Happiness can feel elusive when we’re stuck in a rut of bad habits. I know, because I’ve been there.

I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit. And over the years, I’ve learned that some of our daily routines can actually hinder our quest for contentment.

So if you’re tired of feeling down in the dumps, it may be time to wave goodbye to a few detrimental habits.

In this article, I’ll highlight 8 habits that may be holding you back from true happiness. And don’t worry, I’ll also provide some practical tips on how to kick these habits to the curb.

Let’s dive in.

1) Overthinking

One habit that’s a big happiness killer? Overthinking.

I’ve been there, and I know just how exhausting it is. You get caught up in your thoughts, playing out scenarios, and worrying about outcomes that may never happen.

The thing is, overthinking doesn’t solve problems. Instead, it amplifies stress and anxiety. It keeps us stuck in a loop of worry, preventing us from taking action or enjoying the present moment.

So if you’re sick of being unhappy, this is one habit you need to ditch.

Easier said than done, right? But remember, awareness is the first step. Once you recognize that you’re overthinking, you can challenge those thoughts and redirect your energy towards more positive and productive activities.

And trust me, when you break free from the chains of overthinking, you’ll experience a significant uplift in your mood and overall happiness.

2) Neglecting Mindfulness

As an expert in Buddhism, I can’t stress enough the importance of mindfulness in our daily lives.

Mindfulness, a key teaching in Buddhism, is about paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It’s about acknowledging our feelings and thoughts as they arise, without getting swept away by them.

When we neglect mindfulness, we often get stuck in patterns of negative thinking or become consumed by past regrets and future anxieties. This, in turn, breeds unhappiness.

So, if you’re feeling unhappy, consider whether you’re truly being present in your life.

Start by incorporating small moments of mindfulness into your day – take a few minutes to breathe deeply, really taste your coffee in the morning, or simply watch the sunset. You’ll be surprised at just how transformative these small moments can be.

3) Comparing Yourself to Others

Now, this is a habit I’m all too familiar with. And let me tell you, it’s a joy-stealer.

Comparing ourselves to others is a recipe for unhappiness. We look at our friends, colleagues, even strangers on social media, and we start to feel inadequate. We think we should be more successful, more attractive, more “perfect”.

But here’s the thing: no one’s life is perfect. And playing the comparison game only distracts us from our own unique journey.

I had to learn this the hard way. I spent years comparing my life to others’, feeling like I was always falling short. But once I stopped and started focusing on my own path – my own progress – things started to shift.

So, if you’re stuck in the comparison trap, it’s time to break free.

4) Clinging to Comfort Zones

In Buddhism, one of the key principles we talk about is impermanence – the idea that everything in life is constantly changing and nothing is permanent.

This principle encourages us to embrace change and step outside of our comfort zones. But let’s be honest, that’s easier said than done.

We often find safety and security in our comfort zones. They’re familiar, predictable, and well, comfortable. But here’s the catch – they can also keep us stuck in a state of unhappiness.

Stepping outside of your comfort zone can be scary, but it’s also where growth happens. It’s where you learn new skills, meet new people, and discover new passions.

Now, I dive deeper into this concept in my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“. It’s a practical guide that explores how you can apply Buddhist teachings to modern life, including how to step out of your comfort zone with grace and courage.

So if you’re feeling stuck in a rut of unhappiness, it might be time to take a leap of faith and venture outside your comfort zone.

5) Chasing Happiness

Now, this might seem counterintuitive. After all, isn’t the whole point of this article to help you become happier?

Here’s the thing though: Constantly chasing happiness can actually make us unhappier.

When we make happiness our end goal, we’re always looking ahead, always striving for something “better”. We tell ourselves we’ll be happy when we get that promotion, when we lose weight, when we find the perfect partner. But in doing so, we forget to appreciate the joy in our current circumstances.

The truth is, happiness isn’t a destination – it’s a journey. It’s found in the everyday moments, in relationships, in personal growth and even in overcoming challenges.

So instead of obsessively chasing happiness, try focusing on being present and finding joy in the now. You might just find that happiness sneaks up on you when you least expect it.

6) Holding Onto Resentment

Holding onto resentment is like holding a hot coal with the intention of throwing it at someone else – you are the one who gets burned.

Resentment is a heavy burden to carry. It keeps us stuck in the past and prevents us from moving forward. It fills our hearts with anger and bitterness, leaving little room for joy and peace.

Trust me, I’ve seen how resentment can eat away at a person’s happiness. But I’ve also seen the incredible healing power of forgiveness.

Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning what happened. It means letting go of the anger and hurt, for your own sake.

So if you’re holding onto resentment, it might be time to let it go.

7) Seeking Perfection

Now, this may seem a bit counterintuitive. After all, isn’t striving for excellence a good thing?

Yes, but there’s a fine line between striving for excellence and seeking perfection. The latter can lead to an endless cycle of dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

When we seek perfection, we’re constantly critiquing ourselves, always looking for flaws and mistakes. We set impossible standards and then beat ourselves up when we can’t meet them.

I’ve learned that seeking perfection doesn’t lead to happiness. Instead, it breeds self-doubt and anxiety.

So if you’re striving for perfection, it might be time to reevaluate. Try embracing the beauty of imperfection. It’s in our flaws and mistakes that we grow and learn. 

8) Failing to Practice Compassion

I can’t overemphasize the value of compassion. Compassion for others and, equally important, compassion for ourselves.

In Buddhism, compassion is viewed as a fundamental means to alleviate suffering – our own and others’. But often, we’re harder on ourselves than anyone else. We berate ourselves for our mistakes, neglect our own needs, and fail to treat ourselves with kindness.

When we fail to practice compassion, we create a breeding ground for unhappiness. We feel isolated in our suffering and burdened by self-judgment.

If you’re tired of being unhappy, consider how you can cultivate more compassion in your life. Start by being kinder to yourself. Remember, everyone makes mistakes, it’s part of being human.

Practicing compassion isn’t always easy, but it’s a journey worth embarking on.

Final thoughts

In closing, remember that happiness is an inside job. It’s not about chasing perfection or constantly comparing ourselves to others. True happiness comes from self-compassion, embracing the present moment, and letting go of habits that no longer serve us.

Breaking free from these nine habits won’t always be easy, but it’s a journey worth embarking on. As you begin to let go of these habits, you’ll open up space for more joy, peace, and fulfillment in your life.

For those interested in diving deeper into the principles that can guide this journey, I invite you to check out my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“. It provides practical insights on how to apply Buddhist teachings to modern life and move towards true happiness.