Society likes to make you think you’ll be rewarded for doing certain things, but some of these behaviours don’t actually deserve a gold star.
While it’s important to work hard, treat everyone with kindness, and try to do the right thing in life, there are certain habits that are portrayed as virtuous or impressive that really aren’t when you actually think about them. Here are a few of the things you’ll never get an award for, so you might as well stop doing them now.
1. Always saying “yes” to everything
We’re told that being agreeable is a virtue, but constantly saying “yes” can quickly lead to burnout and resentment. You’re not a superhero for overcommitting—sometimes, saying “no” is a much-needed skill. Learning to say “no” gives you the time and space to prioritise what truly matters to you and your mental, emotional, and physical health.
2. Never taking a break
We’re often praised for being busy and productive all the time, but not taking breaks can actually hurt your mental and physical health. You don’t win an award for working yourself into exhaustion—rest and self-care should be just as valued. Regular breaks help to refresh your mind and increase overall productivity, making work more sustainable in the long run.
3. Constantly putting everyone else first
Helping people is great, but neglecting your own needs for the sake of meeting everyone else’s isn’t a sign of strength. You don’t win a medal for sacrificing your own well-being. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to support people without feeling depleted.
4. Overworking yourself for the sake of career success
There’s this myth that the more hours you put in at work, the more successful you’ll be. But there’s no award for neglecting your personal life or health for the sake of your career. True success comes with balance, where you can achieve professional goals without sacrificing your happiness or health.
5. Trying to keep up with social media trends
Social media is full of influencers and trends, but you don’t win anything for constantly trying to stay on top of every viral moment. Authenticity matters more than being the first to jump on the latest trend. Your value doesn’t lie in how many trends you follow, but in staying true to who you are.
6. Being busy all the time
Being constantly busy doesn’t mean you’re productive or successful. There’s no award for running around from task to task without actually achieving anything meaningful. It’s about quality, not quantity. Taking the time to focus on one task at a time often leads to more significant and lasting results.
7. Always staying “in control” of everything
While control is often lauded as a sign of strength, it can also lead to stress and strained relationships. Nobody gets an award for controlling every aspect of life—sometimes, letting go is the best way to grow. Trusting people and being open to spontaneity can lead to a more relaxed and fulfilling life.
8. Being “too nice” to assert your boundaries
We’ve been conditioned to think that being nice is always the right approach, but there’s no prize for being a pushover. Setting healthy boundaries is just as important as being kind to people. It ensures that you’re protecting your own well-being while maintaining respect in your relationships.
9. Hiding your emotions to appear strong
Society often rewards stoicism and emotional restraint, but there’s no award for bottling up your feelings. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and it takes courage to express your emotions honestly. By opening up, you create deeper connections with other people and create emotional healing for yourself.
10. Never asking for help
Asking for help is often seen as a weakness, but in reality, it’s a sign of strength. No one wins a prize for doing everything on their own. It’s okay to lean on people for support, and doing so helps to build stronger, more supportive relationships in your life.
11. Constantly striving for perfection
Perfectionism can be praised, but it’s not always sustainable or healthy. There’s no award for trying to get everything “just right” at the expense of your happiness or peace of mind. Imperfection is part of being human, and learning to embrace it can lead to a more authentic and enjoyable life.
12. Always looking busy to impress everyone
We’ve all been guilty of this—appearing busy just to seem important. But there’s no recognition for pretending to be busy when you’re not really accomplishing anything meaningful. True value lies in results, not appearances, and your worth isn’t tied to how much you can pretend to do in a day.
13. Suppressing your true self to fit in
We’re often encouraged to fit into societal moulds, but there’s no award for suppressing your true identity. Embracing who you really are and being authentic is where real success and fulfilment lie. When you stop pretending to be someone else, you open up the possibility for deeper connections and a more fulfilling life.
