7 behaviors of people who aren’t likely to find true happiness in life, according to psychology

“Life is too short to be anything but happy,” my old man used to say.

And boy, wasn’t he right? Happiness can be a game-changer, adding color to our lives, enhancing our mental well-being, and even boosting our physical health. There’s plenty of psychology-backed evidence to back this up.

But what if I told you that certain behaviors could be the roadblock between you and true happiness?

Here’s the kicker.

You might not even be aware of these behaviors. You could be unknowingly sabotaging your chances of finding genuine joy in life.

So you’re asking, “What are these behaviors that might keep me from true happiness?” Well, buckle up because we’re about to dive into the psychology behind the actions of people who might have a tough time finding authentic happiness in life.

1) Constantly comparing themselves to others

Let’s face it. We’ve all been there, looking at others and wondering why their grass seems greener.

But here’s the catch.

This constant comparison is like a thief in the night, stealthily stealing away your happiness. It’s like a never-ending race where you never feel quite good enough.

Psychologists tell us that this behavior can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. It creates a perpetual state of dissatisfaction, where you’re always yearning for more and never truly appreciating what you have.

Remember, each one of us is on a unique journey. So instead of comparing your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty, focus on your own story and how far you’ve come.

After all, happiness blooms from within, not from someone else’s garden.

2) Holding onto grudges

Ah, grudges. Those pesky little monsters that eat away at our happiness, bit by bit.

Funny story. There was this one time when I had a major fall-out with a close friend. Instead of sorting it out, I held onto the grudge. It was like carrying around a heavy backpack everywhere I went.

Here’s what I learned.

That grudge didn’t do any damage to my friend. But it did a whole lot of damage to me. It kept me from enjoying moments of joy and overshadowed my days with a cloud of negativity.

Psychologists agree that holding onto grudges or past hurts can be a major blockage to finding happiness in life. It’s like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick.

3) Fear of stepping out of their comfort zone

Comfort zones. They’re cozy, they’re familiar, and they’re safe. It’s like being wrapped up in a warm blanket on a cold winter’s night.

But can I let you in on a little secret?

Happiness isn’t always found in the comfort zone. In fact, it’s usually just outside it.

Life is all about growth, new experiences and pushing boundaries. Staying within the confines of comfort can keep us from experiencing the joys that come with trying something new and challenging ourselves.

I’ve seen it happen too many times. People clinging to their comfort zones like a safety blanket, afraid to take that leap of faith. And in the process, they miss out on so many opportunities for happiness.

The world outside your comfort zone might be scary, but it’s also where real growth happens. It’s where you’ll find adventures, new friends, and experiences that could bring you immense joy.

So don’t let fear hold you back. Step out, embrace the unknown, and watch as happiness unfolds in the most unexpected ways.

4) Neglecting self-care

Ever heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”?

That’s exactly how it is with happiness. You can’t expect to find true joy when you’re running on empty, neglecting your own needs for the sake of others or because of a never-ending to-do list.

Let me tell you, this is a one-way ticket to Burnoutville. And trust me when I say, happiness doesn’t reside there.

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential. It’s about taking time out to recharge your batteries so you can show up as your best self in all areas of your life.

Whether it’s spending time in nature, reading a book, or indulging in your favorite hobby, taking care of yourself is a crucial step toward finding true happiness.

When you find yourself skipping that yoga class or ditching your morning routine because you’re “too busy”, remember this: Happiness starts with self-care.

And you deserve to be at the top of your own priority list.

5) Focusing on the negative

Here’s something to ponder over. Did you know that our brains have a natural tendency to focus more on negative experiences than positive ones?

It’s called the negativity bias, and it’s hardwired into our brains as a survival mechanism.

But here’s the twist.

While this might have been useful in prehistoric times, in today’s world, it can stand in the way of our happiness.

It’s easy to get caught up in a spiral of negative thoughts, dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about the future. But when we do this, we’re missing out on the joys of the present moment.

Instead of letting negativity take the driver’s seat, why not aim for a more balanced perspective? Celebrate your wins, no matter how small they may be.

Learn from your mistakes, but don’t let them define you.

Life is full of ups and downs. Happiness lies in embracing this journey and focusing on the positive aspects along the way.

Remember, where focus goes, energy flows. Let’s make sure it’s flowing towards positivity and happiness.

6) Striving for perfection

We live in a society that often glorifies perfection. Perfect bodies, perfect jobs, perfect lives. But here’s a little nugget of truth: Perfection doesn’t exist.

Chasing after this elusive “perfection” is like running on a treadmill. You’re working up a sweat, but you’re not really getting anywhere.

And you know what? That’s okay. You don’t have to be perfect to be happy. In fact, it’s our imperfections that make us human, that make us real.

So if you’ve made mistakes, if you’ve had failures, if you’re not quite where you want to be yet, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re trying. You’re growing. And that’s more than enough.

7) Forgetting to be grateful

Gratitude. It’s such a small word, but it holds immense power.

In our quest for more, we often overlook the abundance that’s already present in our lives. We forget to be grateful for the little things that bring joy – the smell of fresh coffee, a beautiful sunset, a loved one’s laughter.

But here’s the deal.

Gratitude has the power to shift our focus from what’s missing in our lives to what’s already there. It can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.

So take a moment each day to acknowledge the things you’re grateful for. You’ll find that happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.

The final take

If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these behaviors, don’t stress. We’re all work in progress, constantly learning, growing, and evolving.

Here’s the silver lining – self-awareness is the first step towards change. Recognizing these behaviors gives you the power to transform them.

Start by acknowledging these patterns in your life. Observe moments when you’re comparing yourself to others, holding onto grudges, or neglecting self-care.

Once you spot them, you can begin to consciously shift your actions and attitudes. Ask yourself – how can I respond differently? How can I nurture positivity and gratitude?

How can I embrace imperfection and step outside my comfort zone?