One happiness stealer you may not have considered is the concept of complacency. Sometimes, we get in a rut and we feel that there’s nothing we can do to make our situation better. Perhaps you feel you’re stuck in a dead-end career or that you’ll never be as successful as your social media friends due to certain limitations. While we all have some limits on what we can achieve, it’s my belief that there’s always something we can do to improve ourselves and our situations. When you change your mindset to one of growth and potential, you’ll find your happiness will increase. Let me show you what I mean.
The Illusion of Perfection
As we’ve discussed, perfection is unattainable and simply sets up unrealistic expectations. What you may not realize is that it’s possible that the idea of perfection can lie at the foundation of complacency. Often, we fail to move forward to better ourselves and try new things because we fear we’ll fall short somehow. Putting yourself out there and taking risks should never be viewed as a competition or as a performance. Instead, try to see self-improvement as an opportunity and something you “get” to do. This shift in thinking can take you far.
Modern Time Wasters
In today’s fast-paced world of social media and instant gratification, we can waste a great deal of time on things that aren’t truly enhancing our lives. That’s not to say that all types of social network and media are bad and that you shouldn’t use them. However, it is important that you view their use through a critical lens. Facebook and Instagram posts can be fun. They can also instill self-doubt and comparison, leading us to feel inadequate. Instead, consider searching for inspiration in your friends’ feeds. Strive to look for ways you might want to improve yourself based on the fun and interesting things others are doing. If they’re out there living life and seizing opportunities, so can you. Just remember to tailor your efforts to your own particular lifestyle, characteristics, and preferences. Comparing yourself to others is never productive.
Your Why Matters
Finally, take some time for self-reflection and assessment. Consider why it is you may wish to move forward. What do you most want out of life and what’s of significant importance to you? Understanding your values and priorities will help you to move forward in a way that’s meaningful to you. It puts you in charge of your self-development and helps you to avoid comparison to others. You will achieve your goals in a way that’s right for you. Growth and learning take time; you can’t be expected to improve overnight. Keeping your why in mind will help you to stay the course as you strive for self-improvement.
Seeking to better yourself every day is a worthwhile endeavor. Keep an open mind and be ready to embrace new opportunities. You’ll soon see your life improve in ways you may never have even considered.
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