People who struggle to feel truly happy in life usually have these 8 personality traits

It’s quite intriguing how happiness, such a fundamental human aspiration, often seems elusive for many. With society’s fixation on external markers of success, it’s easy to lose sight of the internal traits that can sometimes sabotage our pursuit of joy.

The journey to genuine happiness is highly personal, yet I’ve noticed certain patterns in those who struggle to find it. These are not definitive rules but rather common characteristics I’ve observed in people grappling with their sense of happiness.

In the following lines, I will delve into these eight personality traits that often appear in those who find it challenging to feel truly happy in life. This exploration is not meant to judge or label, but instead to foster understanding and perhaps inspire some introspection.

1) Perfectionism stymies happiness

The pursuit of perfection can be a relentless and unforgiving path. Striving for an unattainable standard inevitably leads to disappointment and self-criticism.

Many people mistake perfectionism for a commendable dedication to excellence. However, it’s crucial to recognize that these are not the same. Excellence is about doing your best, while perfectionism involves an unrealistic demand for flawlessness.

In my journey, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of imperfection. It’s through our flaws and failures that we grow, learn, and ultimately, become more authentic versions of ourselves.

It’s time we shift our perspective from chasing perfection to embracing our perfectly imperfect selves. This shift could be a significant step towards a more contented and happier life.

Embrace your imperfections. They are part of your unique story. Stop pursuing an illusion of perfection and start appreciating your real, authentic self.

2) Over-reliance on external validation

It’s a natural human instinct to seek approval and recognition from others. However, when this becomes our primary source of self-worth, it can lead to a never-ending cycle of dependence and dissatisfaction.

I’ve met many people who measure their own worth based on the opinions of others. This external validation is fleeting and unpredictable, leading them on an emotional roller coaster dependent on the approval of others.

True happiness begins with self-acceptance. It’s about acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing your intrinsic value, independent of external approval.

As the legendary Maya Angelou eloquently put it, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

Move away from the need for external validation. Embrace self-acceptance and cultivate your own measure of success.

3) Being trapped in societal conditioning

We often find ourselves shackled by societal expectations and norms, limiting our potential for true happiness. The key to overcoming this is embracing our authentic selves.

This journey of self-discovery is not always easy. That’s why I collaborated with the shaman Rudá Iandê to create a Free Your Mind Masterclass. This enlightening course offers tools to transcend these limiting beliefs and societal conditioning.

Rudá Iandê, who has deeply influenced my life, will guide you through exercises that dismantle common spiritual myths and encourage developing your personal cosmovision. A particularly impactful exercise focuses on overcoming self-imposed limitations, shifting your mindset from frustration and guilt to love and acceptance.

By aligning your thoughts and actions with personal values, this masterclass empowers you to embrace your authentic self. It’s a profound and practical approach towards personal growth and mental liberation.

I encourage you to join the Free Your Mind Masterclass to start your journey towards breaking free from societal conditioning and embracing your true nature.

4) Fear of embracing authenticity

In a world where societal norms are deeply ingrained, embracing our authentic selves can be daunting. It’s a fear that can hold us back from experiencing genuine happiness.

The truth is, living authentically can feel uncomfortable. It often requires confronting our fears, challenging our limiting beliefs, and sometimes, going against the grain of societal expectations. But in this discomfort lies the opportunity for profound personal growth and fulfillment.

We all have unique gifts to offer the world, and by living authentically, we allow ourselves to fully express these gifts. It’s a journey that brings us closer to our true selves and ultimately, to a more fulfilling and happier life.

As you reflect on your own journey towards authenticity, ask yourself: Are you willing to confront your fears and embrace your true self for the sake of your happiness?

5) Disconnection from personal values

We often pursue goals that society deems important, like wealth or status. While these achievements can bring temporary satisfaction, they may not align with our deeper values, causing a disconnect between our actions and our authentic selves.

Surprisingly, this disconnect can act as a barrier to genuine happiness. When we’re out of alignment with our core values, we may feel unfulfilled, regardless of external achievements.

Aligning our financial decisions and actions with our deepest values allows us to use money as a tool for positive change. It’s about cultivating a sense of purpose and ethical participation in the economy.

Remember, prosperity isn’t just about accumulating wealth. It’s about being true to your values and using your resources for positive change. Your actions are votes for the kind of world you want to live in. Make them count.

6) Overemphasis on individual success

In a world where individual accomplishments are highly esteemed, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that success is a solo venture. However, this mindset can lead to feelings of isolation and hinder our capacity for true happiness.

The reality is, we are social beings. Our connections with others provide the courage to chase our dreams, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the joy of shared experiences. Supportive communities and authentic relationships are crucial for our well-being and happiness.

Remember, your individual success is important, but it’s through your connections with others that you’ll find true fulfillment. Don’t overlook the profound importance of community in your pursuit of happiness.

7) Avoidance of failure

The fear of failure is a common barrier to happiness. Many see failure as something to be avoided at all costs, but this perspective can stifle growth and limit potential.

I choose to embrace obstacles and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of getting discouraged by failure, view it as feedback and an invitation to adapt and evolve.

Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back from your pursuit of happiness. Every challenge contains within it the seeds of creative possibility.

8) Disconnection from personal values

Living disconnected from our values, driven by external pressures, can lead to a life that feels unfulfilling and inauthentic. This disconnect is a significant roadblock on the path to true happiness.

Dedicate yourself to living in alignment with your values. Whether through your creative pursuits, relationships, work, or engagement with social issues, strive to contribute your unique gifts in service of something greater than yourself.

Your life is your story. Make sure it’s one that reflects your values, not just societal expectations. Authenticity is the foundation of true happiness.

Finding Happiness in Authenticity

In this exploration, we’ve confronted some of the common personality traits that often hold us back from experiencing true happiness. Recognizing these traits in ourselves is the first step towards a more fulfilling life.

Embracing our authentic selves, breaking free from societal conditioning, and aligning our actions with our core values are all crucial steps towards genuine happiness. It’s not about achieving perfection or gaining external validation, but about understanding and honoring our unique selves.

For those seeking to delve deeper into these principles, the Free Your Mind Masterclass with Rudá Iandê can be an enlightening journey. This course, which I had the privilege to help produce, is designed to dismantle societal myths and foster a sense of freedom and authenticity.

In this masterclass, Rudá Iandê guides participants through exercises to overcome self-imposed limitations and develop a personal worldview. This journey will help you align your thoughts and actions with your deepest values, fostering mental clarity and emotional resilience.

Joining this masterclass will provide you with the tools to create a fulfilling and authentic life aligned with your core values. I invite you to experience the Free Your Mind Masterclass and start your journey towards breaking free from limiting beliefs and embracing your true nature.

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Justin Brown

Justin Brown is an entrepreneur and thought leader in personal development and digital media, with a foundation in education from The London School of Economics and The Australian National University. As the co-founder of Ideapod, The Vessel, and a director at Brown Brothers Media, Justin has spearheaded platforms that significantly contribute to personal and collective growth. His deep insights are shared on his YouTube channel, JustinBrownVids, offering a rich blend of guidance on living a meaningful and purposeful life.

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