This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Whatever You Neglect Will Come Back To Haunt You
It’s not unreasonable to admit you probably focus on your strengths more than your weaknesses. It’s only natural behavior.
Which is harder to do:
1. Focus on the good (affirmation)
2. Focus on what needs improvement (criticism)
For most people, it’s easier to receive a compliment than a critique. We all want to hear about how great we are instead of how much we suck or rather need to improve at x, y, and z.
We Like To Avoid Discomfort
Many of us have issues admitting our failings, mistakes, and underperforming areas.
We also avoid educating ourselves about subjects we are least familiar with because it’s comfortable not challenging ourselves. Humans don’t enjoy discomfort, which is why many of us opt into a life of mediocrity.
The truth is: we’re often lazier than we think. We rather stay in our comfort zone than develop ourselves to experience a higher life.
Often, doing the right thing means doing the hard thing. The average person doesn’t choose the challenging route when there’s an alternative. People tend to drift towards the path of least resistance (Peter Hollins).
Self-Awareness
To address our discomfort, we must cultivate the self-awareness that propels us forward into action.
For example:
There are two types of investing that I have repeatedly ignored out of ignorance and fear. After educating myself more about the two sectors, I immediately and ecstatically started investing in these two spheres.
I enjoy reading more about things unrelated to emotional well-being and relationships. Yet, these are areas of opportunity for me to develop further. Hence, I ensure I stick to my daily readings on the subjects.
For both of these examples, I’ve had to break past my discomfort and implement the art of self-discipline to progress in my personal development and finances.
The Consequences of Neglect
Example 1:
If I didn’t learn about the two investing subjects, my portfolio would stagnate, and I would miss out on lucrative investment opportunities.
Example 2:
If I neglect to study and make an effort to improve my emotional well-being and relationships, the people around me might disappear.
Whatever you neglect always finds its way back to you; this is the hidden cost of neglect. You may not experience the ramifications of neglect now, but your future self will.
Your Turn: What Are Your Areas of Opportunity?
What areas are you weak in? What subjects do you need to educate yourself about? What area of your life do you struggle with most? Do you have any mistakes you need to admit to someone?
The longer you delay addressing your responses to these questions, your personal development muscle becomes weaker. It’s like working out. If you stop working out, your muscles weaken. But if you consistently workout, your muscles strengthen.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.