There’s a stark contrast between experiencing genuine happiness and merely going through the motions.

This difference often boils down to behavior.

Some people unknowingly cultivate habits that block their path to true joy, causing them to miss out on the bliss they could have.

Identifying these behaviors can be a stepping-stone towards leading a truly happy life.

And savvy folks know that there are certain behaviors that act as barriers to achieving this happiness.

In this article, we’ll be discussing 8 behaviors of people who, unfortunately, may never find genuine happiness in life.

1) Constant comparison

It’s human nature to compare ourselves with others.

However, when this becomes a regular habit, it can seriously hinder our ability to experience authentic happiness.

People who frequently compare themselves with others fall prey to a distorted view of reality.

This is because everyone’s journey is unique, and comparing your path with someone else’s can lead to unwarranted dissatisfaction.

This behavior often stems from insecurity and a lack of self-esteem.

It’s the reason behind the sadness you might feel when scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, seeing others seemingly leading ‘perfect’ lives.

They’re too caught up in someone else’s highlight reel to notice their own progress.

Remember, everyone has their own struggles and problems, which are usually not publicized.

Focusing on your own growth rather than comparing it to others could be the first step towards finding genuine happiness.

2) Dwelling on the past

I’ve had my fair share of mistakes, regrets, and missed opportunities.

At one point in my life, I used to spend countless hours ruminating over these past events. It felt like I was stuck in a loop, unable to move forward.

People who constantly dwell on the past tend to find it difficult to experience genuine happiness.

This is because they are too focused on their previous failures or unfulfilled dreams and neglect the present moment.

There was this one time when I missed out on a great job opportunity because I was too caught up in regretting a previous career mishap.

I realized then that dwelling on the past was not only unproductive but also a significant roadblock to my happiness.

The past is just that – past. It cannot be changed or undone.

What we can do is learn from it and use those lessons to inform our present actions and future decisions.

By letting go of past regrets and focusing more on the present, I found that not only did my quality of life improve, but I also started finding more joy in everyday moments.

3) Neglecting self-care

Our bodies and minds are deeply interconnected.

When we neglect physical health, it’s almost impossible to maintain a healthy mental state.

The World Health Organization even recognizes the importance of this relationship, stating that “health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

People who tend to ignore their physical well-being – whether it’s skimping on sleep, eating poorly, or leading a sedentary lifestyle – find it harder to experience genuine happiness.

When our bodies aren’t functioning optimally, it directly affects our mood, energy levels, and overall outlook on life.

Prioritizing self-care isn’t about being a fitness fanatic or diet guru. It’s about acknowledging that our bodies deserve care and attention.

Small changes like getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, and incorporating some form of exercise into your daily routine can have a significant impact on your happiness.

Taking care of your body is an essential part of finding genuine happiness.

4) Living without purpose

Living purposelessly is like sailing without a compass. You might stay afloat, but you won’t have any direction.

People who don’t have a clear understanding of their life’s purpose often find it challenging to experience genuine happiness.

This sense of aimlessness can lead to feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction.

Finding your purpose doesn’t necessarily mean discovering some grand mission.

It could be as simple as pursuing a hobby you love, dedicating yourself to a cause you believe in, or continuously striving for personal growth.

Having a purpose in life gives you a reason to get up in the morning.

It adds meaning and motivation to your everyday activities, acting as a guiding light that brings you closer to authentic happiness.

If you’re feeling lost, take some time to reflect.

What are you passionate about? What brings you joy? Where do your interests lie?

The answers to these questions might just lead you towards your life’s purpose.

5) Holding onto grudges

Harboring grudges is like carrying a heavy load on your shoulders.

It weighs you down, saps your energy, and makes the journey to genuine happiness much harder.

People who hold onto grudges often find it difficult to move forward.

They’re stuck in a cycle of anger, resentment, and bitterness that clouds their ability to find joy in the present.

But forgiveness isn’t just about the other person – it’s a gift to yourself.

It’s about letting go of the pain and making room for peace, healing, and happiness.

I’ve seen firsthand how liberating forgiveness can be.

I’ve witnessed people close to me release long-held grudges and the transformation in their demeanor is profound – they seem lighter, freer, happier.

If you’re holding onto a grudge, consider letting it go.

It may not be easy, but it’s a crucial step on the path to genuine happiness.

6) Fear of change

Change is inevitable. Seasons change, trends change, and we ourselves change as we grow and learn.

But sometimes, the mere thought of change can be overwhelming.

There was a time in my life when I was offered a fantastic job opportunity that required relocating to a new city.

The thought of leaving my comfort zone, my friends, and familiar surroundings filled me with fear.

People who fear change often struggle to find genuine happiness.

They remain stuck in their comfort zones, missing out on new experiences and opportunities that could lead to growth and fulfillment.

Embracing that job opportunity turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

It taught me that while change can be scary, it can also open doors to incredible experiences and personal growth.

If change is knocking on your door, don’t let fear hold you back. Embrace it and see where it leads.

Happiness often lurks just beyond the boundary of our comfort zones.

7) Chasing perfection

Perfection is an illusion. It’s an unattainable standard that sets us up for disappointment and frustration.

People who strive for perfection tend to find it challenging to experience genuine happiness.

This is because they’re constantly dissatisfied, always seeking improvements or changes that they believe will lead to their “perfect” life.

The pursuit of perfection often overshadows the ability to appreciate what’s already there.

It blinds us to the beauty of our imperfections and the uniqueness they bring.

The reality is, life is messy and imperfect, and that’s okay. Embracing this fact can be liberating.

It allows us to appreciate our achievements, value our progress, and find joy in our journey, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.

Instead of chasing perfection, aim for progress.

Celebrate your small victories, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, appreciate yourself just as you are.

8) Ignoring the present moment

The present moment is all we truly have. The past has already happened, and the future is yet to come.

Yet, so many of us spend our lives either dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

People who ignore the present moment often miss out on genuine happiness.

They’re so caught up in what was or what could be that they overlook the joy and contentment that can be found right here, right now.

Mindfulness – the practice of being fully engaged in the present moment – is a powerful tool for cultivating happiness.

It allows us to fully experience life as it unfolds, appreciating each moment for what it is.

Take a deep breath, look around you, and truly immerse yourself in the now.

Happiness is often found in the most ordinary moments, if only we take the time to be present for them.

Final thoughts: Happiness is an inside job

The journey to genuine happiness is deeply personal and varies from person to person.

What brings joy to one might bring indifference to another.

The behaviors we’ve discussed in this article might be preventing you from finding genuine happiness.

But the good news is, behaviors can be changed. And that change starts with awareness.

Take a moment to reflect. Do any of these behaviors resonate with you? Are there things you could be doing differently?

It’s never too late to make changes towards a happier life.

As Abraham Lincoln once said, “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

Make up your mind to prioritize your happiness and let go of behaviors that stand in your way.

Happiness isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. A journey that starts with you.