Lachlan Brown
Are you tired of the same old advice about how to be happy?
Well, forget about the cliches. Joyful people don’t just think positive thoughts and practice gratitude – they also avoid certain behaviors and habits that drain their happiness.
In this article, we’ll reveal the top 10 things that joyful people never do (and neither should you).
From saying yes to everything to comparing themselves to others, these happiness saboteurs are surprisingly common.
So if you want to increase your joy, take note and start making changes today.
1. Say Yes to Everything
Joyful people understand the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing their time and energy.
They know that they can’t do everything, and they don’t try to.
Instead, they carefully consider each request and only commit to what truly aligns with their values and goals.
They say no to things that don’t serve them, and they don’t feel guilty about it.
On the other hand, people who are unhappy often feel pressure to please others and take on more than they can handle.
They say yes to everything, even when it drains them.
Don’t fall into this trap – learn to say no and prioritize your own well-being.
2. Compare Themselves to Others
Joyful people understand that comparisons are the thief of joy.
They don’t waste their time and energy comparing themselves to others – they focus on their own growth and progress.
They celebrate their own accomplishments and don’t feel threatened by the success of others.
For example, let’s say I’m scrolling through social media and come across a friend who has just landed a big promotion at work.
Instead of feeling jealous or inferior, I remind myself that we all have our own unique paths and goals.
I focus on my own accomplishments and the progress I have made in my own career.
I celebrate my friend’s success and use it as inspiration to continue working towards my own goals.
By avoiding the temptation to compare myself to others, I am able to maintain a sense of gratitude and joy in my own life.
3. Dwell on the Past
Joyful people understand that the past is the past and they can’t change it.
They don’t waste their time and energy dwelling on mistakes or regrets – they focus on the present and the future. They learn from the past, but they don’t let it hold them back.
For example, let’s say a person made a mistake at work that resulted in a negative outcome.
Instead of dwelling on the mistake and beating themselves up about it, a joyful person would recognize that everyone makes mistakes and focus on what they can learn from the experience.
They would take responsibility for their actions, apologize if necessary, and take steps to make things right.
They would then move on and focus on the present and the future, rather than getting stuck in the past.
On the other hand, if the person were to dwell on the mistake and let it consume their thoughts, it could lead to feelings of shame, regret, and unhappiness.
It could also hold them back from moving forward and achieving their goals.
4. Hold Grudges
Joyful people understand that holding grudges is toxic and drains their happiness.
They don’t waste their time and energy harboring resentment towards others – they focus on forgiveness and letting go.
They recognize that everyone makes mistakes and they don’t let those mistakes define their relationships.
On the other hand, people who are unhappy often hold grudges and let resentment fester, which leads to negative emotions and damaged relationships.
Don’t fall into this trap – practice forgiveness and let go of grudges. It will free up space in your heart for joy.
5. Sweat the Small Stuff
Joyful people understand that life is too short to get bogged down in the small stuff.
They don’t waste their time and energy stressing over things that don’t matter in the long run – they focus on what’s important.
They prioritize their time and energy and don’t get caught up in the little things that can wait.
For example, let’s say a joyful person is running late for an appointment and gets stuck in traffic.
Instead of stressing out and getting angry, they take a deep breath and remind themselves that things like this are out of their control.
They use the time to listen to music or a podcast and arrive at their destination feeling calm and relaxed.
On the other hand, a person who is unhappy might get caught up in the stress and let it ruin their day.
6. Neglect Their Health
Joyful people understand the importance of taking care of their physical and mental health. They prioritize self-care and don’t neglect their well-being.
They eat nutritious foods, get regular exercise, and make time for relaxation and stress management.
On the other hand, people who are unhappy often neglect their health and let their well-being suffer.
They skip meals, neglect their exercise, and don’t make time for self-care.
Don’t fall into this trap – prioritize your health and well-being. It will pay off in increased joy and vitality.
Joyful people understand that taking care of their health isn’t just about looking and feeling good – it’s about having the energy and vitality to fully engage in and enjoy life.
They recognize that their health is a precious resource and they treat it with care.
7. Neglect Their Relationships
Joyful people understand the importance of strong, supportive relationships.
They prioritize their connections with others and don’t neglect their friendships and family ties.
They make time for the people who matter most to them and cultivate meaningful, authentic relationships.
Unhappy people don’t make time for the people they care about and let their connections with others become shallow or strained.
Joyful people understand that relationships are one of the biggest sources of happiness and fulfillment in life.
They recognize that we are social creatures and need meaningful connections with others to thrive.
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