13 Things That Will Absolutely Destroy Your Happiness in Life

Although we all want to live a happy life, there are many things that can steal our joy. We should strive to be self-aware and take charge of our own lives to avoid falling victim to these habits. Here are 13 things that will quickly destroy your happiness in life.

Woman lying down in bed.Photo byImage Credit: Fizkes via Shutterstock.

Having Unrealistic Expectations

Having unrealistic expectations for yourself and others is a great way to destroy your happiness…and quickly. Chances are you'll lead an unhappy life if you aren't willing to be flexible and let go of expectations.

Constantly Comparing

While it's good to be aware, evaluate your situation, and set goals, playing the comparison game is a surefire way to steal your joy. Remember, we’re all at different stages in our lives, and seasons come and go. Don’t get caught comparing what you have (or don’t have) with others. Use your shortcomings to motivate yourself to become better for YOU and only YOU.

Experiencing Grief

The loss of a loved one, job, or good health can all cause grief. Grief affects everyone differently, and because we’re all different beings, we all deal with and work through grief differently. Give yourself grace and trust the process.

Constant Worrying

If we didn’t worry, we wouldn’t be human! However, try to stop living in the future or the past and focus on living in the now. There is no time like the present. Worrying about something that has already occurred or has yet to happen is sure to do nothing but produce anxiety and rob you of your happiness at the moment.

Feeling Ashamed

Self-imposed shame, like putting yourself down when you do something wrong, will only lead to sadness and defeat. Be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself. Take care of yourself. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish!

Financial Stress

Money woes are sure to produce added stress in all of us. It can make a complicated life even more difficult to navigate. It’s time to take back control! Sit down and acknowledge your behaviors and circumstances that have led you to today.

Brainstorm how you can change your own habits, create an action plan, and then execute. Remember to be thankful for what you do have in the process.

Bad Health

There is no greater asset in life than good health. So, it can be downright depressing when you are feeling sick or if you get that dreaded call from your doctor that we all hope never to receive. It can certainly be a punch in the gut. Take time to process what your body is going through.

Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, so it's imperative to share your feelings with a trusted person while you navigate your health concerns. Listen to your doctor, keep an open mind, and know that our bodies were made to heal themselves.

Suffering From Anxiety

Anxiety can be overwhelming, frustrating, and, at times, debilitating. Seek help. Practice mindfulness meditation, exercise your body, and get enough rest. Talk to a therapist or doctor about your concerns, and remember, you're not alone.

Dwelling on the Past

Rather than dwell on the past and circumstances you can't change, why not use them to create a better future? Don’t live in the past; learn from it!

Difficult Upbringing

Break the cycle. So you were dealt a bad hand. You didn’t ask to be here or for the family you were born to, but you get what you get, right? Change it. It doesn’t have to be bad forever. Move out. Move on. There are so many resources out there to help you start over and create the life you were meant to live. Don’t waste another minute thinking, "If only my life were different."

Trying To Have Control

Life is chaotic, indeed. But it’s how we deal with the chaos that determines our happiness. Although we can't possibly control everything, we can control the way we react to everything. Learn to manage it, be flexible, and sometimes, just embrace the chaos!

Jealousy and Envy

Rather than being envious, try being inspired. Instead of wanting or wishing for what others have, why not reflect on what you need to do to get there? Besides, wouldn’t it be better to count your own blessings instead of someone else’s?

Rejection

There's nothing worse than the feeling of being rejected. It stings and can make you question your self-worth. But rejection is only one’s opinion. It doesn't define who you are. Know that if you're rejected, there is something much better waiting for you on the other side. It may take some time to realize, but with rejection comes self-growth, and that, my friend, can lead to beautiful things.

This article first appeared on Cents + Purpose.