If you want to be happier and more satisfied with life, you need to ditch these 8 habits

In the pursuit of happiness and satisfaction in life, we often find ourselves stuck in patterns of behavior that do more harm than good.

We hold onto habits that, while comforting in their familiarity, keep us from reaching our full potential.

I’ve been there, navigating in circles, holding on to habits that were more roadblocks than stepping stones.

It was only when I started questioning these habits, and letting them go, that I began to see significant changes in my life.

So let’s dive into this – here are 8 habits you need to ditch if you want to be happier and more satisfied with life.

1) Living in a comparison trap

We live in a world that’s obsessed with comparison.

Everywhere we look, there are images and stories of people who seem to have it all.

It’s easy to get caught up in comparing our own lives with these seemingly perfect versions of reality.

But this habit of constant comparison only fuels dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

I’ve found myself in this trap, scrolling through social media feeds, comparing my behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel.

The truth is, this comparison game is self-defeating.

It strips away our individuality and makes us question our self-worth.

You’re on your own unique journey.

Your path is not meant to mimic anyone else’s.

Each person has their own set of challenges and victories that are incomparable to others.

Embrace your individuality and stop comparing.

Start appreciating your own journey, your own growth, and your unique experiences in life.

2) Fear of failure

Fear of failure is a common barrier that keeps us from pursuing our dreams.

We’re often so afraid of making a mistake or falling short that we choose not to take any action at all.

This fear keeps us stuck in our comfort zones, away from growth and discovery.

I’ve grappled with this fear myself, allowing it to hold me back from taking risks and seizing opportunities.

But over time, I’ve come to see that failure is not a dead-end, but rather a stepping stone towards success.

Research has identified several consequences and implications of fear of failure, including health concerns, reduced academic performance, and declines in self-esteem and life satisfaction.

As the renowned writer J.K. Rowling once said, “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.”

Confront your fear of failure.

Embrace the lessons it brings and the growth it catalyzes.

Don’t let fear stop you from living your life to the fullest.

After all, life is about taking chances and learning from them, not about avoiding risks and missing opportunities.

3) Being imprisoned by societal expectations

We are often molded by societal expectations and norms, which can limit our ability to truly express ourselves and live authentically.

We become trapped in a cycle of fulfilling roles and duties that are not in alignment with our true selves.

I’ve been down this road, succumbing to the pressures of societal expectations, only to realize that it was hindering my personal growth and satisfaction.

That’s when I came across the transformative teachings of shaman Rudá Iandê.

His “Free Your Mind” masterclass is a potent tool for those who wish to transcend these limiting beliefs and societal conditioning.

It has been designed not only to liberate you from these constraints but also to help you embrace your true self and potential. You may join the masterclass here.

Through exercises that dismantle common myths and pitfalls in the spiritual world, participants are guided towards developing a personal cosmovision, free from mental and cultural conditioning.

A particular exercise focuses on overcoming self-imposed limitations, steering you towards a mindset shift from frustration to acceptance.

By aligning your thoughts and actions with your personal values, as taught in this masterclass, you’ll experience improved mental clarity and emotional resilience.

It’s a proactive step towards personal growth and self-understanding.

If you’re determined to break free from societal conditioning and embrace your authentic self, this masterclass offers a profound approach.

Take the plunge.

Join the “Free Your Mind” masterclass today to start your journey towards mental and emotional liberation.

4) Ignoring your authentic self

In our quest to fit into society’s mold, we often ignore our authentic selves.

We suppress our desires, passions, and individuality in favor of conforming to what’s considered ‘normal’ or ‘acceptable’.

This suppression leads to a life of dissatisfaction, where we’re living not for ourselves, but for the approval of others.

I’ve seen how damaging this can be.

The denial of our authentic selves stifles our creativity and potential.

It creates an inner conflict that erodes our happiness and satisfaction with life.

It’s time we stop denying who we are.

It’s time to honor our unique qualities, passions, and desires.

Your authenticity is not a liability; it’s your greatest asset.

It’s what makes you, you. 

So ask yourself this: Are you living a life true to yourself, or are you living a life others expect of you?

