We all want to feel content—to wake up each day with a sense of peace and fulfillment, knowing we’re living a life that aligns with who we are and what truly matters.
But achieving that sense of contentment often requires more than adding new habits or chasing external goals.
Sometimes, it’s about letting go.
The truth is, certain habits and mindsets can quietly rob us of joy and keep us stuck in cycles of dissatisfaction. They might seem small or harmless, but over time, they add up, pulling us further from the contentment we seek.
In this post, we’ll explore five such habits that may be standing in the way of your happiness.
Ready to let go and make room for true contentment? Let’s dive in.
1) Comparing yourself to others
We’ve all been there—scrolling through social media, seeing someone else’s seemingly perfect life, and suddenly feeling like we’re falling short.
Their career looks more impressive, their relationships seem happier, their vacations more luxurious. It’s an easy trap to fall into, but it’s also one of the fastest ways to rob yourself of contentment.
The truth is, comparing ourselves to others is like comparing apples to oranges.
What we see is often just a carefully curated highlight reel, not the full picture. We’re comparing our everyday struggles and imperfections to someone else’s best moments.
Clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson offers a powerful alternative: “Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today.” In other words, the only comparison worth making is with yourself—your progress, your growth, and your journey.
When you shift your focus inward, you stop measuring your worth against someone else’s life and start recognizing your own achievements, no matter how small. It’s a perspective that fosters gratitude, builds self-esteem, and brings you closer to lasting contentment.
The next time you catch yourself playing the comparison game, pause.
Ask yourself: “How far have I come? What progress have I made?” Because your journey is yours alone, and it’s worth celebrating.
2) Holding onto regrets
We all make mistakes. I know I’ve made my fair share, at least.
A few years back, I made some business decisions that didn’t pan out as I’d hoped. Instead of moving on, I spent months dwelling on these regrets, which did nothing but drain my energy and happiness.
It tools some introspection to realize that our past mistakes don’t define us. Holding onto regrets only keeps us stuck in the past, preventing us from truly enjoying the present moment and looking forward to the future.
Instead, they offer valuable lessons that can help shape a better future. As put by renowned psychiatrist Carl Jung, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”
By learning to let go of my regrets, I found a new level of contentment and peace. And you can too.
3) Living with a huge ego
This is a big one that’s often overlooked.
Having confidence is important, but there’s a fine line between confidence and ego.
When our ego takes over, we start to believe we’re always right and others are wrong. This not only strains our relationships but also prevents us from growing and learning.
I’ve seen this first-hand. I used to be someone who always had to win every argument, who always believed I knew best.
But the reality is, no one knows everything. And it was only when I started to embrace humility that I truly began to grow and find contentment.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into the concept of ego and how it can hinder our happiness. But for now, just know that by keeping our ego in check, we can lead a more balanced life, improve our relationships, and ultimately be more content.
4) Neglecting self-care
When was the last time you truly took care of yourself? When was the last time you paused to recharge, did something purely for your own well-being, or simply allowed yourself to rest without guilt?
If you can’t remember, it’s a sign that something needs to change.
As noted by the folks at Choosing Therapy, self-care is associated with a host of benefits: happier relationships, lower stress levels, a reduced likelihood of depression and anxiety, and an overall boost in happiness. Sounds like a recipe for contentment, right?
But here’s the thing—self-care isn’t just bubble baths and spa days (though those can certainly count!). At its core, self-care is about prioritizing your physical, emotional, and mental health.
For me, self-care means carving out time to read, going for quiet walks, and setting boundaries when I need to protect my energy.
For others, it might look like spending time with loved ones, cooking a nourishing meal, journaling, or simply getting enough sleep.
The key is to find what nourishes you and to make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
5) Chasing after happiness
Another habit you need to break for a more content life is the constant chase of happiness.
Sounds odd, right? But hear me out.
When we see happiness as a destination, we’re always in pursuit, always wanting more, and never truly satisfied with what we have. This can actually rob us of our peace and contentment.
Instead, consider focusing on fulfillment and purpose. Find joy in what you do and who you are, rather than what you aspire to be or have.
Embrace the idea that happiness is a journey, not a destination. It’s about finding joy in the present moment and cherishing it.
Final thoughts
Contentment isn’t about having it all or achieving perfection—it’s about finding peace in the present and letting go of what doesn’t serve you.
By releasing these habits, you’re not just making space for a calmer, more fulfilled life—you’re giving yourself permission to embrace who you are, where you are, and the unique journey you’re on.
Take it one step at a time. Let go of the comparisons, regrets, and unnecessary pressures. Prioritize self-care, purpose, and presence.
And above all, be kind to yourself—because you deserve a life of peace and fulfillment.
Your journey toward contentment starts now.
Neuroscientist reveals a new way to manifest more financial abundance
Breakthrough Columbia study confirms the brain region is 250 million years old, the size of a walnut and accessible inside your brain right now.
