Have your days started to feel like a never-ending cycle, leaving you drained and uninspired?

I know the feeling all too well.

There was a point where my days felt repetitive—like I was just going through the motions. Life became a checklist, and joy was nowhere to be found.

But here’s the thing: much of that feeling was rooted in my own habits and behaviors.

What I discovered is that sometimes, it’s not about adding more to your routine, but about letting go of the things that are holding you back.

If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, saying goodbye to certain behaviors can make all the difference. Today, we’re diving into five such behaviors.

Trust me, letting go of these can open the door to more fulfilling days.

Let’s get started!

1) Living on autopilot

How often do we get so caught up in our daily routines that we forget to actually live our lives?

We go through the motions, day in and day out, without ever really stopping to take a moment and enjoy the present.

This constant hustle and bustle can lead to feelings of monotony and dissatisfaction. It’s like we’re living our lives in a fog, barely noticing what’s happening around us.

The solution? Mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the practice of deliberately paying attention to what’s happening around us, without judging or reacting.

It’s about taking a moment to just breathe and take in our surroundings.

It might sound a bit new age, but it’s been a game-changer in my life.

Science backs up its benefits, which include more relationship satisfaction, increased focus, and reduced stress. Sounds good, right?

2) Neglecting self-care

From personal experience, I can tell you that neglecting self-care can quickly make your days feel joyless and repetitive.

There was a time in my life when I was so focused on work and meeting deadlines that I completely ignored my physical and emotional needs.

I was eating poorly, not getting enough sleep, and barely had any time for relaxation or hobbies.

The result? I felt like I was stuck in a never- cycle of work and exhaustion.

This makes total sense when we look at what the experts have to say.

As noted by the folks at Psych Central, the consequences of not making time for self-care include low energy, feeling “burnout”, reduced productivity and even feelings of hopelessness.

Looking back, I probably experienced all of these.

But then, I made a conscious decision to prioritize self-care. I started exercising regularly, eating healthier, getting enough sleep, and making time for things I love, like reading and meditating.

The change was drastic. My days started to feel less repetitive, and I found more joy in the little things in life.

If you’re also feeling stuck in a rut, take a step back and ask yourself: are you taking care of yourself?

3) Giving in to your ego

One of the most common behaviors that can suck the joy out of your days is letting your ego take control.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I talk about how Buddhism teaches us to let go of our egos and live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

But for now, just know that our ego can lead us to live a life that’s not true to who we are.

We might find ourselves constantly chasing approval and validation from others, which can quickly lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and emptiness.

Instead, we should strive for authenticity. By letting go of our egos and embracing our true selves, we can start living a life that’s true to who we are.

This not only brings more joy into our lives but also allows us to make a genuine impact on the world around us.

4) Avoiding new experiences

Psychology tells us that novelty – or new experiences – is a key component of happiness.

When we expose ourselves to new situations, activities, or people, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

On the flip side, sticking to the same routines and avoiding new experiences can quickly make our days feel joyless and repetitive.

This doesn’t mean you have to make radical changes or take extreme risks.

The new experiences can be as simple as trying a new recipe, taking a different route to work, or starting a conversation with someone you’ve never talked to before.

The point is that simply incorporating novelty into our lives not only breaks the monotony but also stimulates our brains and keeps us engaged and excited about life.

5) Holding onto negativity

We all have bad days and go through tough times, but holding onto negativity can turn your life into a joyless cycle.

When we constantly dwell on our problems, mistakes, or past hurts, it clouds our perception and robs us of the ability to enjoy the present moment.

It’s important to remember that our thoughts are not always reality. Negative thoughts are just that – thoughts. They do not define us or our lives.

As the famous psychologist William James once said,

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.”

Instead of clinging to negativity, try practicing positive thinking. This doesn’t mean ignoring your problems, but rather approaching them with a positive and constructive mindset.

Final thoughts: It’s all about balance

By letting go of these joy-draining behaviors, we create space for more fulfillment, energy, and genuine happiness in our daily lives.

It may not always be easy—changing ingrained habits rarely is—but the payoff is undeniable.

Take the time to check in with yourself, and start small.

Whether it’s being more mindful, prioritizing self-care, or simply welcoming a bit of novelty into your routine, each step you take brings you closer to a more joyful, vibrant life.

You deserve to live with more joy, and it all starts with what you choose to let go of.

Here’s to taking that step forward!