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

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

Mistake #1 – Being Argumentative:

Arguing will never lead you to be happy.  It may give you some momentary satisfaction to tell other people off, but it doesn’t create long-term happiness.  Instead, when you argue, you simply alienate others.

As a result, think long and hard before you create arguments with other people.  I’ve known people who regularly argue.  They are aggressive and bitter, and as a result, their relationships are a train wreck.

If you want to be happy, work at being a peaceful person.  Stop worrying about what you think others should be doing and mind your own business.  Instead, focus on being kind and encouraging.  And for heaven’s sake, stop arguing.

Mistake #2 – Living Beyond Your Means:

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

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

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

It takes maturity and self-confidence to live under your means.  You have to be confident enough to be happy with what you have, without comparing yourself to others.

The benefit of living under your means is that you can live life worry-free.  If you lose your job, or there is a market downturn, you will be unaffected.  That is because you’ll have savings and a lifestyle that can manage a momentary financial blip.

Mistake #3 – Making Others Responsible for Your Happiness:

It isn’t the job of other people to make you happy.  Now, other people shouldn’t be making you miserable.  But they also aren’t responsible to make you happy.  Finding happiness is your job.

When we expect others to make us happy, we ironically make ourselves (and everyone else) miserable.  That is because no one wants to spend their time making you happy.  Your parents and spouse may love you, but no one wants to be responsible for your happiness.  Other people have their own lives to lead.  They have their own aspirations and ways that they want to spend their time.  And unfortunately, making you happy isn’t on anyone’s To Do List.

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

Mistake #4 – Failing to Fulfill Your Potential:

Admittedly, no one completely fulfills their potential in life.  We all have the potential to do great things.  But between marriage, kids and all the other distractions of life, we simply don’t have the time to do all great things that we could do.

Nevertheless, we always should be striving to use the brains and talents that God has given us.  If you don’t do so, you will feel frustrated.  The years will pass, and you’ll feel like you’ve wasted your time.

So, keep striving.  If you have dreams, pursue them!  Don’t settle for less in life.  If you are always working to achieve your full potential, you will be much happier.

Mistake #5 – Overcomplicating Life:

When we overcomplicate life, we thwart our own happiness.  So, don’t complicate things.  Life is easier and much simpler than you think.

Life’s simple rules are these: Be kind in all circumstances.  Work hard.  Pay your bills – on time.  Treat your spouse well.  Be generous and gentle with your children.  Take care of your parents.  Eat healthy food and exercise regularly.  Don’t smoke.  Drink alcohol in moderation.

All of that may seem obvious.  It is.  Life is simple.  Unfortunately, we sometimes choose to overcomplicate it by not following those very simple rules.

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

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

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

Email: meerabelle@meerabelledey.com

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