We often talk about what people do to make their days at work fun and successful. But what about the things they don’t do?

Would you believe that avoiding certain habits could actually make your work life a whole lot happier?

You might just find the key to turning your workdays around!

1. Playing the blame game

We all mess up sometimes – it’s just part of being human. But when things go wrong at work, it’s easy to start pointing fingers and playing the blame game.

This habit can create a negative atmosphere and often leads to resentment among team members. Instead of blaming others, try to focus on finding solutions and learning from the situation.

It’s amazing how much more enjoyable work can be when you replace blame with understanding and collaboration.

2. Resisting change

Change is a part of life, and it’s certainly a part of work.

But many of us resist change, seeing it as a threat rather than an opportunity. This habit can make your workdays stressful and frustrating.

Instead of resisting change, try embracing it. See it as a chance to learn something new, to grow, and to improve. Remember, when you’re open to change, you’re open to possibilities.

And who knows?

That change you were dreading could end up being the best thing that ever happened to your work life!

3. Skipping breaks

Here’s something I’ve learned from personal experience – non-stop work is a one-way ticket to Burnoutville.

Once, I thought working through my breaks would make me more productive. Boy, was I wrong! Instead of getting more done, I ended up feeling exhausted, irritable, and just plain unhappy at work.

So, take it from me, skipping breaks is a habit you want to ditch. No matter how busy you are, always make time for short breaks.

Stand up, stretch, take a walk, or just close your eyes for a few minutes – do whatever helps you relax and recharge. 

4. Neglecting personal growth

Did you know that continuous learning is a common trait among the happiest and most successful people? It’s true!

Bill Gates, for instance, is known to read 50 books a year. That’s almost a book a week!

When we neglect our own personal growth in favor of work, work, and more work, we can easily feel stuck and unfulfilled.

So, make it a habit to invest in yourself. Whether it’s reading a book, taking an online course, or even attending a seminar, every little bit of learning counts.

5. Ignoring the importance of gratitude

It’s easy to lose sight of the good things at work when we’re caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily tasks. We become so focused on the deadlines, the challenges, and the stress, that we forget to appreciate the things that are going well.

Taking a moment to feel grateful for the positive parts of your work can do wonders for your happiness.

Maybe it’s a supportive colleague, a task you enjoy, or even something as simple as a comfortable chair. By acknowledging and feeling thankful for these things, you’ll find more joy in your workday.

Don’t underestimate the power of gratitude – it might be a small act but it can bring about big changes in your attitude towards work.

6. Being a perfectionist

This one hits close to home. I used to think that being a perfectionist was a good thing.

After all, who doesn’t want to produce perfect work, right? But over time, I realized that my pursuit of perfection was actually causing me a lot of stress and unhappiness.

You see, when you’re a perfectionist, nothing is ever good enough. You spend so much time trying to get everything just right that you end up feeling constantly dissatisfied and frustrated.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t strive for excellence. But there’s a big difference between wanting to do your best and obsessing over every little detail.

So, try to let go of your need for perfection. Instead, focus on doing your best and celebrating your achievements, no matter how small they may seem.

Trust me, it’s a much happier way to work!

7. Comparing yourself to others

We’ve all done it – looked over at a colleague who seems to have it all together and thought, “Why can’t I be more like them?” Comparisons are a trap. They suck the joy out of your work faster than you can say “unfair”.

Here’s the truth: there will always be someone who seems to be doing better. They’ll have more clients, bigger projects, or flashier titles. But that has nothing to do with you. Your journey is yours alone.

So, quit looking at others and start focusing on yourself. Celebrate your wins, learn from your losses, and remember that everyone moves at their own pace.

When you let go of comparisons, you make room for genuine happiness and satisfaction in your work.

8. Forgetting to have fun

Fun fact: Google is famous for its fun work environment, including slides instead of stairs, ping pong tables, and even nap pods! They understand that having fun increases productivity and sparks creativity.

Work doesn’t always have to be serious all the time. Forgetting to have fun is a surefire way to drain your happiness at work.

Injecting a bit of fun into your workday can help rejuvenate your mind, reduce stress, and boost your mood.

So, whether it’s decorating your workspace, sharing a joke with a colleague, or simply changing up your routine for a bit of variety, remember to make room for some fun.

It could make a world of difference to how you feel about work!

9. Overcommitting

I have a confession to make: I used to be a ‘yes’ person. Anytime someone asked me to do something, my automatic response was ‘yes’.

Even when my plate was already full to the brim, I’d pile on more. I thought it made me a team player, a hard worker. Instead, it made me stressed, overwhelmed, and honestly, pretty miserable.

Overcommitting is a habit many of us fall into, thinking it will make us more valuable or respected at work. But all it really does is increase our stress levels and decrease our happiness.

Learning to say ‘no’ was a game-changer for me. It allowed me to focus on the tasks at hand, reduce stress, and find more enjoyment in my work.

Remember, it’s okay to set boundaries. Saying ‘no’ doesn’t make you a bad employee—it makes you a smarter one.

10. Neglecting self-care

This one’s a biggie.

How can you expect to be happy at work if you’re not taking care of yourself outside of it? It’s brutally honest, but true. When we neglect our own well-being, it spills over into every other aspect of our life, including work.

Self-care isn’t just about spa days or fancy retreats.

It could be as simple as getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, or taking time to relax and do things you enjoy.

11. Not setting personal goals

Here’s some tough love for you: if you don’t know where you’re going, how do you expect to get there? Without personal goals, work just becomes a series of tasks with no real purpose.

And let’s be honest, that’s not very fulfilling or fun.

Setting personal goals gives your work meaning. It gives you something to strive for, something to celebrate when you achieve it. Goals can bring excitement and passion back into your workday.

So set some goals, chase them with all you’ve got, and watch as the happiness begins to seep back into your work life.