If you want to be happy for the next decade and much longer, then read this and stop these truly terrible tactics of self-destruction.
We often hear about the cool things that happy people do every day. But what about the stuff they refuse to do? You’d be surprised, but steering clear of certain things can help boost your happiness levels.
Dwelling on the past Happy people understand that the past is something they can’t change. So, rather than wasting their time and energy overthinking about what has already happened, they choose to focus on the present and the future.
They learn from their past mistakes and move on, instead of allowing it to steal their current joy.
Yes, they might have had some tough times, but dwelling on them won’t make their present or future any brighter. Hence, they live in the moment and plan for the future, knowing that’s where they can make a real difference.
Trying to please everyone Happy people know they can’t make everyone happy—and that’s okay. They understand that trying to please everyone all the time is exhausting and, quite frankly, impossible.
Instead, they focus on being true to themselves and pleasing those who truly matter to them. They set healthy boundaries and don’t let the opinions of others dictate their self-worth or happiness.
Remember, it’s your life, so live it in a way that brings you joy, not just in a way that pleases others.
Stop worrying about what you can’t control. Here’s something I’ve learned over time: happy people don’t waste their energy worrying about things they can’t control.
It’s like this one time when I was stressing over a delayed flight. I was worried about missing an important meeting.
But then, I realized that no amount of worrying would make the plane arrive any faster. All it was doing was making me anxious and unhappy.
From then on, whenever I find myself fretting over uncontrollable situations, I take a step back and remind myself to focus on what I can control—my reaction and attitude.
This doesn’t mean happy people don’t care about things, it simply means they understand the difference between concern and needless worry—they choose where to invest their energy wisely.
Holding onto bad feelings or being mad at someone can bring you down. The idea is that carrying around anger can make you feel stressed or unhappy.
Happy people get this, and they decide to let go of being mad. They understand that saying sorry isn’t about letting the other person win, but about feeling lighter and not holding onto anger.
They pick being peaceful over being correct and care more about feeling good than getting back at someone.
When you’re holding onto a grudge, remember: it’s your good mood that could be at risk.
One thing that happy people steer clear of is the comparison game. They know that each one of us is on our unique journey, with our own set of challenges, victories, and timelines. Comparing their lives to others is like comparing apples to oranges – it just doesn’t make sense.
They understand that someone else’s success doesn’t diminish their own and that there’s enough room for everyone to shine. They celebrate others’ achievements and use them as inspiration, not as a measure of their worth.
The only person you should strive to be better than is the person you were yesterday. So let’s stop looking sideways and start looking within.
Because your journey is about you, and you alone. And trust me, that’s more than enough.
I used to be a perfectionist, always striving for the ‘perfect’ outcome in everything I did. I thought it was a strength until I realized it was stealing my joy and causing unnecessary stress.
Happy people, I’ve noticed, don’t chase after perfection. They understand that perfection is an illusion, and instead, they aim for progress and growth.
Life can be chaotic. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities, commitments, and expectations. And amidst all this, we often forget the most important thing: ourselves.
Happy people know that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. They prioritize their mental, physical, and emotional health. They take time to relax, to exercise, to eat well, and to engage in activities that they love—not because they have spare time, but because they make the time.
It can feel like you’re not doing enough or being productive. But remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
You need to take care of yourself first to be able to give your best to others and the world. So, take that break. Go for that run. Read that book. You’re worth it.
Our minds are always looking for problems to fix, even when they don’t exist. That’s why we sometimes end up overcomplicating things.
Happy people though, they keep it simple. They know that not every problem requires a complex solution and that sometimes, the best response is the simplest one.
They simplify their lives, their decisions, and their problems as much as possible. This helps them remain calm and focused and saves their energy for the things that truly matter.
When you find yourself overcomplicating a situation, take a step back and ask yourself: Can this be simpler? You might be pleasantly surprised by the answer.
I used to be scared of public speaking. The mere thought of standing in front of a crowd would make my heart race. But then, I realized that my fear was holding me back from so many opportunities.
I’ve noticed that happy people don’t let fear dictate their lives. They understand that fear is a natural response, but they don’t let it imprison them.
Instead, they use it as a stepping stone to grow and step out of their comfort zone. They take calculated risks and understand that even if they fail, it’s just another opportunity to learn and grow.
So I took a leap of faith. I joined a public speaking club and started practicing, and gradually my fear lessened. Today, I can confidently say that overcoming my fear has opened doors for me and brought me happiness I wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Don’t let fear hold you back. Embrace it, face it, and conquer it. Who knows what happiness lies on the other side?
It’s easy to get caught up in what others expect of us. Society, family, friends – they all have their own set of expectations.
But here’s the truth: happy people don’t live according to others’ expectations. They understand that this is their life and they have the power to shape it how they want.
They choose their path and stay true to themselves, even if it goes against the norm. Because at the end of the day, your happiness is your responsibility.
Change can be scary, right? It’s stepping into the unknown, leaving behind what’s comfortable and familiar. But happy people know that change is a part of life.
They embrace it, they adapt to it and they grow with it.
They see change as an opportunity for growth and new experiences. So yes, change can be scary, but staying stuck in a life that doesn’t bring you joy is even scarier.
I’ll tell you something raw and honest: life without dreams is like a bird with clipped wings. Happy people know this. They don’t neglect their dreams or brush them off as unrealistic or unattainable.
They believe in themselves and in their ability to make their dreams come true.
They set goals, take action, and stay persistent even in the face of obstacles. Because they know that dreams are the seeds of happiness.