If you can’t remember the last time you felt excited by life, say goodbye to these 8 habits (2024)

Life can sometimes feel like a never-ending cycle of monotony. Trust me, I’ve been there.

As the founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness enthusiast, I know all too well how easy it is to fall into patterns that drain the color from our lives.

The culprit? Unhealthy habits. They have a sneaky way of stealing our joy and enthusiasm. But here’s the good news: I’ve identified 8 of these joy-suckers, and I’m going to help you say goodbye to them.

In this article, we’ll be exploring these habits and finding ways to bring back that lost excitement.

Let’s get started.

1. Getting caught up in the comparison game

We’ve all done it – scrolling through social media, comparing our behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel. This habit of constantly comparing ourselves to others can seriously sap the joy from our lives.

When we’re always looking at what others have or do, we forget to appreciate and feel excited about what we have. We start to focus on what we lack instead of what we have, and this can lead to feelings of discontentment and dissatisfaction.

The truth is, there will always be someone who has more or does more. But that doesn’t mean they’re happier or more fulfilled. It’s important to remember that everyone’s path is unique, and what works for one person may not work for you.

As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” So let’s bid adieu to this habit and reclaim our excitement for life.

2. Neglecting self-care

I’ve been there – working non-stop, neglecting sleep, skipping meals, and squeezing in just about enough time for a rushed workout. I was so focused on getting things done that I forgot to take care of myself.

But let me tell you, this routine took a toll on me. The constant fatigue made it hard to feel excited about anything. Even things I usually enjoyed felt like chores. It was clear I needed to make a change.

So I started prioritizing self-care. This didn’t mean indulging in spa days or expensive treats. It simply meant eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and taking time off to relax and recharge.

The change was amazing. My energy levels improved, I felt happier, and life became exciting again.

3. Living in the past or future

Ever find yourself replaying past events in your head or constantly worrying about the future? It’s natural to do so, but too much of it can rob you of the joy and excitement of the present moment.

I’ve noticed that when we’re stuck in the past or constantly anxious about the future, we miss out on the opportunities and experiences that are happening right here, right now. This can lead to a life that feels dull and unexciting.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into this concept. I discuss how learning to live in the present moment – a central tenet of Buddhism – can help us appreciate our lives more and bring back that lost excitement.

As acclaimed psychologist Dr. Richard Carlson puts it, “The trick is to be grateful when your mood is high and graceful when it is low.”

4. Ignoring the power of gratitude

Research in the field of positive psychology has repeatedly shown the significant impact of gratitude on our overall happiness and well-being. Despite this, many of us often neglect the simple act of acknowledging the good in our lives.

When we fail to recognize the things we are grateful for, we tend to focus more on what’s missing or what’s going wrong. This can create a negative mindset, making life seem less exciting.

Practicing gratitude shifts our focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in our lives. It allows us to appreciate the good in our lives and helps us cultivate a positive mindset.

A practical way to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine is by keeping a gratitude journal. Taking a few minutes each day to jot down what you’re grateful for can work wonders in revitalizing your outlook on life.

5. Overloading your schedule

In our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed society, it’s easy to think that the more we do, the more fulfilled and excited we’ll feel about life. But ironically, the opposite is often true.

When we pack our schedules to the brim, we end up feeling stressed and overwhelmed. We’re constantly rushing from one task to the next, with little time to appreciate or enjoy any of it. Life becomes a blur of commitments and deadlines, leaving little room for excitement or spontaneity.

Instead, consider intentionally leaving some white space in your schedule. This is not wasted time. It’s an opportunity for rest, reflection, and spontaneous joy.

6. Forgetting to play

Yes, you read that right. Play. As adults, we often get so caught up in our responsibilities that we forget the simple joy of playing.

Play isn’t just for kids. It’s a powerful source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well. Whether it’s a sport, a hobby, or simply being silly with friends, play can inject fun and excitement into our lives.

When we neglect to incorporate play into our lives, we’re missing out on an important source of joy and creativity. Make it a habit to do something just for the sheer fun of it.

7. Avoiding discomfort

It’s human nature to seek comfort and avoid discomfort. But often, it’s our willingness to step outside of our comfort zone that leads to the most growth and excitement in life.

Whether it’s trying a new activity, facing a difficult conversation, or pushing ourselves to achieve a challenging goal, these experiences can bring a sense of accomplishment and thrill that the comfort zone simply cannot provide.

On the other hand, constantly staying within our comfort zones can lead to a life that feels stagnant and unexciting. So let’s dare to step outside, face discomfort, and see the magic it brings.

As psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.” It’s time we choose growth.

8. Neglecting relationships

We are social creatures by nature. Our relationships with others play a significant role in our overall happiness and fulfillment. However, in the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to take these relationships for granted.

When we neglect our relationships, we miss out on the joy and excitement that comes from connecting with others. Whether it’s a deep conversation with a friend, a fun outing with family, or a quiet moment with a loved one, these experiences can bring a sense of joy and excitement to our lives.

Let’s make it a habit to nurture our relationships. Spend quality time with the people you care about. Be present in your interactions. Show appreciation. These small steps can go a long way in bringing back the excitement in life.

In conclusion: It’s about choice

Our lives are largely shaped by the choices we make. The habits we choose to cultivate or discard can significantly impact our level of excitement and fulfillment in life.

We’ve discussed 8 habits that can drain the excitement from our lives. But remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about making small, consistent changes that move us closer to a life filled with joy and excitement.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into how making mindful choices can transform our lives. We explore how to break free from ego-driven decisions and make choices that lead to genuine happiness and fulfillment.