘haters’ grow, it simply means that you’re doing important things.

13. Give Up Your Dependency on Social Media and Television

The trouble is, you think you have time.

— Jack Kornfield

Impulsive web browsing and television watching are diseases of today’s society. These two should never be used as an escape from your life or your goals. Unless your goals depend on either, you should minimise (or even eliminate) your dependency on them, and direct that time towards things that can enrich your life.

Be Bold, Take the Plunge

Life isn’t always easy, especially if your heart yearns to be doing things differently. And whilst it may seem hard at first to take the plunge – that inevitable leap into the unknown – committing to being the greatest version of you; truly living your life how you envisage it, will be the best decision you will ever make.