The beginning of the new year is always the time to set resolutions. This is when we plan our goals for the year to come and dream of how happy we'll be after achieving them. There is some stress in all this planning and the level of anxiety raises as months pass and we realize we are still far from reaching our target. Therefore, why not try a different approach? Instead of focusing on what we can do to be happier, why not focus on what we are already doing that's making us unhappy? Here are 4 common things you can stop doing if you want to be happier this year.
Letting Fear Dominate You
Fear is your greatest enemy and this is not just a cliché from a Bruce Lee movie. Fear is the reason why we often avoid or fail to do things that would make us happy. Fear can stem from different causes, a complex, trauma, a distressful or embarrassing situation. One way to overcome fear is by projecting the outcome of your endeavour. Think about how pleased you would be if you only dared doing that thing you're currently dreading. Also, remember that time passes and it's better to regret the things you have done than those you haven't.
Holding Grudge
If you have an old grunge on someone, it would do you a whole lot of good if you could put it behind you this year. Hatred is always a poisonous feeling and the problem is that it usually only works against the person who is feeling it. Don't let harsh feelings intoxicate your life. If a friendship or collaboration is not working anymore, you're better off without it.
Insisting You Are Always Right
Sometimes, there is a thin line between being confident and hurting the people you're dealing with through your opinions. While it is great to show confidence and be consistent with your beliefs, you also have to admit that you can't always be right.
Bedsides, there's nothing wrong in being wrong every now and then. It is actually a good occasion to learn something new, broaden your views and become more flexible.
Caring too Much About What Others Think
Constantly striving to obtain other people's approval si equally damaging as trying to prove you're always wrong.
We are different and we have different sets of values and preferences. It's impossible to be liked by everyone. No matter how much you try, there will always be someone out there to judge you, criticize you and simply dislike you. Making an effort to change these people's opinion into a positive one is an effort that's simply not worth it.
Each one of us has his or her own toxic habits. While these are hard to shake off, we're the only ones who can do this. No one can salve you from yourself just like no one can be responsible for your happiness, at best, they can contribute to it. Let's make 2020 a happier year by giving up the habits that make us unhappy in the first place.
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