We only get one life, and it’s up to us to make the most of it.
They say happiness is an inside job, and that’s true. However, a lot of people get caught up in a cycle of negativity that convinces them that they hate their lives and that everything sucks. If they feel this way, chances are they have these bad habits that contribute to their misery.
1. They live in their regrets.
Every day starts with “I should have.” They replay old decisions endlessly, dwelling on career paths not taken, relationships they messed up, or opportunities they missed. Their present moments get swallowed by past choices. Morning coffee becomes a time to rehash that business they didn’t start ten years ago.
2. They complain about everything but change nothing.
Their job is terrible, their relationship is draining, their flat is awful — but they never take steps to fix anything. The complaints become a daily ritual, like brushing teeth. They’ll spend hours describing their problems but shut down any suggestions for solutions. Misery becomes their comfort zone.
3. They scroll through lives they’re not living.
Hours disappear into social media feeds of people doing better than them. Their phone time shows eight hours of screen time daily. Instead of working on their goals, they’re watching other people achieve theirs. Every notification becomes another reminder of what they’re missing out on.
4. They wait for motivation to strike.
The gym bag sits packed by the door, waiting for the perfect moment of inspiration. The business plan stays unwritten until they “feel ready.” Their goals collect dust while they wait for some magical surge of energy that never comes. Another Monday passes with “I’ll start next week.”
5. They turn down every invitation.
Movie night? Too tired. Birthday celebration? Not in the mood. Weekend trip? Too expensive. Every invitation gets met with an excuse until people stop asking. Their couch becomes their closest friend, Netflix their main relationship. The outside world feels increasingly overwhelming.
6. They let their space become chaos.
Dishes pile up in the sink. Laundry mountains grow on chairs. Unopened mail creates paper cities on tables. Their physical space reflects their mental state, but cleaning feels pointless when everything else feels messy. The chaos feeds itself until simple tasks feel impossible.
7. They avoid all discomfort.
Difficult conversations get postponed indefinitely. Bank statements go unopened. Voicemails pile up unheard. Any situation that might bring temporary discomfort gets pushed away. Running from small problems creates bigger ones, but they’re too busy avoiding to notice.
8. They talk themselves out of opportunities.
Before even trying, they list all the ways things could go wrong. Job applications don’t get submitted because “they’ll never call back anyway.” Dating profiles stay unwritten because “everyone’s fake online.” Their fear of failure ensures they never risk success.
9. They keep toxic people close.
Their inner circle consists of people who drag them down. Friends who criticize their dreams, family members who belittle their efforts, partners who reinforce their worst habits. These relationships drain their energy, but loneliness feels scarier than toxicity.
10. They use sleep as an escape.
Sleeping becomes their favourite activity — not because they’re tired, but because they’re avoiding life. Weekends disappear into extended naps. They go to bed early and wake up late, using unconsciousness as a way to make time pass faster.
11. They neglect their health until it screams.
Minor health issues go ignored until they become major problems. Doctor appointments get cancelled. Medication sits unfilled at the pharmacy. Their body sends increasingly urgent signals that get dismissed until something breaks down completely.
12. They stay busy to avoid thinking.
Every minute gets filled with pointless activities. TV plays constantly in the background. Music blasts during every commute. They create endless to-do lists of unimportant tasks. Anything to avoid sitting with their thoughts or feelings.
13. They live for weekends that disappoint.
Monday through Friday is just survival mode, banking on weekend plans that never quite satisfy. By Sunday night, they feel more drained than Friday. The cycle repeats while they wonder why two days never feels like enough recovery time.
14. They blame external factors for everything.
Nothing is ever their responsibility. Bad luck, other people, the economy, the weather — everything and everyone else causes their problems. This mindset keeps them stuck while they wait for the world to change around them. Their agency slips away with each excuse.
15. They stopped dreaming small.
They’ve got big dreams of winning the lottery or suddenly getting famous, but they’ve forgotten about tiny victories. Making their bed feels pointless if they can’t buy their dream house. Small progress gets dismissed because it’s not enough, so nothing ever feels like progress at all. Their all-or-nothing mindset keeps them stuck in nothing.
