10 Negative Habits Unhappy People must change
Happiness is a state of mind, and that is partially true. But I believe that our happiness is determined by our habits. Unhappy people have destructive habits.
Sadly, only 33% of Americans consider themselves happy. So what? We live in a land of opportunity where anyone can live the life they want.
But no.
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Instead, we see misery everywhere. From the impatient person in line behind you at the grocery store, to the bank teller who looks like she’d rather be somewhere else right now, to your neighbors who never say “Hello.”
The only distinction between the person walking down the street, who appears carefree, and the person next to them is their daily choices.
Of course, repeated choices become habits. Habits shape our lives, from our experiences to our outcomes.
Unhappy people have 10 destructive habits:
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You live to please others.
This is a destructive habit because you live your life trying to please others while failing to please yourself. Finding out what truly drives you on an emotional level is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
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You’re paralyzed by fear of criticism.
According to Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich, a fear of criticism robs a person of initiative, destroys their imagination, limits their individuality, undermines their self-confidence, and many other things.
They will go to great lengths to look good or save face. Ironically, those same people are so preoccupied with what you think of them that they don’t think.
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You criticize yourself.
All actions stem from daily self-talk. Unhappy people tell themselves “I don’t know how”, “it’s too hard”, and “I can’t”. The key to change is to start thinking positively. If you want to be a happier person, you have to start making those changes.
You see the half-empty glasses?
Pessimism is the result of years of bad habits. This habit is difficult to break because it becomes second nature. In every situation, your first reaction is always negative.
Optimism requires new mental skills and retraining your entire thought process to see opportunity rather than struggle. This can be achieved gradually by choosing to see opportunity rather than difficulty.
Dumping your past on your present
If you’ve had a bad childhood, chances are your personality reflects that. You can’t change your past, and clinging to it will only drag you down. Learn to let go of the past and live in the present. How much can you do today?
You sit.
Regular exercisers are happier than non-exercisers. Sitting at a desk all day and then on the couch is not conducive to happiness. Exercising is a great way to get your blood pumping and your body moving. The endorphins released during activity play an important role in your mood, so get moving!
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You’re a worrier.
Worrying is a choice. Most of you have heard of the worry wart, and many of you probably had one growing up. Worry is a waste of time that leads to unhappiness. Worry is nothing more than a phony reason not to embrace something.
Don’t waste time worrying about things you can’t change. For example, fearing a plane crash is unfounded. Statistically, it’s less likely than being struck by lightning. Or you’re sacrificing your ability to relax and enjoy life for something uncontrollable.
You can’t forget it.
Intimidation is like carrying a 10-pound weight around. We’ve all had unpleasant experiences that sour our mouths. A powerful concept, forgiveness is the solution. Maybe you’ve been wronged or made bad choices. Move on, learn from it.
You are a perfectionist.
Everybody knows a perfectionist. It could be you! It may sound good in theory, but striving for perfection in everything you do can be harmful to your emotional health. Perfectionism can cause depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and chronic sadness.
Nothing is perfect, and that’s fine. Aim for improvement and personal growth, not perfection.
Your work defines you.
Most of us dislike our jobs, as over 70% of us do. It’s a fundamental issue in a society where we tend to define ourselves by our jobs rather than who we are.
But first we must choose to adopt good habits and abandon bad ones. If you’ve always been a cynic, it takes time and effort to change. Think about your life if you have any of the above habits.