5) Chasing happiness

Happiness is often seen as the ultimate goal, something to be pursued relentlessly.

A study published in the journal Emotion found that individuals who highly valued happiness set standards that were difficult to achieve, leading to disappointment and reduced happiness.

But in my experience, the more we chase after happiness, the more elusive it becomes.

Happiness is not a destination to reach, but a by-product of living a fulfilling and meaningful life.

We often get caught up in the idea that ‘if only’ we had something — more money, a better job, a bigger house — then we’d be happy.

But this constant pursuit can lead us down a never-ending path where happiness always seems just out of reach.

Instead, focus on living in alignment with your values, on cultivating purpose and authenticity in your life.

When you do this, you’ll find that happiness naturally follows.

It’s not about chasing happiness, but about creating an environment where happiness can thrive.

6) Neglecting self-care

In today’s fast-paced world, self-care is often pushed to the bottom of our priority list.

We’re so focused on meeting deadlines, fulfilling responsibilities, and keeping up with societal expectations that we forget to take care of ourselves.

But when we neglect our physical, emotional, and mental well-being, we’re not as productive or happy as we could be.

I’ve learned this the hard way.

Ignoring my own needs led to burnout and dissatisfaction.

Instead, prioritize self-care.

Listen to your body’s needs.

Feed it nutritious food, get regular exercise, and ensure you get enough sleep.

Pay attention to your mental health.

Practice mindfulness, meditation or any activities that help you stay centered and balanced.

7) Avoiding uncomfortable feelings

Many of us are conditioned to avoid uncomfortable feelings.

We distract ourselves with work, technology or other activities to keep from feeling sadness, anger or fear.

But avoiding these feelings only gives them more power over us.

I’ve experienced this firsthand.

The more I tried to dodge my fears and insecurities, the bigger they grew.

Research supports this, indicating that suppressing emotions can lead to increased physiological arousal and heightened negative affect.

The key is to acknowledge these feelings without judgement.

Allow yourself to feel them fully and understand their root cause.

This is a crucial step towards healing and growth.

Facing our fears and insecurities can be challenging but doing so opens up a path towards genuine happiness and satisfaction in life.

8) Prioritizing material wealth over personal values

In our society, prosperity is often equated with material wealth.

Many of us chase after money thinking it will bring us happiness and satisfaction.

But in my experience, real prosperity comes from living in alignment with our values.

It’s about using money as a tool for positive change and ethical participation in the economy, not as the ultimate goal.

When we align our financial decisions with our deepest values, we invite true satisfaction into our lives.

Money is not the end-all, be-all of happiness—it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

So, ask yourself: Are your financial choices reflecting your personal values?

Are they contributing to a more just and sustainable world?

Doing so will bring you closer to a life of genuine happiness and satisfaction.

Embracing authentic happiness

Throughout this article, we’ve traversed the terrain of habits that often hinder our journey towards true happiness and life satisfaction.

From falling into comparison traps and fearing failure to ignoring our authentic selves and prioritizing material wealth over personal values, these habits can stifle our growth and potential.

But by acknowledging these habits, we’ve taken the first step towards change.

The next step is action.

It’s about embracing our individuality, facing our fears, and aligning our lives with our deepest values.

It’s about understanding that genuine happiness and satisfaction come not from external achievements, but from within.

For those ready to delve deeper into this transformative journey, I wholeheartedly recommend the free “Free Your Mind” masterclass with Rudá Iandê.

This enlightening masterclass, which I co-produced, is designed to help you break free from societal conditioning and limiting beliefs.

Rudá Iandê guides participants through exercises that dismantle common spiritual myths, develop personal cosmovision, and overcome self-imposed limitations.

This journey fosters mental clarity and emotional resilience, aligning thoughts and actions with personal values.

Joining this masterclass will equip you with the tools to create a fulfilling and authentic life.

It’s a step towards living in alignment with your values, fostering greater authenticity and freedom in your life.

Embark on this transformative journey today. Join the “Free Your Mind” masterclass and begin your path towards genuine happiness and life satisfaction.