There are so many things in this life that are out of our control. I get that, and I feel the struggle of wasting energy trying to change things that I can't, and stressing over situations that are out of my control. Life can be tough. But guess what, you're pretty damn tough, too. Despite the various crappy things that are beyond our control, there are little changes that you can make to enhance your happiness.
Realize that you have the strength to let go of these 18 habits and feel your happiness level go way up:
1. Worrying about things that are out of your control.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274412775534767-1578926370_200.webp%2321&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=529&h=1f195a64f710ddc448049a6d9acbeaf9aab80616cabc7680d43a7be956286010&size=980x&c=2203418831 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274412775534767-1578926370_200.webp%252321%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D529%26h%3D1f195a64f710ddc448049a6d9acbeaf9aab80616cabc7680d43a7be956286010%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2203418831%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
You're wasting your time.
2. Over analyzing every little thing.
You have to just accept things for what they are. You will make things 10 times worse by over thinking situations.
3. Accepting other people's standards of success.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F6362744137975538491578484971_200.webp%238&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=637&h=26116c05332108e3e2ec8e4c5420c00560525e6c9048c5d1d3b3f26ebbbbdeec&size=980x&c=13321965 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F6362744137975538491578484971_200.webp%25238%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D637%26h%3D26116c05332108e3e2ec8e4c5420c00560525e6c9048c5d1d3b3f26ebbbbdeec%26size%3D980x%26c%3D13321965%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
If your talent is not of the typical medical, business, or technical kind, that doesn't mean you're going to be unsuccessful. If you're creative and unique, you go with your bad self and don't let anyone tell you that you can't make a career out of doing what you love.
4. Placing your happiness in the hands of another person.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F6362744158472020071450290744_200.webp%230&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=374&h=c9fc9cf58ef85a0e0754b748bb33e463c623ceee7f62e7f5c8ec7eca9f2bd467&size=980x&c=2541449046 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F6362744158472020071450290744_200.webp%25230%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D374%26h%3Dc9fc9cf58ef85a0e0754b748bb33e463c623ceee7f62e7f5c8ec7eca9f2bd467%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2541449046%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
Do not let others control your happiness.
5. Not believing your dreams are achievable because they're against the norm.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274416608806647893886947_200.webp%239&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=621&h=9db68d30a9ed0f4fe9b56e9a3275f8ff066d2901f4c481293c57d56444e97ab4&size=980x&c=3745814196 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274416608806647893886947_200.webp%25239%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D621%26h%3D9db68d30a9ed0f4fe9b56e9a3275f8ff066d2901f4c481293c57d56444e97ab4%26size%3D980x%26c%3D3745814196%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
Dream big. Way big. Dream outside the box. Who cares if others think they're unrealistic, prove them wrong.
6. Not making time for the things that make you happy.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274417389389905-23838746_200.webp%231&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=505&h=d621a3a90169a78f56b107b54cb8ade44b61a5640e8fd53baca66651df4ea280&size=980x&c=1924559314 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274417389389905-23838746_200.webp%25231%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D505%26h%3Dd621a3a90169a78f56b107b54cb8ade44b61a5640e8fd53baca66651df4ea280%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1924559314%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
Go for a run, read a book, listen to your favorite songs, get a large coffee with a donut. Do things that put a smile on your face.
7. Giving a sh** about what other people think.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274418375265697-1939773465_200.webp%2311&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=787&h=9738974dc71a5c567aed7e151cc0368cf41c12d41d881a914fb6b898b6f507cf&size=980x&c=932276010 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274418375265697-1939773465_200.webp%252311%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D787%26h%3D9738974dc71a5c567aed7e151cc0368cf41c12d41d881a914fb6b898b6f507cf%26size%3D980x%26c%3D932276010%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
What good does worrying about someone else's opinion do? Worry about your character, and that's it.
8. Living inside your comfort zone.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274418739160607-1431273643_200.webp%234&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=228&h=c313a0ca8dda8b3c8faa86ed2325196fd8149b81dde9f29e518ed9c5c7839f0f&size=980x&c=2613062272 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274418739160607-1431273643_200.webp%25234%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D228%26h%3Dc313a0ca8dda8b3c8faa86ed2325196fd8149b81dde9f29e518ed9c5c7839f0f%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2613062272%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
Nothing awesome happens from your little bubble of comfort.
