Ever met that person who’s always late, checks their phone during conversations, or looks like they’ve sucked on a lemon all day? Yeah, we all know someone like that. But guess what? These little habits, as annoying as they are, can actually hurt your career and your relationships—without you even realizing it.
I’ve learned this the hard way. Over the years, my sharp-eyed wife pointed out my bad habits before they turned into full-blown routines. And you know what? She was totally right! A few small changes can make a huge difference in how others see you and how well you do in life.
Here’s a quick rundown of five common work and home habits that might be tripping you up—and how you can turn them around for the better.
At Work: The Habits That Could Be Holding Back Your Career
- Always Running Late – “Better Late Than Never” Doesn’t Cut It Here
Showing up late to meetings or missing deadlines? Yeah, that’s not cute. It says, “My time is way more important than yours,” and that’s not a message you want to send. Over time, people will start to expect you to be late—and trust me, that’s not a good reputation to have. Worst case, you might even miss out on promotions.
Fix It: Give yourself a 10-15 minute buffer. It’s better to be early than scrambling in at the last second!
- Phone Zombies – “Just Checking My Emails…”
Ever catch yourself scrolling through your phone during meetings or conversations? Not cool. It makes you look disengaged and, well, kind of rude. If you’re not paying attention, why should anyone take you seriously?
Fix It: Put your phone away! If you need it for something, just say, “I’m taking notes,” or “I’m checking something important.”
- The Office Grump – “Everything’s Wrong!”
We all know that one person who’s always complaining. Whether it’s the coffee, the boss, or the temperature of the office, they can find something wrong with everything. Unfortunately, negativity spreads fast and makes people want to avoid you.
Fix It: If you have a complaint, offer a solution. Be part of the solution, not just the problem!
- Cluttered Chaos – “Uh, Where’s My Meeting?”
A messy desk, forgotten meetings, and an overflowing inbox don’t just make you look disorganized, they also make you seem unreliable. If you can’t keep track of your own stuff, why should anyone trust you with something important?
Fix It: Use a calendar or to-do list, and clean up your workspace. It’ll clear your mind too!
- Resting Grumpy Face – “Why Does Everyone Think I’m Mad?”
Your face says a lot—even when you’re not saying anything. If you’re always wearing a neutral or frown-y expression, people might think you’re upset, even when you’re not. And trust me, it won’t help your popularity at work.
Fix It: Smile! A simple smile can change the whole vibe.
At Home: Little Habits That Are Driving Your Loved Ones Crazy
- Mouth Noises – “Can You Close Your Mouth While Chewing?”
Slurping, chewing loudly, or talking with food in your mouth is a guaranteed way to ruin mealtime (and possibly your date!).
Fix It: Chew quietly, and for the love of food, close your mouth when you chew.
- Always on Your Phone – “Can You Pay Attention to Me?”
If you’re glued to your phone during a conversation, you’re sending a message that says, “You’re not as important as my phone.” And people don’t love that.
Fix It: Put your phone on silent and out of sight when you’re with others. They’ll appreciate it!
- Time Management Fail – “Five More Minutes…” (Which Turns Into Half an Hour)
If you’re always late or making people wait, you’re telling them that their time doesn’t matter. And that can lead to fewer invites or annoyed friends.
Fix It: Plan ahead and try to leave a little earlier than you think you need to. No one likes waiting!
- The Silent Partner – “A Little Compliment Wouldn’t Hurt”
Do you ever praise your partner when they do something good? Or are you only speaking up when something annoys you? A simple “Thanks, that was awesome” can make a world of difference in your relationship.
Fix It: Say something positive every day. It’ll make your partner feel great, and you’ll feel better too.
- Resting Grumpy Face – “Why Does Everyone Think I’m Upset?”
If you walk around with a serious face all the time, people might think you’re mad or upset—even if you’re not! It can make you seem distant or hard to approach.
Fix It: Try mirroring others’ facial expressions and remember that a smile goes a long way in creating a positive atmosphere.
The Big Picture: Small Changes, Big Impact
No one’s perfect, but small habits can make a big difference in your life. Luckily, most of these are super easy to fix. So the next time you find yourself complaining a little too much, scrolling through your phone, or chewing loudly, ask yourself: Is it really worth it?
Maybe the easiest fix of all is to start with a smile!
Danish