If you desire a happier and more fulfilled life, you should abandon these 7 unhealthy habits

I’ve spent a good part of my life trying to nail down what truly brings happiness and fulfillment. Often, we’re told it’s about acquiring more – wealth, success, recognition.

But I’ve found that it’s not about what you gain, but what you let go.

The truth is, many of us hold onto habits that do more harm than good. They keep us stuck in patterns that limit our potential for joy and satisfaction. Breaking free from these habits can open up a whole new world of possibilities.

So, if you’re seeking a life of greater happiness and fulfillment, it’s time to let go. Here are seven unhealthy habits you should consider abandoning.

1) Chasing after external validation

Many of us are caught in the habit of seeking approval from others. We measure our worth based on the praise we receive, the likes on our social media posts, or the recognition we get at work.

This external validation can be intoxicating, but it’s a fleeting high that leaves us always wanting more.

When we seek validation from outside, we’re giving away our power, letting others dictate our self-worth. It’s a precarious position to be in, dependent on the fluctuating opinions of others for our sense of self.

Here’s the truth: true fulfillment comes from within. It’s about acknowledging and honoring who we are, independent of anyone else’s judgment. It’s about taking actions aligned with your values and creating your own definition of success.

Break free from the need for external validation. Embrace your inherent worth. You are enough, just as you are.

2) Avoiding uncomfortable emotions

It’s natural to want to avoid feelings of discomfort. We often distract ourselves with busyness, numb our feelings with substances, or simply push them away.

The problem is, avoiding our emotions is like trying to hold a beach ball under water—it takes a lot of energy and eventually, it pops back up.

In my journey, I’ve discovered that it’s not about eliminating uncomfortable emotions but learning to navigate them.

Emotions are messengers, bearing information about our needs, values, and experiences. By listening to them, we can understand ourselves more deeply and make more authentic choices.

It reminds me of a quote by Pema Chödrön, a Buddhist nun whose teachings resonate with me: “Feelings like disappointment, embarrassment, irritation, resentment, anger, jealousy, and fear… are actually very clear moments that teach us where it is that we’re holding back. They’re like messengers that show us, with terrifying clarity, exactly where we’re stuck.”

So don’t run from your emotions. Embrace them. They’re guides on your journey to authentic living.

3) Clinging to societal conditioning

Whether we admit it or not, we’re all influenced by societal norms and expectations. These can shape our beliefs, values, and behaviors, often limiting our potential for growth and fulfillment.

Breaking away from this societal conditioning can be challenging, but it’s an essential step towards living authentically.

A resource that I found incredibly helpful in my own journey is the “Free Your Mind” masterclass by the shaman Rudá Iandê. This enlightening journey is designed to help you transcend limiting beliefs and societal conditioning, fostering greater authenticity and freedom in your life.

In the masterclass, Rudá guides you through exercises that dismantle common myths in the spiritual world while promoting a personal cosmovision. One notable exercise demonstrates how to overcome self-imposed limitations and embrace your true potential.

By aligning your thoughts and actions with your personal values, you’ll gain mental clarity and emotional resilience. I found this masterclass profoundly transformative, and I believe it can be a valuable tool on your own journey too.

So, if you’re ready to break free from societal conditioning and embrace your true nature, I encourage you to check out the masterclass. It’s a practical approach to personal development that can start your journey towards mental and emotional liberation.

4) Living incongruently with your values

There’s a certain raw, uncomfortable truth we often avoid confronting: many of us live our lives incongruently with our personal values.

We say we value honesty, but we tell white lies. We say we value health, but we neglect self-care. We say we want freedom, but we allow societal conditioning to dictate our choices.

This incongruence can lead to inner conflict, dissatisfaction, and a nagging sense of unfulfillment. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole—it just doesn’t work.

The path to authenticity and happiness lies in aligning our actions with our deeply held values.

When you live congruently with your values, your actions are in harmony with who you truly are. This alignment is liberating, fulfilling and it leads to a deeper sense of satisfaction in life.

So I invite you to take a moment to reflect: Are your daily actions in alignment with your stated values? If not, what steps will you take to bring them into alignment?

5) Believing in the myth of individual success

We live in a society that often glorifies individual success. We’re taught to climb the ladder, to stand out, to be the best.

But the truth is, none of us can thrive alone. Our happiness and fulfillment are deeply interconnected with the relationships we cultivate and the communities we belong to.

Ironically, an overemphasis on individual success can lead to isolation, stress, and burnout. It can also blind us to the profound importance of supportive communities and authentic relationships.

It’s through our connections with others that we find the courage to pursue our dreams, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the joy of shared experiences.

So instead of focusing solely on individual achievements, recognize the power of community. Invest in your relationships. Value collaboration and mutual support.

After all, true success is not just about what you gain for yourself but what you contribute to others. Life is a shared journey, not a solo race.

6) Fearing failure

We’ve been conditioned to view failure as something to be avoided at all costs. This fear often holds us back from trying new things, taking risks, and stepping outside our comfort zones.

But what if we viewed failure differently?

Think of failure as a stepping stone on your path to growth and learning.

Every obstacle, every setback, every “failure” contains within it the seeds of creative possibility. Instead of getting discouraged by failure, view it as feedback and an invitation to adapt and evolve.

In the context of seeking a happier and more fulfilled life, abandoning the fear of failure opens up a world of possibilities. It allows us to pursue our dreams freely, learn from our experiences, and grow into our best selves.

Remember: every “no” brings you closer to a “yes”. Every fall is an opportunity to rise stronger.

7) Ignoring your financial impact

The belief that financial choices are just personal decisions without broader impact is prevalent. Yet, every financial choice we make is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.

If we desire a happier and fulfilled life, we should abandon the habit of making financial decisions without considering their broader impact.

By directing our resources toward businesses and initiatives that promote social good, we contribute to a more just and sustainable future.

Financial prosperity isn’t just about accumulating wealth; it’s about aligning our financial decisions with our deepest values and using money as a tool for positive change. It’s about cultivating a sense of purpose, creativity, and ethical participation in the economy.

By making conscious financial decisions, we not only enhance our personal well-being but also contribute to societal well-being.

After all, true fulfillment comes from knowing that our actions are making a positive difference in the world.

Wrapping up

Happiness and fulfillment aren’t just things that happen to us—they’re often the result of the choices we make every day.

While it’s easy to focus on adding new habits or goals to our lives, sometimes the most powerful changes come from letting go of what’s holding us back.

If you’re ready to abandon these unhealthy habits and embrace a happier, more fulfilled life, I highly encourage you to check out the “Free Your Mind” masterclass. It’s a powerful tool for personal development that can guide you on your path towards mental and emotional liberation.

Take the first step today—because your happiest, most fulfilled life is waiting for you to claim it.