The ability to be happy comes from within. It is a practiced skill that constantly needs to be worked on. I have noticed a couple of habits that lead people to unhappiness.
#1 The need to be perfect
While striving to do your best, is always a good thing, but striving to be perfect is an unrealistic expectation. You will constantly stress yourself out trying to achieve perfection, and it can lead to low self-esteem because nothing you do is ever good enough.
#2. Having a negative outlook
When you are having a bad day, it is easy to throw yourself a big pity party. If you choose to focus on only negative things in life, you will feel as if only bad things keep happening to you. Instead of getting down about your life, practice having gratitude.
#3. Getting stuck in your past
There is no point in regretting and beating yourself up for past mistakes. If you spend all of your time living in the past, you will never see the present or imagine a better future. It is important to acknowledge and learn from your mistakes, and then just move on!
#4. Comparing yourself to others
In today’s world with social media so prominent in our lives, it is easy to compare yourself to others. It is easy to look at someone’s Facebook and think, wow they have done so much and traveled so far... I wish that were me. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on comparing yourself with well… YOURSELF! Take a look at how much you have grown, and observe how far you’ve come along.
#5. Believing that you are the center of the universe
It is easy to forget that there are billions of people on this world aside from yourself. When you think you are the center of the universe, you might be taking everything personally. This mentality could even limit you from being adventurous and trying new things because you think people are constantly judging you. Realizing that most people don’t care as much as you do, will help you just let go and be you.
Love,
Karen
