We all strive for happiness, yet for some, it seems perpetually elusive—no matter how much they achieve, how much they have, or how hard they try.

But what if the reason for this isn’t external?

According to science, certain daily habits may be quietly undermining our ability to experience true joy.

From constantly chasing perfection to neglecting self-care, these seemingly harmless behaviors can trap us in a cycle of dissatisfaction.

So let’s dive in and explore the 8 habits that science links to long-term unhappiness.

1) Living in a world of comparison

One common habit among those who struggle to find happiness is constantly comparing themselves to others.

This is a surefire way to breed dissatisfaction and discontent.

There will always be someone who appears to have more—more success, more wealth, more experiences.

This cycle of comparison can become overwhelming and paralyzing.

It can stifle creativity and dampen the unique spark within each of us that is waiting to be expressed.

Instead of appreciating our own journey, we become fixated on others’ paths, leading to a sense of inadequacy.

During my journey, I’ve learned that the antidote to this is focusing on self-improvement and personal growth rather than external comparison.

By investing in ourselves, we can learn to appreciate our own unique journeys and cultivate gratitude for what we have.

2) Neglecting self-care

In our fast-paced society, it’s all too easy to prioritize work, responsibilities, and other people’s needs over our own.

But as I’ve learned from my own experience, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, stress, and unhappiness.

Investing time in self-care is essential for maintaining balance and fostering resilience, whether it’s:

• Taking a walk in nature
• Practicing mindfulness
• Taking time to relax and recharge each day

3) Remaining trapped in societal conditioning

One of the most pervasive habits that can hinder happiness is remaining stuck in societal conditioning.

This is something I’ve witnessed firsthand and it’s why I’ve been deeply involved in the production of the “Free Your Mind” masterclass with shaman Rudá Iandê.

This enlightening journey is designed to help you transcend limiting beliefs and break free from the mental constructs society often imposes on us.

Through transformative exercises, Rudá Iandê guides participants towards greater authenticity, freedom, and self-understanding.

By aligning your thoughts and actions with your personal values, you create a path towards improved mental clarity, emotional resilience, and ultimately, happiness.

You can join this profound journey by accessing the masterclass here.

4) Avoiding uncomfortable truths

Another habit that can impede happiness is avoiding uncomfortable truths.

We all have parts of ourselves we’d rather not face—those deep-seated fears, insecurities, or past mistakes.

It’s easier to bury them, but doing so only leads to an inauthentic life.

Living authentically means facing these truths head-on.

It’s about acknowledging our flaws and failures, embracing them, and using them as stepping stones for growth.

This raw honesty with ourselves often requires us to confront societal conditioning, just like we discussed in the previous point.

It’s a challenging journey, but one worth taking.

Because only by facing our truths can we truly free ourselves and step into a life of genuine happiness.

So ask yourself this: What uncomfortable truth are you avoiding and how might facing it lead you closer to your authentic self?

5) Always seeking external validation

A habit that can significantly undermine happiness is the constant seeking of external validation.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of equating others’ approval with our self-worth.

But this approach simply hands over control of our happiness to others.

True validation comes from within. and happiness lies in approving of yourself.

So stand firm in your own worth, regardless of external opinion.

Your validation is the only validation you need.

6) Ignoring the value of failure

A common habit that can hinder happiness is the fear of failure.

Society often paints failure in a negative light, associating it with loss, embarrassment, or shame.

But, as a firm believer in the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth, I see failure in a different light.

Failure is not a dead end; it’s simply a detour.

It’s an opportunity for growth, learning, and innovation.

By reframing our perspective on failure, we can see it as a stepping stone towards success and happiness.

7) Forgetting the importance of community

The pursuit of individual success at the expense of community can lead to a hollow sense of achievement.

As someone who values the profound importance of supportive communities and authentic relationships, I’ve seen firsthand the joy and resilience that comes from connection.

By nurturing our relationships and contributing to our communities, we cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose that fuels our happiness.

It’s through these connections that we find the courage to pursue our dreams and overcome challenges.

8) Believing prosperity is only about wealth

Finally, equating prosperity solely with wealth is a habit that can lead to unhappiness.

As someone who views prosperity as aligning financial decisions with deepest values and using money as a tool for positive change, I believe there’s more to being prosperous.

Prosperity is about cultivating wealth that goes beyond monetary value—wealth in relationships, experiences, knowledge, and personal growth.

So redefine your notion of prosperity.

True wealth is about more than just money—it’s about living a life aligned with your values and purpose.

Unlocking the path to true happiness

Breaking free from the habits that hinder true happiness isn’t about being hard on ourselves; it’s about recognizing the patterns that keep us stuck and making conscious choices to shift them.

While external circumstances certainly play a role in our well-being, it’s the internal habits and mindsets we cultivate each day that have the most profound impact on our happiness.

By letting go of these eight habits, we can start to create the foundation for lasting fulfillment.

Start your journey today by joining the “Free Your Mind” masterclass with shaman Rudá Iandê.

This masterclass, which I had the privilege to help produce, is designed to help you break free from societal conditioning and limiting beliefs.

Rudá Iandê guides you through exercises to dismantle common spiritual myths and develop personal cosmovision.