How to correct the things we mistake for happiness (part one)

Try to escape mistaken happiness by evaluating and correcting life’s decisions.

Happiness is a very personal thing, it can differ from one person to the next. Some people prefer instant gratification whereas others don’t mind waiting for it. Here are a number of things we can confuse with happiness:

1. A job you don’t like

Paying the bills and saving for the next step in your life is important, but so is working in a positive environment and enjoying your chosen career. Happiness at work can help you achieve success, build relationships with co-workers and make you more productive.

It’s natural to grumble about work the next day, but if this becomes a persistent thing, you might want to evaluate your current position. Sometimes you just might need to moves things around. Change your routine, transfer to a different part of the company or even consider taking a holiday. If these don’t work, consider exploring other opportunities.

2. A broken relationship

Relationships are rarely perfect, but this is often used as an excuse to stay in a one that isn’t working. Many couples go through the inevitable bumps in the road and they can pass over them without a worry. However if they are too frequent or too fierce in nature, they can bring a relationship to a stop. Try assessing your relationship from time to time – this gives you the opportunity to enjoy things while they are good, or save things when things aren’t.

3. Buying the latest products

It’s nice to have the latest car, smartphone or new pair of trainers. There isn’t anything wrong with it, but sometimes we become obsessed with getting the latest and greatest without actually evaluating the benefit of buying them.

Ask yourself ‘do I truly need to buy this?’ the next time you consider a new purchase.

4. Obsessing over perfection

No matter how many times we are told nothing and nobody are perfect, we still strive to achieve it. To a degree, this can be a good thing, but if you fixate on this and it impairs on you getting things done, it can be seen as a negative. If you don’t get it right first time – it’s OK! Just learn from your mistakes and try again.

If you are having trouble with managing your happiness, a life coach might be able to help. To find a life coach in your area, use our advanced search tool.

Read and comment on the original Lifehack article.