““The quickest path to self-destruction is to push away the people you love.” – Cassia Leo

Your mind is a powerful tool.

It can make you; or your mind can break you. It is responsible for your raw emotions. And without even knowing it, you may have unintentionally and unknowingly become a glutton for punishment.

If these behaviors are left unchecked, it can lead to destructive decisions that can keep you from achieving true happiness. But you do have the ability to refrain from indulging in self-destructive activities.

To get started, here are 10 self-destructive habits to recognize and then eliminate to be happier:

1. Too much pride. Remember, no man is an island unto himself. Welcome the help from others in any shape, manner or form to thrive.

2. Destructive coping mechanisms such as drugs, smoking and alcohol. There is no harm in relaxing with a glass of wine but when it is used to cope and becoming dependent is another story.

3. Staying in bad relationships. You feel it, deep down you know it, but you keep making excuses not to get out of the situation.

4. Frivolous spending. Especially when you know you can’t afford it. These are only momentary desires.

5. Guilt. Keep bad memories where they belong – in the garbage. Guilt inhibits your ability to be happy; it stops you from enjoying the moment.

6. Keep on making the same mistakes. One of the great minds of modern times said – ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’

7. Instant gratification. This is when you only think of the immediate future without considering the long-term consequences.

8. Second-guessing yourself. This is an exhausting, tiresome, wasteful activity to indulge in.

9. Being too critical of self. You concentrate on your flaws instead of your successes. The result? Low self-esteem.

10. Choosing the wrong friends. You know who they are. These are the people who are manipulative, self-serving and jealous.

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About Alex Blackwell
Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer.