We want to be happy, but from time to time, without realizing it, we’re getting in the way. Perhaps we become overwhelmed by little anxieties or intimidated by negative thought. Such little habits accumulate and consume us. It can be tempting to assume that happiness happens without our intervention, but usually, it does.
Here’s a short rundown of some of the more common ways people unwittingly damage their happiness. Once you become aware of these habits, you can begin to alter them to make your life more fun.
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Negative Self-Talk
It’s so easy to become too harsh on ourselves. When we always harp on our faults or slips, that can be depressing. ‘When we think, “I’m not good enough,” we can instead think, “I’m doing what I can, and that’s fine.” When we are self-compassionate, we can become more positive about ourselves. After all, everyone has their ups and downs, and it’s okay to screw up!
Comparing Yourself to Others
Because of social media, it is easy to look at others and feel like they know what they’re doing. But online, all you see is a highlight reel. All of us struggle with something, even when we don’t admit it. You don’t need to measure yourself against someone else’s life – live your own story and rejoice in your success, no matter how minor. It’s you and you’re special and that’s beautiful.
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Holding Grudges
When someone has hurt us, anger and/or hurt feelings can be difficult to let go of. But if we keep those negative feelings inside of us, we’re less happy. To be a grudge-holder in your head is to be carrying around a huge bag full of stones. And if you forgive, even if it’s just for your own comfort, then that burden can be reduced. Then you can have more joy and good things in your life as a result of letting go.
Avoiding Change
Change can be terrifying, and we all tend to want to cling to our ways. But sticking to what’s familiar can mean shirking exciting chances. If you’ve tried something new, ( hobby, new people) you might be surprised by the joy and growth. Accepting change does not mean you have to jump in the deep end, small steps are still going to be awesome. Any adventure begins with courage!
Neglecting Self-Care
We can always prioritize the needs of others, but not taking care of ourselves can leave us feeling exhausted and overburdened. That’s why you need to take some time for yourself! This can be reading a book, taking a walk, or just being alone. Those little things will give you the juice back. Consider self-care as a way of refilling your cup in order to serve those you care for.
Dwelling on the Past
Too often we think about a wrong move or a missed opportunity and can’t enjoy what is around us. Of course, we do look back on our lives. But if we worry too much about what might have been, we’re stuck. Try instead to remember what you have learned and how you improved. Focusing, or mindfulness – something that keeps you present – will help you get away from it.
Fear of Failure
Failing can be scary but you have to keep in mind we all do make mistakes. Don’t fear failure – use it as a guinea pig towards achievement. The smallest of failures can be the best lessons we could ever learn. There are infinite possibilities to go after what you love, once you accept failure. So leap, just jump – You never know what you can achieve.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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