If you can’t remember the last time you felt fulfilled in life, say goodbye to these 10 habits

Ava Sinclair by Ava Sinclair | September 5, 2024, 1:23 pm

I get it. You’re feeling stuck and unfulfilled.

Day in, day out, it’s the same old routine and you can’t quite put your finger on when you last felt genuinely satisfied with life.

Sound familiar?

Trust me, you’re not the only one feeling this way.

It’s a common sentiment, and it’s often tied to clinging on to certain habits that are just no good for us.

But here’s the thing – it might not be as grim as it seems. You might just need to bid adieu to some of these pesky habits.

Okay, I’m not here to convince you to make drastic changes overnight. That’s not realistic or even healthy. What I will do though is shed some light on these habits that might be holding you back.

Maybe you’re already aware of some of them, maybe not…

Let’s dive in and find out.

1) Living in the past

I remember a time when I was stuck in a loop of past regrets and what-ifs. I’d replay scenarios in my head, thinking if I had done things differently, maybe I’d be happier today. Sound like you?

But here’s what I learned – living in the past is like driving while looking in the rearview mirror. You’re bound to crash.

The past, as they say, is a place of reference, not residence. It took me a while to understand this, but once I did, things started looking up.

2) Neglecting self-care

I’ve been there too. Skipping meals because I was too busy, not getting enough sleep because there was just too much to do, and completely overlooking exercise because who has the time, right?

Well, wrong.

Neglecting self-care is like ignoring the check engine light on your car. Sure, it might run for a while but eventually, it’s going to break down.

When I started prioritizing my health – both physical and mental – I noticed a significant shift in how fulfilled I felt. 

It’s not easy, but it’s certainly worth it.

3) Comparing yourself to others

Every minute, 347,222 users scroll through Instagram. That’s over 500 million people daily, comparing their lives to the highlight reels of others. It’s human nature to compare, but it’s also a quick way to feel unfulfilled and unhappy.

When we compare ourselves to others, we’re often comparing our behind-the-scenes with their highlight reel. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.

Breaking free from this comparison trap can be a powerful step towards feeling more fulfilled in your own life.

4) Ignoring your passions

There’s a little spark in all of us, a passion that makes our heart race with excitement. But too often, we suppress it, believing it’s not practical or it won’t pay the bills.

My neighbour used to be an accountant. He was good at his job, but his heart was never really in it. His real passion was painting. When he finally decided to follow his heart, his smile was brighter than ever before.

Ignoring what genuinely brings you joy can leave a void in your life. Your passion doesn’t have to be your job, but giving it room in your life can bring a sense of fulfillment like nothing else.

5) Fearing failure

For a long time, I was my own worst enemy. I was so afraid of failing that I wouldn’t even try. The fear of failure can be paralyzing, and it held me back from pursuing my dreams.

I remember wanting to start a blog but feeling terrified of what people might think. One day, I decided to take the plunge. Sure, it wasn’t perfect at first, but the sense of accomplishment I felt was worth it.

Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of the journey. Don’t let fear hold you back from experiencing fulfillment in your life.

6) Avoiding change

I used to despise change. The very thought of it would make my stomach churn.

But life has a funny way of teaching us lessons. I was stuck in a job I didn’t enjoy, with a routine that felt more like a rut. The only way out was to embrace change.

Embracing change can be scary, but it’s also exciting. It opens up new opportunities and experiences that can bring fulfillment and happiness into our lives.

7) Not setting personal goals

Did you know that people who set goals are 10 times more likely to achieve them? I didn’t, until I started setting my own.

Personal goals give us a sense of direction and purpose. They provide a roadmap to where we want to go in life. Whether it’s learning a new skill, getting fit, or starting a business, having goals can bring a sense of achievement and fulfillment.

8) Staying in toxic relationships

This one hits close to home for me. I was once in a friendship that drained me more than it uplifted me. It was hard, but saying goodbye to that toxic relationship was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Toxic relationships can be like emotional vampires, sucking the joy and fulfillment right out of you. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who make you feel good about yourself.

9) Ignoring your intuition

Your gut feeling. That little voice inside you that whispers when something isn’t right. We’ve all experienced it at some point.

Ignoring your intuition can lead to decisions that don’t align with your personal values or desires, leaving you feeling unfulfilled and out of sync with your life.

10) Not taking time for yourself

As someone who used to be constantly on the go, taking time for myself felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. But over time, I realized the importance of it.

Taking time for yourself allows you to recharge and reconnect with who you are and what you want. It’s not selfish, it’s necessary for a fulfilling life.

Last words

Saying goodbye to these habits might not be easy, but it’s a step towards a more fulfilling life. It’s about making choices that align with your values and desires. 

So, if you can’t remember the last time you felt fulfilled in life, maybe it’s time to say goodbye to some of these habits.