The 20 Habits That Hold You Back—And How to Break Them for Good

A Deep Dive into the Habits That Sabotage Success

Success in the workplace is rarely about intelligence or technical skill alone. More often, it’s the subtle, everyday behaviors that determine who thrives and who stalls. Marshall Goldsmith’s What Got You Here Won’t Get You There shines a spotlight on the 20 habits that quietly sabotage even the most talented professionals.

These habits aren’t always dramatic. Some are as simple as the need to win every argument or the urge to add your two cents to every idea. Others, like withholding information or failing to give recognition, are harder to spot but just as damaging. Over time, these behaviors erode trust, stifle innovation, and create toxic cultures.



Why do these habits persist? Goldsmith’s research reveals that many are rooted in our desire to feel important, in control, or simply heard. The very traits that make us successful—confidence, decisiveness, drive—can morph into liabilities when unchecked.

Let’s look at a few common culprits:

• Winning too much: Turning every discussion into a contest, even when it doesn’t matter.
• Adding too much value: Always needing to improve others’ ideas, which can demotivate your team.
• Passing judgment: Offering opinions even when they add no value.
• Not listening: Failing to fully hear what others are saying.
• Failing to express gratitude: Overlooking the power of a simple thank you.

Goldsmith argues that the first step to change is awareness. Most of us are blind to our own habits until someone points them out. That’s why feedback—though uncomfortable—is so valuable. The next step is to create a ‘To Stop’ list and focus on eliminating one habit at a time.

Change doesn’t mean becoming someone else. It means being more intentional with your strengths and more mindful of your weaknesses. Small, consistent efforts—like pausing before you speak, inviting feedback, or simply saying thank you—can transform not just your career, but your entire organization.



Breaking bad habits is a lifelong journey. But as Goldsmith reminds us, it’s the journey that counts. Every step you take, every habit you break, makes you a better leader—and a better human.

References: Goldsmith, M.; Conshy Coaching Book Review; LinkedIn Insights.