{"id":1806,"date":"2020-05-19T20:29:58","date_gmt":"2020-05-19T20:29:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/yourmorningcupofinspiration\/?p=1806"},"modified":"2020-05-28T21:20:29","modified_gmt":"2020-05-28T21:20:29","slug":"5-mistakes-that-are-keeping-you-from-being-happy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/yourmorningcupofinspiration\/2020\/05\/5-mistakes-that-are-keeping-you-from-being-happy.html","title":{"rendered":"5 Mistakes That Are Keeping You from Being Happy"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"happy\"<\/a>
Photo by energepic.com from Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So often in life, when we are unhappy, we are quick to blame our unhappiness on others or on our life circumstances.\u00a0 But what if there is nothing identifiably wrong with your life, and you still are unhappy?\u00a0 Then, you may be making mistakes that are blocking you from being happy.<\/p>\n

The following are mistakes which folks make that keep them from being truly happy.\u00a0 Consider whether you may be making some of these mistakes in your own life.\u00a0 If so, change your ways and get yourself on the path to happiness!<\/p>\n

Mistake #1 \u2013 Being Argumentative: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Arguing will never lead you to be happy.\u00a0 It may give you some momentary satisfaction to tell other people off, but it doesn\u2019t create long-term happiness.\u00a0 Instead, when you argue, you simply alienate others.<\/p>\n

As a result, think long and hard before you create arguments with other people.\u00a0 I\u2019ve known people who regularly argue.\u00a0 They are aggressive and bitter, and as a result, their relationships are a train wreck.<\/p>\n

If you want to be happy, work at being a peaceful person<\/em>.\u00a0 Stop worrying about what you think others should be doing and mind your own business.\u00a0 Instead, focus on being kind and encouraging.\u00a0 And for heaven\u2019s sake, stop arguing.<\/p>\n

Mistake #2 \u2013 Living Beyond Your Means:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you live paycheck to paycheck, at some point, you are going to get yourself into financial trouble.\u00a0 That is because there is no job that is 100% secure.\u00a0 And there is no investment account that is bullet-proof.\u00a0 Your financial situation can change in a moment.<\/p>\n

As a result, it is better to live under your means.\u00a0 Save money and spend carefully.\u00a0 That way, you can live debt-free and have enough savings to get through any unexpected financial difficulties.<\/p>\n

Admittedly, it is tempting to live beyond your means.\u00a0 I have friends who live in far nicer houses than I do, and who have more expensive wardrobes.\u00a0 And I could spend a lot of money trying to catch up to their level of affluence.\u00a0 But the reality is that I would never catch up.\u00a0 There always will be someone who has more stuff than I do.<\/p>\n

It takes maturity and self-confidence to live under your means.\u00a0 You have to be confident enough to be happy with what you have, without comparing yourself to others.<\/p>\n

The benefit of living under your means is that you can live life worry-free.\u00a0 If you lose your job, or there is a market downturn, you will be unaffected.\u00a0 That is because you\u2019ll have savings and a lifestyle that can manage a momentary financial blip.<\/p>\n

Mistake #3 \u2013 Making Others Responsible for Your Happiness: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

It isn\u2019t the job of other people to make you happy.\u00a0 Now, other people shouldn\u2019t be making you miserable.\u00a0 But they also aren\u2019t responsible to make you happy.\u00a0 Finding happiness is your job.<\/em><\/p>\n

When we expect others to make us happy, we ironically make ourselves (and everyone else) miserable.\u00a0 That is because no one wants to spend their time making you happy.\u00a0 Your parents and spouse may love you, but no one wants to be responsible for your happiness.\u00a0 Other people have their own lives to lead.\u00a0 They have their own aspirations and ways that they want to spend their time.\u00a0 And unfortunately, making you happy isn\u2019t on anyone\u2019s To Do List.<\/p>\n

The ability to make yourself happy is one of the most important skills that you can develop.\u00a0 So, figure out what you enjoy doing, and then do it!\u00a0 Figure out which activities are most meaningful to you, and do them!\u00a0 And above all, take responsibility for your own happiness.<\/p>\n

Mistake #4 – Failing to Fulfill Your Potential: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Admittedly, no one completely fulfills their potential in life.\u00a0 We all have the potential to do great things.\u00a0 But between marriage, kids and all the other distractions of life, we simply don\u2019t have the time to do all great things that we could do.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, we always should be striving to use the brains and talents that God has given us.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t do so, you will feel frustrated.\u00a0 The years will pass, and you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019ve wasted your time.<\/p>\n

So, keep striving.\u00a0 If you have dreams, pursue them!\u00a0 Don\u2019t settle for less in life.\u00a0 If you are always working to achieve your full potential, you will be much happier.<\/p>\n

Mistake #5 \u2013 Overcomplicating Life: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

When we overcomplicate life, we thwart our own happiness.\u00a0 So, don\u2019t complicate things.\u00a0 Life is easier and much simpler<\/em> than you think.<\/p>\n

Life\u2019s simple rules are these: Be kind in all circumstances.\u00a0 Work hard.\u00a0 Pay your bills \u2013 on time.\u00a0 Treat your spouse well.\u00a0 Be generous and gentle with your children.\u00a0 Take care of your parents.\u00a0 Eat healthy food and exercise regularly.\u00a0 Don\u2019t smoke. \u00a0Drink alcohol in moderation.<\/p>\n

All of that may seem obvious.\u00a0 It is.<\/em>\u00a0 Life is simple.\u00a0 Unfortunately, we sometimes choose to overcomplicate it by not following those very simple rules.<\/p>\n

Anytime you violate the above maxims, your life becomes more complicated.\u00a0 Your finances go into disarray.\u00a0 Your relationships sour.\u00a0 And your health deteriorates.\u00a0 And suddenly you have a whole host of self-inflicted problems.\u00a0 So, to be happy, you have to stop creating complications in your life.<\/p>\n

Instead, live your life simply.\u00a0 Live honorably and do the right thing in all circumstances.\u00a0 By making simple, good choices<\/em>, you will be surprised how easy it is to have a happy life.<\/p>\n

Admittedly, life can be difficult. \u00a0But the key is to not make it more difficult than it has to be!\u00a0 When you stop making some of the life mistakes described above, you naturally will become more relaxed, more at ease, and happier (!).<\/p>\n

Email: meerabelle@meerabelledey.com<\/p>\n

If you would like to receive my Free E-Book, “The Confidence Course,” and sign up for my weekly newsletter, go to meerabelledey.com<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

So often in life, when we are unhappy, we are quick to blame our unhappiness on others or on our life circumstances.\u00a0 But what if there is nothing identifiably wrong with your life, and you still are unhappy?\u00a0 Then, you may be making mistakes that are blocking you from being happy. The following are mistakes…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":593,"featured_media":1824,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1806","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n5 Mistakes That Are Keeping You from Being Happy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you making mistakes which are preventing your from being happy? 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