Being happy is often a question of choice. But before looking for miracle solutions, we sometimes have to start by identifying what is holding us back. Certain habits, anchored in our daily lives, poison our mind without us realizing it. Getting rid of these harmful reflexes is a first step towards a more serene and fulfilled life. Johanna Rozenblum, clinical psychologist, emphasizes this necessity: “The more rigid our idea of happiness, the more we ultimately set ourselves up for failure. The idea to repeat until you understand it is that, ultimately, this much sought-after happiness is found much more often in the path than in the result.” Here are 8 habits to abandon today to cultivate lasting well-being.
Chase away negativity
That little inner voice that tells you everything will go wrong? It’s time to stifle him. Focusing only on what’s going wrong fuels stress and anxiety. Learning to see the positive, even in the small details of everyday life, transforms our perception of the world around us.
Get away from toxic people
Some relationships are more exhausting than comforting. Of course, being there for those close to you is essential, but you have to know how to recognize the people who drag you down. Surrounding yourself with caring and inspiring people is a key to a more peaceful daily life.
Stop striving for perfection
Wanting to control everything and striving to achieve an unattainable ideal is one of the best ways to be permanently frustrated. “Allow yourself to make mistakes and chase away this idea of perfection which slows us down more than it motivates us“, recalls Johanna Rozenblum. Accepting imperfection means freeing yourself from unnecessary pressure and fully appreciating successes, however small they may be.
Free yourself from unrealistic expectations
We often have specific expectations about how things should go. But life is unpredictable, and wanting to control everything is a source of disappointment. Accepting that everything does not depend on us allows us to approach events with more serenity.
Stop comparing yourself to others
Social media is a trap. We see idealized lives, successes highlighted and retouched images that do not reflect reality. Constantly comparing yourself is poison for your self-esteem. Rather than looking at what others have accomplished, focus on your own growth and celebrate your successes.
No longer afraid of failure
Fear of failure is a huge obstacle to growth. Yet every mistake is a learning opportunity. “Trying, failing and getting back up are not proof that you will never be happy. On the contrary, they are roads to happiness“, says the psychologist. What matters is not avoiding failure, but continuing to move forward despite it.
Letting go of the past
Constantly reliving regrets or pain from the past prevents you from moving forward. While these experiences have shaped us, they should not define us. Happiness is found neither in the past nor in regrets, but in the present and the future.
Silencing excessive self-criticism
Being too hard on yourself is a vicious cycle. We focus on our mistakes, we judge ourselves harshly and we forget everything we do well. Showing kindness to yourself and recognizing your successes is essential to moving forward with confidence.
“Accept your emotions, even the most painful, face a challenge and grow… It is by experiencing things that you build your happiness, not by waiting for a perfection that does not exist“. This reflection from Johanna Rozenblum sums up the very essence of well-being: learning to live fully, with all the nuances that this implies.