8 daily habits of people who will never be happy in life (no matter how ‘successful’ they become)

When someone constantly complains, you sense they’re unhappy. When someone never celebrates their wins, you know they’re discontent.

These are just a glimpse into the world of unhappiness.

But let’s be honest, understanding the nature of happiness, or rather, the lack of it, is no easy task. People can be successful by worldly standards and still be unhappy. It’s a peculiar paradox.

There are certain daily habits that seem to create a breeding ground for perpetual discontentment, regardless of how ‘successful’ someone becomes. And we’ve distilled them down to eight.

In this article, we’re exploring the 8 daily habits of people who will never be happy in life, no matter how ‘successful’ they become. Let’s delve deeper.

1) They’re always seeking perfection

Do you know the saying, “The perfect is the enemy of the good”?

Well, it rings true for those who seem to find happiness elusive. No matter how successful they become, they’re stuck in a cycle of constant dissatisfaction.

You see, they’re always chasing after the idea of perfection. The perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect family – you name it.

But here’s the thing: perfection is an illusion. It’s not real. It’s a mirage that keeps moving further away, the closer you get to it.

And when reality doesn’t match up with these lofty expectations, they feel disappointed. This constant quest for perfection is like a hamster wheel they can never step off from.

The irony is that in their pursuit of perfection, they miss out on the beauty of imperfection and the joy of appreciating things just as they are.

Sometimes, good enough is enough. And that’s perfectly okay.

2) They never take a break

I used to be a workaholic, someone who never knew when to stop.

From the minute I woke up to the second I hit the pillow, my mind was always on overdrive. To-do lists, emails to send, meetings to prepare for – you get the idea.

I thought working non-stop was a surefire way to success and happiness. But boy, was I wrong.

I soon realized that this relentless pace was taking a toll on my health, relationships, and ironically, my happiness. Being “successful” began to feel empty because I had no time to enjoy life or even the fruits of my hard work.

After a particularly stressful week that left me feeling burnt out and unhappy, I decided enough was enough. I started carving out time for myself – to relax, recharge, and just do nothing.

And guess what? It made a world of difference. Not only did I start feeling happier and more content, but I also became more productive at work.

Take it from me: no matter how busy you are, always make time to rest and recharge. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it.

3) They constantly compare themselves to others

We live in a world that’s more connected than ever. Social media allows us to peek into the lives of others, often causing us to compare our own lives with theirs.

But did you know that research has shown that people who frequently compare themselves to others are more likely to experience envy, low self-esteem, and even depression?

That’s right. Constant comparison is a trap that can lead to chronic unhappiness, regardless of how successful one might be.

Because here’s the thing: there will always be someone who seems to have more – more money, a better job, a more exciting life.

By constantly looking at what others have, they forget to appreciate what they have. They overlook their own accomplishments and blessings, creating a sense of inadequacy and discontentment.

4) They hold onto grudges

Holding onto a grudge is like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere you go. It weighs you down, limits your freedom, and saps your energy.

People who are perpetually unhappy often hold on to past hurts and disappointments. They replay past conflicts and disagreements in their minds, keeping the wounds fresh and the pain alive.

But this habit of holding on to grudges only fosters negative feelings like anger, bitterness, and resentment. Over time, these feelings build up and rob them of their happiness, even if they’re successful by societal standards.

Letting go of grudges doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or letting others walk all over you. It’s about releasing the burden of resentment and making space for more positive emotions in your life.

Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself. So if there’s an old grudge you’re still holding on to, consider letting it go. You’ll feel lighter and happier for it.

5) They forget to practice gratitude

You see, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, the pursuit of our goals and dreams. I know because I’ve been there. In my quest for success, I often overlooked the good things in my life.

But over time, I realized that happiness isn’t just about achieving goals or acquiring material possessions. It’s about appreciating what you already have.

Since then, I’ve made it a point to practice gratitude daily. Whether it’s jotting down things I’m thankful for in a journal or simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty around me, these small acts of gratitude have made a huge difference in my life.

They’ve helped me focus on the positives instead of the negatives and find joy in the little things. And they can do the same for you or anyone else struggling with unhappiness.

6) They avoid alone time

Most people associate happiness with being around others, having fun, and being part of a lively social scene. But here’s a surprising twist: spending time alone can actually boost your happiness.

People who are constantly unhappy often avoid being alone. They fill their schedules with social activities, work, and other distractions to avoid facing their thoughts or feelings.

However, this constant need for stimulation and company can prevent them from truly understanding themselves and addressing their deeper issues.

On the other hand, spending time alone can be therapeutic. It allows you to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. It gives you the space to understand your emotions and work through any unresolved issues.

So don’t shy away from spending time alone, embrace it as a chance to grow and nurture your relationship with yourself. You might be surprised by the joy it brings you.

7) They focus on the future at the expense of the present

Having goals and planning for the future is important, no doubt. But when this becomes an obsession, it can rob you of the joy of living in the present.

People who are perpetually unhappy often live in the future. They’re constantly thinking about their next goal, their next achievement, their next milestone.

In their quest for a better future, they forget to appreciate the present. They miss out on the little moments of joy that make life worth living.

But life isn’t just about reaching our destinations. It’s also about enjoying the journey along the way.

Take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life – a beautiful sunset, a good book, a heartwarming conversation.

Remember, the present moment is all we truly have, make sure to treasure it.

8) They neglect self-care

Self-care isn’t just about spa days and bubble baths. It’s about taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It’s about treating yourself with kindness and compassion.

People who never seem to be happy often neglect self-care. They’re so busy chasing success, meeting expectations, and looking after others that they forget to look after themselves.

But here’s the crucial thing: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, stress, and unhappiness.

Make self-care a priority: eat healthy, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, take time to relax and do things you enjoy. Treat yourself with the same kindness and care that you’d treat a dear friend.

Because in the end, true happiness comes from within. And taking care of yourself is the first step towards achieving it.

Final thoughts

As we journey through this article, we’ve uncovered the daily habits that often stand in the way of true happiness, regardless of how ‘successful’ one might be.

These habits are not just actions, but reflections of our mindset and approach towards life. They’re subtle, yet powerful indicators of how we perceive success, happiness, and our place in the world.

True happiness isn’t just about achieving success by societal standards. It’s about finding contentment within ourselves, appreciating what we have, and living in the present.

As renowned philosopher Socrates once said, “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” This timeless wisdom holds a mirror to our pursuit of happiness.

After all, life is a journey, not a destination. And sometimes, the key to happiness is simply about embracing the journey with a grateful heart and an open mind.