Happiness is a state of mind that allows us to visualize things that happen in our lives, and the world around us. But happiness can be hindered by certain destructive habits. These habits influence our feelings negatively and later determine how happy we become (or not) in our lives. It’s, therefore, important to discover these destructive, detrimental habits and correct them and less we find it hard to achieve happiness in our lives – till kingdom come.

Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence – Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC)

 

 Habits That Hinder (Your) Happiness

1: The need to please others – When you find yourself “needing” to please people all the time, you will certainly have a problem with finding real happiness. Well, not that there is anything wrong with finding happiness when people are pleased with you. The problem lies when you totally need people’s approval to be happy. It’s harmful because you tend to give away your power.

2: Defining success too narrowly – If you’ve programmed your mind that you’ll only be happy when you reach a targeted goal, you’ll be miserable for the rest of your life until you achieve that goal. A narrowly defined goal cannot be used to measure success. It’ll make you unhappy if you can’t achieve it. The best thing to do is to take a good look at your life and notice the many things you’re doing well at.

3: Complaining too much – Complaints are destructive habits that can make you unhappy especially if you keep at them long enough. Complaining too much is a recipe for unhappiness and is also counter-productive. People who complain a lot dwell on negativity and bitterness that consumes their happiness – and later gets them mad at all little things that don’t matter. It is hard to feel happy when all you see are problems, difficulties and obstacles that don’t exist.

4: Trying to control everything – The need to control everything will only drive you crazy instead of making you happy. It’s impossible to account for every unforeseen event happening around you. To get yourself happy again, learn to let things happen. Stop trying too hard to control everything happening around you or in your life. It’s futile because life is inherently unpredictable.

5: Comparing yourself to everyone else – If you subscribe to the maxim that the grass is always greener on the other side, you shouldn’t waste your time comparing yourself to anyone else. There will always be someone who looks better than you, and who always seems to have everything better than yours. It’s a sad fact but its reality. If you continually examine how good others’ are and you forget all the good things going on in your life, you’ll be unhappy.

6: Dwelling on negativity and especially from the past – Emotional dead weight brought about by past resentments, anger and frustrations can make it difficult to achieve happiness today. Do not dwell much on your past experiences because all you’ll see are mistakes that later instigate regrets. Just learn from your past experiences, and nothing more then move on with your life.

7: Being too hard on yourself – Instead of being a critic of your life, be a cheerleader instead. It is easier to be critical about your life’s mistakes and failures, and forget to appreciate all the good things you’ve achieved over the years. To be happy, you have to stop saying horrible things about yourself when you commit the simplest of errors. Have a “cheerleader mindset” and root for your success even when you seem to fail.

Happiness depends upon ourselves – Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC)

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