The U.S. is a world leader in many aspects of life, but happiness is unfortunately not one of them. A recent survey shows that the U.S. has plummeted to 23rd place and is officially out of the top 20 happiest countries globally. The question on everyone’s lips is, what’s dragging down our happiness?
Happiness is intrinsically linked with health and longevity, so it’s no wonder we’re constantly pursuing it. However, it’s ironic how often the things that steal joy are overlooked when we’re figuring out what life adjustments to make. It’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind of our daily routine and lose sight of the small things that matter. In order to find true happiness, it’s important to seek out what might be sucking it out of your life.
This article does some of the hard work for you and compiles 15 things that are robbing us of our everyday happiness. These joy thieves need to be arrested to reclaim your happiness.
1. Comparison
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, comparing your life to someone else’s seemingly perfect moments? Comparison is “the thief of joy,” as Theodore Roosevelt noted, and it sneaks in when we’re not looking.
When we compare ourselves to others, we often focus on what they have that we don’t. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and jealousy. Everyone has their struggles, even if they don’t show them online.
2. Trying To Please Everyone
We’ve all tried to be everything to everyone, only to end up feeling exhausted and unappreciated. Trying to please everyone is like chasing a mirage—you’ll never quite get there.
When we stretch ourselves too thin, we lose sight of our own needs and desires. It’s impossible to please everyone, and in the process, we often sacrifice our own happiness. Instead, set boundaries and prioritize your well-being.
3. Overthinking
Sometimes, your brain decides to keep you busy with worry, creating an endless loop of “what if” scenarios. Overthinking can turn a minor issue into a full-blown catastrophe in your mind.
When we overthink, we get stuck in a cycle of analysis paralysis. This not only wastes time but also drains our mental energy, leaving us feeling more anxious and less happy. Focus on what you can control and let go of the rest.
4. Worrying Too Much
Constantly worrying about the future or things beyond your control can steal your peace of mind. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues. It’s important to acknowledge when your worries are taking over and take steps to manage them.
Develop healthy coping tools like exercise, meditation, or talking to a friend. How many of the things you worried about actually happened?
5. Chasing Perfection
One of life’s greatest truths is that nobody’s perfect, and yet, many people spend their lives chasing perfection. We want to have the perfect family, the perfect home, and the perfect career, but pay little heed to the cost. When we strive for perfection, we set ourselves up for disappointment and unhappiness.
It can lead to burnout, stress, and a constant feeling of inadequacy. Perfection is an illusion. Instead, aim for positive progress and celebrate the little wins in life.
6. Ignoring Your Intuition
Have you ever had a gut feeling that you ignored, only to regret it later? Ignoring your intuition can lead to decisions that don’t align with your true self. Our intuition is a powerful tool that can guide us toward what’s best for us. When we ignore it, we often feel lost or out of sync with our values.
Learn to trust your gut and listen to your inner voice. It knows more than you think and can lead you towards a happier, more fulfilling life.
7. Putting Yourself Last
It may seem humble to always put others first, but this is a trap. While compassion is great, neglecting one’s own needs can lead to unhappiness.
When we consistently put ourselves last, we convey that our needs don’t matter. This can lead to feelings of resentment and depletion. Make self-care a priority. Take time for yourself and do things that make you happy.
8. Doing More Than You Can
Do you often find yourself saying yes to everything, only to feel overwhelmed later? Doing more than you can handle can lead to stress and burnout. We often take on too much because we want to be helpful or fear missing out.
However, overcommitting can leave us feeling drained and unable to enjoy the present moment. Learn to set realistic limits and prioritize tasks. It’s okay to delegate or say no when necessary.
9. Believing Everything You Hear
These days, information moves faster than the wind, but not everything you hear is true. Believing everything you hear can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion. It’s important to filter information and think critically.
When we believe everything we hear, we can easily become swayed by negativity and misinformation. Develop a healthy skepticism and seek out reliable sources. Trust your judgment, and don’t be afraid to question things.
10. Caring Too Much About Other People’s Opinions
It’s natural to seek validation, but caring too much about what others think can hold you back from living authentically. When we prioritize others’ opinions over our own, we lose sight of our true desires and values.
Focus on what makes you happy and stay true to yourself. You can’t please everyone, and that’s okay.
11. Chasing Money
Money is an essential resource, and financial stability is important. However, chasing money at the expense of your well-being can lead to unhappiness. Those who prioritize money over everything else lose sight of what truly matters, which can lead to a lack of fulfillment.
Focus on finding a balance between financial goals and personal happiness. Pursue meaningful work and invest in experiences that bring you joy.
12. Living In Fear And Anxiety
Fear can be a powerful emotion that holds us back from pursuing our dreams and living fully. Meanwhile, anxiety can lead to inaction and regret. When we let these feelings control us, we miss out on opportunities for growth and happiness.
Know when fear and anxiety are holding you back and take steps to overcome them. Face your fears head-on and take small steps towards your goals.
13. Always Waiting For The Next Thing
Do you find yourself constantly waiting for the next milestone before you allow yourself to be happy? Living in the future can rob you of the joy of the present moment.
When we always wait for the next thing, we miss out on the beauty and happiness of the here and now. This can lead to a perpetual state of dissatisfaction. Focus on the present moment and appreciate the small joys in life.
14. Acting On Emotions Only
While emotions are an important part of our lives, making decisions based solely on them can lead to impulsive actions and regrets. When we let ourselves be slaves to our emotions, we may overlook important facts and make choices that don’t align with our long-term goals.
This can lead to unnecessary stress and unhappiness. Take a step back, acknowledge your feelings, and then evaluate situations logically. This process will allow you to make your best decisions.
15. Imposter Syndrome
Ever feel like you don’t deserve your success or that you’re just faking it? Imposter syndrome can erode your confidence and happiness. It makes us doubt our abilities and achievements, leading to feelings of inadequacy and fear of being “found out.” This can hold us back from reaching our full potential.
Acknowledge your accomplishments and recognize your worth. Everyone has moments of self-doubt—you’re not alone. Celebrate your successes and keep pushing forward.
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Scared of lagging behind or staying in the same position? Well, let’s talk about it! In this article, we’ll find 12 common traits of unsuccessful people who never do anything with their lives so that you won’t be one of them.
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17 Personal Things to Never Share with Anyone
More than half the world is online, so sharing endless information with others seems like the default setting. You log in online, and in a minute, you know where your old high school buddy is holidaying, how much a friend’s wedding ring costs, and you have a virtual tour of your sister-in-law’s friend’s home from room to room.
While sharing some information, whether online or in person, can sometimes be beneficial, certain information should be kept private for your safety.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
