If you want to live a life of meaning and purpose, say goodbye to these 9 daily habits

Living a life of purpose and meaning isn’t just about grand gestures and lofty ideals; it’s as much about the small, daily habits we adopt.
Let me tell you, it’s the little things that can either make us or break us. I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit, and I’m a firm believer that certain habits can suck the meaning out of our lives without us even realizing it.
If you’re ready to lead a more fulfilling life, you’ll need to let go of these 9 daily habits.
I’ve compiled a list of habits that are often overlooked but have a significant impact on our quality of life. So get ready to say goodbye to them if you want to live a life full of purpose and meaning. Trust me, it will be worth it.
1) Living in autopilot mode
Let’s be honest: many of us live our lives on autopilot. We wake up, go to work, come back, watch TV, sleep, rinse and repeat. Sounds familiar?
Well, I’m here to tell you that one of the key habits you need to break if you want a life full of purpose and meaning is living on autopilot.
Living in autopilot mode means we’re just going through the motions without truly experiencing life. We’re not fully present, we’re not mindful of our actions, and we’re certainly not living a life of purpose.
Being mindful is about being fully engaged in whatever you’re doing at the moment. It’s about being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It’s about living intentionally.
As renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” So take control over your life, step out of autopilot mode and choose your direction consciously.
2) Neglecting self-care
I’ll admit, I was guilty of this one for a long time. Like many of us, I was caught up in the hustle of life, always striving to achieve more and more. I thought taking time out for self-care was a luxury I couldn’t afford.
But let me tell you, ignoring self-care is one of the quickest ways to drain your life of meaning and purpose.
One day, I found myself exhausted, depleted, and far from the mindful lifestyle that I envisioned. That’s when I realized that self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Giving yourself permission to rest, to recharge, to do things you love isn’t indulgent; it’s essential for living a life of purpose.
Remember, we cannot pour from an empty cup. Only by taking care of ourselves can we truly live a life full of meaning and contribute to the world in a purposeful way.
3) Holding onto a big ego
Now, this is a big one. Having a big ego can seriously hinder our path towards living a meaningful and purposeful life.
When our egos are inflated, we focus more on ourselves and less on others. We become less compassionate, less understanding, and less open to growth.
I’ve come across many individuals who let their egos rule their lives, and I’ve seen the damage it causes – not just to their personal growth, but also to their relationships and overall happiness.
In fact, in my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deep into this topic.
I talk about how Buddhist teachings can help us keep our egos in check, and how by doing so, we can lead more fulfilling lives.
Reducing our ego doesn’t mean diminishing our self-worth. It just means recognizing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
It’s about embracing humility and understanding that everyone has something valuable to offer.
The famous psychologist Sigmund Freud said it best: “The ego is not master in its own house.” So let’s start treating it as such, and make room for a life of meaning and purpose.
4) Overcommitting and not setting boundaries
In a world where being busy is often equated with being important, setting boundaries and saying “no” can seem challenging. But let’s delve a bit into the psychology of it.
Our brains have a tendency to overestimate what we can achieve in a given time. This cognitive bias, known as the planning fallacy, often leads us to overcommit ourselves.
But here’s the thing: when we’re constantly overcommitted, we’re stretched too thin. We don’t have the time or energy to invest in things that truly add meaning to our lives.
Setting boundaries is crucial for living a life of purpose. It allows us to prioritize what really matters to us, instead of getting lost in a sea of obligations.
Setting boundaries may feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s stepping forward into growth and towards a life of purpose and meaning.
5) Avoiding discomfort
Sounds a bit counter-intuitive, right? After all, who enjoys being uncomfortable? But hear me out on this one.
Avoiding discomfort and always seeking comfort can actually hinder our growth and keep us from leading a meaningful life.
Discomfort often arises when we’re facing new challenges or stepping out of our comfort zone. And it’s in those moments of discomfort that we grow the most, learn new things, and truly experience life.
It’s about embracing the journey, with all its ups and downs. It’s about understanding that it’s okay not to always be comfortable, because that’s when we’re making progress.
In the words of famous psychologist Carl Jung, “The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.”
Embrace the discomfort that comes with growth and self-acceptance, and move closer towards a life full of meaning and purpose.
6) Living in the past or future
One habit that can significantly rob your life of meaning and purpose is living anywhere but in the present moment.
Whether it’s constantly reminiscing about the past or always planning for the future, being stuck in these mindsets prevents us from fully experiencing and appreciating what’s right in front of us.
The past has valuable lessons to teach, and planning for the future is essential, but don’t forget to live in the now. The present moment is where life happens. It’s where we have the power to act and make a difference.
So start embracing the present, and take steps towards living a more mindful and purposeful life.
Don’t let your life pass you by while you’re stuck dwelling on the past or fretting about the future. Be born into the present moment, and live your life with purpose and meaning.
7) Constant comparison to others
In the age of social media, it’s so easy to get caught up in the comparison game. We see others’ highlight reels and start to feel like we’re not measuring up.
But here’s a truth that often goes forgotten: life isn’t a competition. Your journey is uniquely your own, and it’s not meant to be compared with anyone else’s.
Comparison can breed feelings of inadequacy and discontentment. It shifts our focus from our own progress to someone else’s, and that can seriously hinder our growth.
Remember, everyone is on their own path, and everyone grows at their own pace. Focus on your own journey, celebrate your progress, and don’t let comparison steal your joy.
As the brilliant psychologist Albert Ellis said, “The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.”
Take control, stop comparing, and start living a life of purpose and meaning.
8) Ignoring your passions
Passion is the fuel that drives us. It gives us a sense of purpose and adds meaning to our lives. But all too often, we push our passions to the side, treating them as nothing more than hobbies or pastimes.
But what if we made more space for our passions in our lives? What if we pursued what truly makes us come alive?
When we ignore our passions, we’re ignoring a part of ourselves. We’re denying ourselves the joy and fulfillment that comes from doing something we love.
So don’t just make room for your passions; make them a priority. Embrace them, cultivate them, and let them guide you towards a life of purpose and meaning.
Final reflection: The power is in your hands
As we’ve explored these nine daily habits, it’s clear that the path towards a life of meaning and purpose is not always easy.
It requires us to confront aspects of ourselves that may be uncomfortable, but it’s through this process of introspection and change that we truly grow.
Remember, you hold the power to shape your life. Each day, with each decision, you have the opportunity to move closer to a life filled with purpose and meaning.
In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into these concepts.
I explore how Buddhist teachings can guide us in shedding harmful habits and embracing beneficial ones.
The journey towards a purposeful life is ongoing, and it’s never too late to start. So whether you’re saying goodbye to living on autopilot mode or embracing the discomfort of growth, remember that every step is progress.
So keep learning, keep changing, and keep striving for a life full of purpose and meaning.
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