12 Behaviors to Break If You Want to Change Your Life

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re just not living your best life, this one’s for you. In this episode of the Nacho Fitness Coach podcast, Sara (our fitness expert) and Caleigh (our self-deprecating beginner) break down an article that claims ditching 12 behaviors can change your life. Let’s just say—they have thoughts.

From procrastination to perfectionism, these aren’t just fluff. They’re real habits that might be holding you back—and the conversation stays funny, honest, and wildly relatable the whole time.

#1. Procrastination: The “I Work Better Under Pressure” Lie

Sara's a “cross-it-off-the-list” kind of person. Caleigh? Let’s just say she’s… working on it.

• Procrastination often leads to more stress, not better results.
• Small tasks? Just do them now—especially if they take less than five minutes.
• Pro tip: Writing two episode descriptions in one week = instant stress relief.

🎙 Quote-worthy: “Eventually, it leads to more stress and probably I don’t do as good a job as I could have.”

#2. Negative Self-Talk: Be Nice to Yourself, Please

Caleigh opens up about how she’s had to learn to like herself—something she’s still working on. Meanwhile, Sara… well, Sara’s been a fan of herself for a while.

• Stop saying “I can’t”—own the fact that maybe you just don’t want to.
• Self-talk shapes your self-worth. Start rewiring the inner dialogue.
• Imposter syndrome is real, especially in fitness. You’re not alone.

🎙 Takeaway: “Try loving yourself the way you take care of everyone else.”

#3. Fear of Failure: Just Try Already

Sara’s take? “Failure is part of learning.” Period.

• Everyone fails—what matters is what you do after.
• You have control: Try again, pivot, or move on.
• Don’t let fear of failing stop you from starting.

💥 Real Talk: “Put your big girl panties on and be like, well, that didn’t work—now what?”

#4. People-Pleasing: Say No Without Guilt

Caleigh and Sara agree: boundaries are a form of self-respect.

• It’s okay to help people—just don’t be a doormat.
• Saying “no” doesn’t make you selfish. It makes you sane.
• Confidence in your decisions goes a long way.

🛑 Reminder: “You’re not responsible for everyone else’s comfort.”

#5. Comparison: The Thief of Joy

That perfect post on Instagram? Edited. Filtered. Staged.

• Social media isn’t real life—stop measuring yourself by it.
• If you’re not doing what they’re doing, the comparison doesn’t even make sense.
• Own your actions or change them, then keep it moving.

📲 Pro Tip: “Step back and ask: am I doing what they’re doing? No? Then why am I comparing?”

#6. Perfectionism: Good Enough Is Often Good Enough

Neither host is aiming for perfect. They’re aiming for done.

• Progress beats perfection every time.
• Perfectionism can paralyze your productivity.
• Done is better than never started.

✅ Sara’s Motto: “Progress over perfection.”

#7: Dwelling on the Past

We get it — everyone has regrets. But living in the rearview mirror? That’s a one-way ticket to nowhere.

Sara’s approach? Karma’s got it covered. Instead of clinging to past mistakes or holding grudges, she leans into the serenity prayer (and a little Seinfeld humor) to move forward with peace.
Meanwhile, Caleigh admits that any stewing she does usually evaporates by bedtime.

Key Takeaway:

Let go of grudges. The past can’t be changed, but your mindset can.

#8: Not Letting Go of What You Can't Control

This one’s a biggie. Holding on to stuff you can’t fix is a waste of energy. Caleigh nails it with her classic line:

“If I say something, is it going to change the outcome? No? Then why say anything?”

Boom.

Key Takeaway:

Ask yourself if worrying will change the result. If not, let it go and protect your peace.

#9: Negative or Toxic Relationships

Cutting people out of your life isn’t always easy — especially when it’s family — but sometimes, it’s necessary.

Sara opened up about ending a toxic relationship with her mother. It was a hard call, but essential for her and her kids' well-being. Caleigh hasn’t had many toxic people in her life, but she’s definitely drawn boundaries with needy or guilt-trippy friends.

Key Takeaway:

You don’t have to entertain guilt trips or toxicity. Protect your emotional space.

#10: Neglecting Self-Care

Nope, self-care isn’t just spa days and bubble baths (especially since Sara hates baths). Self-care is:

• Surrounding yourself with joy
• Taking care of your body and mind
• Prioritizing your emotional well-being

For Sara, hitting the gym is self-care. For Caleigh, it was something she had to rediscover after years of excuses (more on that next).

Key Takeaway:

Self-care is personal. Find what fills your cup — emotionally, physically, and mentally.

#11: Making Excuses.

Caleigh was the queen of excuses — especially when it came to avoiding exercise. From blaming her kids to claiming she was too tired, she had an excuse for everything. But deep down, it came from fear of failure and procrastination.

Now? She owns it. Even when her 5 a.m. alarm goes off, she gives herself a little tough love:

“Quit being a little b*tch.”

Key Takeaway:

Stop blaming everything and everyone else. Take ownership and move forward.

#12: Resisting Change

Change is uncomfortable. It disrupts your routines. But it also pushes you forward.

Sara loves her structure but knows when it’s time to shake things up. Caleigh craves routine, too — but admits she gets bored and starts craving chaos. Together, they agree: growth happens when you embrace the unknown.

Final Thought

Leveling up in life—whether in fitness, mindset, or adulting—starts with cutting the habits that drag you down. These 12 behaviors (split into two parts) are all about mental and emotional growth, not just hitting the gym or counting macros. From ditching excuses to letting go of toxic relationships, this is your reminder that real progress starts in your head. Whether you're more like Sara (the expert) or Caleigh (the beginner), there's something here for everyone.

Start with mindset shifts, talk kindly to yourself, take ownership, and remember: done is better than perfect.