Let’s face it: we all have habits that are doing us more harm than good. Some of these are messing with our moods without us even realizing it. 

With the new year just around the corner, might 2024 be the year to put happiness first?

If so, you need to ditch these eight habits. 

Let’s get into it. 

1) Overlooking gratitude

How often do we get caught up in what’s lacking in our lives, neglecting to appreciate the riches we already possess? 

Too often, for most of us. 

Not giving thanks for what we have is a huge mistake in terms of our own happiness. 

“Appreciate what you have, and you’ll find yourself having more. If you only focus on what’s missing, you’ll never be content,” said Oprah, showing her belief in the power of gratitude. 

I’m not sure why you wouldn’t take Oprah’s word for it, but if you need more convincing, studies also back up the benefits of giving thanks. 

As noted by Harvard Health, “gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.” It can even help us to handle tough times and form strong relationships.

What’s more, practicing gratitude is so straightforward. It can be as easy as taking a few minutes each morning to think of three things you’re thankful for. 

2) Procrastinating

It might seem harmless, sneaking an episode of your favorite TV show in between work tasks, or scrolling through social media instead of starting that report due tomorrow. 

But in reality, procrastination is a happiness thief.

Research has shown if continued over time, it can heighten negative feelings such as anxiety, self-blame, and low self-esteem. 

It’s always better to face the challenge head-on than to let procrastination drain your contentment. 

3) Negative self-talk

Have you ever caught yourself mentally beating yourself up over a minor mistake? Or perhaps you’ve found yourself drowning in a sea of self-doubt before an important meeting or date. 

We all have. 

But this kind of negative self-talk is truly the enemy within. It’s that sneaky voice in your head that’s constantly whispering, “You’re not good enough,” “You’re going to mess this up,” or “Why bother when you’re just going to fail?” 

And the worst part is that we often don’t even realize we’re doing it.

Pay attention to the way you talk to yourself. Would you talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself? 

If not, it’s time for a change. 

4) Comparing yourself to others

Picture this: You’re scrolling through your social media feed, and suddenly you see a post from a friend vacationing in the Maldives, another friend just got promoted, someone else is running a marathon, and there you are, sitting on your couch, feeling like your life doesn’t measure up.

Sound familiar? 

I know I’ve been there. 

But social media only shows the highlight reel, not the behind-the-scenes. People put on a brave face in the offline world, too. Everyone has their own struggles and challenges that they don’t broadcast. Comparing our lives to theirs is most often like comparing apples to oranges. 

As psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson advises in his popular book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, “Compare yourself to who you were yesterday.” 

Think about it; it’s the only fair comparison we can make. There will always be someone doing better, at least in some aspect of life. Constantly comparing ourselves to others is a game we inevitably lose and, as a consequence, is a recipe for eternal discontentment. 

5) Choosing work over personal well-being

“The groundwork of all happiness is health.” – Leigh Hunt

Deep down, we all understand this truth. If we could choose only one, we would all opt for health over wealth. 

But that’s not how we behave. Many of us prioritize work and often overlook adequate rest, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and moments of calm. 

The truth is that overworking can drain our energy, hamper our efficiency, and lead to burnout, alongside various health problems such as depression, diminished cognitive function, and heart-related issues.

Your physical and mental health are the engines propelling you towards your dreams. Embracing self-care is essential – not as a luxury but as a fundamental approach to nurturing sustainable happiness.

6) Trying to control everything

Life is unpredictable.

For some of us, the uncertainty can be unsettling. So we try to control every aspect of our lives – from our relationships to our careers.

But there’s a lot in life we simply can’t control – like the weather, the economy, traffic, or other people’s actions. By ruminating on these uncontrollable aspects, we set ourselves up for constant disappointment and frustration.

Learning to let go of the things outside our control, however, and focusing on what we can influence – such as our reactions, decisions, and attitudes – can lead to a significant increase in our happiness levels.

7) Overlooking sleep

It’s easy to fall into the trap of viewing sleep as wasted time, but the research is clear: there’s a strong link between how much and how well we sleep and our moods. In fact, people who suffer from poor or inadequate sleep are more likely to struggle with feelings of anxiety and depression. 

In other words, by not getting enough quality sleep, we’re sacrificing our well-being and happiness. 

So make sleep a priority this new year. Your body needs it, your mind needs it, and your happiness depends on it.

8) Trying to please everyone

Many of us have been there, caught in the trap of trying to please everyone around us, driven by our desire for acceptance and appreciation. So much so that often, we find ourselves going out of our way, stretching ourselves thin to accommodate others’ needs and expectations. But at what cost?

The hard truth is we can’t please everyone, no matter how hard we try. Every person has their own set of preferences, beliefs, and expectations, and it’s impossible to align perfectly with all of them.

The solution? 

Please yourself. It’s not about being unkind or selfish but rather about setting healthy boundaries for yourself. Your time and energy are valuable. You have the right to choose how and with whom you spend them. 

By not trying to please everyone, you create more space for authenticity in your relationships and a healthier, more balanced life for yourself.

The bottom line

As cliché as it sounds, happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. 

And part of that journey involves letting go of habits that no longer serve us. If you relate to some of the above ones, it might be time to ditch them once and for all. 

As always, I hope this post has provided you with some value. 

Happy holidays!