4 Habits To Break You Out Of Middle-Class Complacency

Life comes with a lot of unspoken rules about how to behave, how to succeed, and how to get ahead. But some habits keep us stuck in a rut, particularly when it comes to breaking out of this is good enough mindset or what I like to call middle-class complacency. Here are four habits to address if you want to shake things up and move on up in the world.

1. Saying Yes Too Much

Being kind and helpful is a core part of being a human, but constantly saying yes just to prove you’re a good person can leave you drained. Overcommitting won’t earn you the respect or relationships you deserve. The people who truly matter in your life already know your worth, you don’t need to sacrifice your life for them; in fact, if you do you’re most likely hurting them and yourself.

2. Being Defensive and Making Excuses

There’s a big difference between standing your ground and shutting down growth opportunities. If you find yourself constantly deflecting feedback or making excuses, it might be time to step back and reassess. Constructive criticism isn’t an attack, it’s a tool for growth and we often forget that sometimes people that don’t know us can see us in a very helpful light. So work on being open to feedback, even when it’s hard to hear.

3. Tolerating Energy-Draining Relationships

Relationships are supposed to uplift you, not keep you up or night or leave you anxious on what they will say next. Friends or family members who consistently lie, take advantage, or sap your energy aren’t doing you any favors. Set boundaries. Enforce those boundaries.

4. Ignoring Your Basic Needs (Like Sleep)

There’s a misconception that skimping on sleep or self-care is a badge of honor. It’s not. Chronic sleep deprivation doesn’t just make you tired, it impacts your mood, focus, and overall health. You don’t need Andrew Huberman or some random podcast to tell you this, just see what happens to you when you get a bad night of sleep. Commit to getting 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Treat rest as a non-negotiable part of your life.