Have you ever thought about what it takes to truly feel content and happy later in life?
It’s a question I’ve asked myself more and more over the years.
While success and fulfillment often seem tied to what we do, I’ve learned that just as much—if not more—depends on what we stop doing.
The habits, choices, and mindsets we carry with us can either set us up for a life of peace and purpose or weigh us down with regret. The good news? It’s never too late to let go of the behaviors that might be holding you back.
Today, we’re diving into six such behaviors that, if left unchecked, could get in the way of a happy and content life. Saying goodbye to even one or two of these might just transform your future.
Let’s explore them together.
1) Living in the past
It’s easy to get stuck replaying old memories—whether they’re moments of regret, missed opportunities, or even the “good old days.” But dwelling on the past can hold you back from fully experiencing the present and building a better future.
As the Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius wisely said, “Each of us lives only in the present, this brief moment; the rest is either a life that is past or is an uncertain future.” His words remind us that while the past can teach us lessons, it’s not where we’re meant to live.
Successful, content people know this. They honor the past for what it was but refuse to let it define their present. Instead of ruminating on what could have been, they focus on what can be.
If you find yourself stuck in old patterns or regrets, take a moment to reflect. What lessons can you take from the past? How can you use those to improve today?
Then, let the rest go—it’s the only way to truly move forward.
2) Comparing yourself to others
This is a trap that I have personally fallen into time and time again. It’s so easy to look at others and feel like you’re not measuring up.
I used to find myself scrolling through social media, seeing the highlight reels of people’s lives and feeling like I was falling behind. This comparison game only served to make me feel inadequate and unhappy.
But over time, I’ve come to realize that everyone is on their own individual journey. My path isn’t the same as anyone else’s, and that’s okay.
As put by Einstein, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
Comparing yourself to others only steals your joy and prevents you from appreciating your own progress. It’s crucial to understand that we’re all unique, with our own strengths, weaknesses, experiences, and timelines.
3) Allowing ego to rule
This is a behavior that can be particularly detrimental to our happiness and contentment in life. Ego often disguises itself as self-confidence, but it’s far from it. It’s a false sense of self that fuels separation, comparison, and competition.
When we allow ego to rule, we become more focused on maintaining our self-image than on growing and learning. We become defensive, resistant to feedback, and closed off to new experiences.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore the Buddhist concept of “Anatta” or “no-self”. This principle teaches us that when we let go of our ego-driven desires, we can experience a profound sense of peace and contentment.
If you would like to learn more about this, I would encourage you to give my book a read but for now, just know that happiness isn’t about proving ourselves to others. It’s about being at peace with who we are.
Let’s work on letting go of our egos and embracing humility, acceptance, and authentic growth instead.
4) Neglecting self-care
In our busy lives, self-care often takes a backseat. We convince ourselves that there’s no time, that others’ needs come first, or that it’s a luxury we can’t afford.
But neglecting self-care can take a serious toll on your mental and physical well-being.
As noted by the folks at Psych Central, a lack of self-care is associated with a host of negative outcomes, including feelings of hopelessness, low energy, less patience, and even worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety. Yikes, right?
Self-care doesn’t have to mean extravagant spa days or long vacations (though those can be nice too!). It’s about small, consistent actions—getting enough sleep, eating nourishing food, exercising, and making time for things that bring you joy and relaxation.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and when you prioritize your own well-being, you’re better equipped to show up for the people and things that matter most.
5) Pursuing perfection
Striving for excellence is one thing, but chasing perfection is a whole different ball game. As experts note, perfectionism can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression.
The truth is, no one is perfect. We all make mistakes, we all have weaknesses, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s these imperfections that make us human and unique.
Pursuing perfection not only sets us up for constant disappointment but also prevents us from appreciating our achievements and progress. Instead of demanding perfection from ourselves, let’s strive for progress and personal growth.
6) Overlooking the power of gratitude
Gratitude might seem like a small thing, but it holds immense power to transform your mindset and overall happiness.
When we fail to recognize and appreciate the good in our lives, it’s easy to get caught up in what we don’t have—leading to feelings of discontent and dissatisfaction.
Gratitude, on the other hand, shifts your focus away from what’s missing and onto what’s present, creating a sense of abundance and positivity.
You don’t have to make grand gestures to harness its power. Start by keeping a gratitude journal or taking a moment each day to reflect on a few things you’re thankful for. It could be as simple as a delicious meal, a kind word from a friend, or even just the beauty of a sunny day.!
In conclusion: It’s all about choice
Letting go of the behaviors that hold us back is one of the most powerful steps we can take toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
By living in the present, practicing gratitude, and embracing self-care and growth, we create space for peace, joy, and purpose to thrive.
The best part? It’s never too late to start. Small changes today can lead to big transformations tomorrow. So, take that first step and begin building the content and meaningful life you deserve!
