Nearly all of us buy into the myths of happiness. These are beliefs that adult achievements such as marriage, kids, jobs or wealth will make us forever happy and that certain adult adversities like health problems, divorce and financial struggles will make us perpetually unhappy. However, there is no sure course toward misery and no magic formula for happiness.
7 Top Happiness Myths to Stop Believing Right Now
When it comes to feeling satisfied with life, it’s essential to examine your beliefs surrounding what will or will not make you happy. Sometimes, it’s these very beliefs — or rather, outright myths — that may be derailing your efforts of finding true fulfillment.
This is what we call the happiness trap: believing there is one sure course of action or list of achievements that will make us forever happy. Here is our list of the top happiness myths to stop believing right now:
- If I have X, Y or Z, I’ll be happy: It can be tempting to think there’s just one thing missing in our lives that is the key to happiness. However, not any one external thing can serve as the key to unlocking happiness.
- Life’s hardships impede on happiness: True happiness requires the ability to embrace all of life’s unexpected twists and turns and the beauty of your own unique journey.
- Happiness is the destination: Your joy in the present determines your happiness in the future — not the other way around.
- A simple life won’t make me happy: There’s nothing wrong with aiming for a satisfying, balanced life if that’s what’s important to you. Instead of comparing yourself to international CEOs or social media stars, remember that you are on your own path.
- Having things will make me happy: Many people believe that happiness comes from somewhere outside of themselves. However, much of our happiness comes from inside and how we respond to the world around us —not the things we have.
- The normal state for humans is happy: One of the most unhelpful myths out there is that the normal state of humans is to be happy all the time. Challenges are a natural part of life, meaning it’s not realistic for anyone to expect to be in a constant state of joy.
- It’s my fault I’m not happy: An inability to achieve happiness doesn’t always mean you’re doing something wrong. Mental illnesses affect many Americans’ abilities to find satisfaction in their lives. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, over 6% of adults in the United States are affected by Major Depressive Disorder.
Reach Out to the Taylor Counseling Group for Help Overcoming Feelings of Grief, Anxiety or Depression
If you’re struggling with feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety or any number of other negative emotions, know you’re not alone. Talking with others and sharing your feelings is one of the best ways of coping.
Sessions with a professional allow you to express your thoughts and feelings in a neutral, compassionate environment. Plus, you’ll learn healthy and effective ways to cope with any challenges in your daily life. Taylor Counseling Group offers affordable, reliable and accessible care, and we will support you every step of the way on your mental wellness journey.
If you need help from a highly trained counselor, reach out to us online and schedule an appointment today.
