If you say goodbye to these 9 habits, you’ll be happier than 90% of people

There’s a huge difference between just living and truly being happy.

The distinction boils down to habits. Some habits, no matter how ingrained, can hold us back from reaching our full happiness potential.

Letting go of these habits opens the door to a life filled with more joy and satisfaction; a life where you’re happier than 90% of people.

I’m going to clue you in on the 9 habits you need to kick to the curb. And trust me, once you say goodbye to these, you’ll unlock an unparalleled level of happiness. 

Let’s get started. 

1) Holding onto negativity

Here’s a truth, not often acknowledged – negativity is like a parasite that feeds off your happiness.

We’ve all been there, stewing over an argument or upset about a situation that didn’t pan out the way we wanted. We let these negative emotions and thoughts consume us, letting them dictate our mood and our day.

But the key to happiness? Letting go of this negativity.

The happiest people understand that life has its ups and downs. They accept that not every day will be full of sunshine and rainbows. But instead of dwelling on the negatives, they focus on the positives and move forward.

So, the next time you find yourself clinging to negative thoughts or feelings, remind yourself that these are just moments in time. They don’t define you or your future. Let them go and watch your happiness levels soar.

But remember, it’s all about authenticity – don’t suppress or avoid your feelings, acknowledge them and then choose to focus on the positive. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect, but rather about not letting negativity rule your life.

2) Procrastination

Procrastination, a habit most of us are all too familiar with.

I used to be the queen of putting things off. “I’ll do it tomorrow” was my mantra for tasks I didn’t feel like tackling. But the problem was, tomorrow would come, and I’d still find a reason to delay. It was a vicious cycle, causing me nothing but stress and anxiety.

Then one day, I decided to break the cycle. Instead of putting off tasks, I started tackling them head-on, especially the ones I didn’t want to do. It wasn’t easy at first, but with time, it got easier.

And let me tell you, the feeling of relief and accomplishment I felt after completing these tasks? It was phenomenal. I felt lighter, happier, and more in control. Suddenly, my days were less stressful, and I found myself with more free time to enjoy the things I love.

3) Comparing yourself to others

In today’s world of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. You see their highlight reels – the exotic vacations, fancy dinners, and seemingly perfect lives – and suddenly, your own life seems dull in comparison.

But here’s the thing: Studies show that people who compare themselves to others are more likely to experience envy, low self-esteem, and depression. On the other hand, those who focus on their own progress and achievements tend to have higher levels of self-esteem and overall happiness.

So, instead of getting caught up in what everyone else is doing, focus on yourself. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Strive for progress, not perfection. And remember that everyone is on their own unique journey, including you.

Once you stop comparing yourself to others and start embracing your own path, you’ll find an incredible boost in your happiness quotient.

4) Neglecting self-care

Life can get busy. Between work, family, and social obligations, it can be easy to put yourself last on the list. But neglecting self-care is a fast track to burnout and unhappiness.

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days (though they’re great too!). It’s about taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional health. It’s about setting boundaries, saying no when you need to, and taking time to replenish your energy.

When you make self-care a priority, you’re not just taking care of your body. You’re also taking care of your mind and soul. You’re making a statement that you value yourself and deserve to be taken care of.

So start incorporating self-care into your daily routine. It could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to meditate, going for a walk in nature, or even just making sure you’re getting enough sleep.

The more you take care of yourself, the happier you’ll be. And that’s something worth striving for.

5) Living in the past or future

It’s easy to get caught up in the past or future. We dwell on past mistakes or worry about what the future holds. But all this does is rob us of our present joy.

Living in the present, also known as mindfulness, is a powerful way to increase happiness. It helps us savor the good moments and deal with the bad ones more effectively.

When we’re fully engaged in the present, we’re not constantly replaying past events or fretting about what might happen. Instead, we’re fully immersed in what’s happening right now.

Try to cultivate mindfulness in your everyday life. Pay attention to your surroundings, engage fully with people you’re with, and take time to appreciate the good things happening around you.

Once you learn to live more in the present moment, you’ll find a significant increase in your overall happiness levels. It’s a habit that’s certainly worth adopting.

6) Chasing perfection

Perfection can be a cruel mistress. We strive for it, yet it always seems just out of reach. And in our quest for perfection, we often end up feeling inadequate and unhappy.

But here’s the heartfelt truth – perfection is an illusion. It’s not attainable because it doesn’t exist. What does exist, however, is your unique, imperfect self. And that’s far more beautiful and real than any ideal of perfection.

Embrace your flaws, your quirks, your individuality. Celebrate your victories and learn from your mistakes. Understand that you’re a work in progress and that’s okay.

When you let go of the need to be perfect and start accepting yourself as you are, you’ll find a sense of peace and happiness that’s far more satisfying than any fleeting moment of perceived perfection.

Being happier isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being perfectly you.

7) Overcommitting

In an attempt to please everyone, we often end up stretching ourselves too thin. We say yes to every request, every favor, every opportunity, until we’re overwhelmed and exhausted.

I’ve found myself in this situation more times than I can count. Overcommitted and under pressure, my happiness took a backseat as I tried to juggle too many balls at once. It was a recipe for burnout, and it wasn’t sustainable.

Learning to say no was a game-changer. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. By setting boundaries and prioritizing my time and energy, I found that I was not only able to manage my responsibilities better but also had more time for the things that truly brought me joy.

If you’re constantly overcommitting like I once was, try to take a step back. Learn to say no when you need to. Prioritize your time and energy. You’ll find that by doing less, you’ll actually be able to achieve more – and be happier in the process.

8) Ignoring your passions

We all have things that make our hearts sing – activities, hobbies, or interests that we’re passionate about. But often, in the hustle and bustle of life, we forget to make time for these passions.

When we ignore what we’re passionate about, we’re denying ourselves a significant source of happiness. Our passions ignite a spark within us, giving us a sense of purpose and fulfillment that’s hard to match.

So, whether it’s painting, gardening, writing, hiking, or anything else that you love to do, make time for it. Incorporate it into your routine. Even if it’s just a few minutes each day, do something that you’re passionate about.

You’ll find that by pursuing your passions, you’re not only enriching your life but also boosting your happiness. It’s a habit that’s worth embracing for a happier you.

9) Avoiding change

Change is an inevitable part of life. It can be scary, unpredictable, and uncomfortable. But it’s also a powerful catalyst for growth and happiness.

Avoiding change keeps us stuck in our comfort zones, unable to grow or evolve. But when we embrace change, we open ourselves up to new experiences, opportunities, and perspectives that can significantly enhance our happiness.

Don’t fear change. Welcome it. See it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. It may not always be easy, but it’s worth it. After all, true happiness lies not in stagnation, but in growth.