9. Settling.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274419218356984-861944739_200.webp%2314&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=484&h=85d94142099f594e34c442b803c562f76313c091f4741db3dd62c37028840fa1&size=980x&c=671828716 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274419218356984-861944739_200.webp%252314%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D484%26h%3D85d94142099f594e34c442b803c562f76313c091f4741db3dd62c37028840fa1%26size%3D980x%26c%3D671828716%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
Do not settle. Do not settle for bad relationships, friendships, sub-par work ethic. Do not compromise on matters of your life.
10. Not challenging yourself.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F6362744195166453941645912298_200.webp%233&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=74&h=e192aa20da4db26c57b0f00e0341747e46f4c6c090788d40f949f63fb319a1b0&size=980x&c=214172088 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F6362744195166453941645912298_200.webp%25233%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D74%26h%3De192aa20da4db26c57b0f00e0341747e46f4c6c090788d40f949f63fb319a1b0%26size%3D980x%26c%3D214172088%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
Always reach for more. If you don't feel challenged, it's time to push for something bigger than what you're doing right now.
11. Trying to please others.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274419887754282-588312636_200.webp%234&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=681&h=ef74f4703467ffa9c1d6b87f8119e663a67943ba493fd11df5963e9f5289f50c&size=980x&c=2170605156 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274419887754282-588312636_200.webp%25234%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D681%26h%3Def74f4703467ffa9c1d6b87f8119e663a67943ba493fd11df5963e9f5289f50c%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2170605156%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
If you spend your life aiming to please others, you will find that you won't have a lot of happiness within yourself. Do what makes you happy, and those who love you will be happy for you.
12. Not making yourself a priority.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274420197373137611997537_200.webp%232&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=941&h=1c102c042dd60f6b85f99e9fd8c751ab78d9f76c2195acab6e3c23343b1a8a5d&size=980x&c=1142221101 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274420197373137611997537_200.webp%25232%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D941%26h%3D1c102c042dd60f6b85f99e9fd8c751ab78d9f76c2195acab6e3c23343b1a8a5d%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1142221101%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
Put yourself first sometimes. Value your alone time.
13. Complaining.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274420592752027-205673314_200.webp%231&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=994&h=7b5620a51760e1266743f49701b3908d60fad8055cc2293d17d0bd813fffe51d&size=980x&c=3571027725 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274420592752027-205673314_200.webp%25231%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D994%26h%3D7b5620a51760e1266743f49701b3908d60fad8055cc2293d17d0bd813fffe51d%26size%3D980x%26c%3D3571027725%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
Complaining will never improve a situation. Ever.
14. Concerning yourself with other people's business.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274421288866251567177059_200w.webp%233&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=254&h=021449885a01c7142e5baf3748f196af9f4645de3dae2ac654cdbe043c320f72&size=980x&c=1951229193 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274421288866251567177059_200w.webp%25233%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D254%26h%3D021449885a01c7142e5baf3748f196af9f4645de3dae2ac654cdbe043c320f72%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1951229193%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
It's such wasted energy. Don't be worried over what's going on in other people's lives, especially if you're just being nosy.
15. Talking badly about others.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F6362744215233376161898010469_200.webp%233&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=474&h=d6c9863567bea11effb33e65599721a32872d608761317e7e9ed38f1beaa78c5&size=980x&c=4237027689 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F6362744215233376161898010469_200.webp%25233%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D474%26h%3Dd6c9863567bea11effb33e65599721a32872d608761317e7e9ed38f1beaa78c5%26size%3D980x%26c%3D4237027689%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
Talking badly about others only makes you look bad. It shows a severe lack of character. Be a good person and don't talk sh** about others.
16. Letting fear intimidate you from doing what you want.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274421791162504-876500398_200.webp%232&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=536&h=8daa285fb3201af4e2792b6d4bec47d13fa14435ac7ff7e65cf7b6cb154a4959&size=980x&c=2155473053 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274421791162504-876500398_200.webp%25232%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D536%26h%3D8daa285fb3201af4e2792b6d4bec47d13fa14435ac7ff7e65cf7b6cb154a4959%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2155473053%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
You're going to be scared of things. Life is scary. Don't let that keep you from accomplishing your goals. Feel the fear and do it anyway.
17. Not adventuring.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274422098930849-526062768_200w.webp%230&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=858&h=4d1c881066bc81af88353fc6868b16731972cc6f6c91aaedd963b85d74669f9e&size=980x&c=2958025253 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274422098930849-526062768_200w.webp%25230%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D858%26h%3D4d1c881066bc81af88353fc6868b16731972cc6f6c91aaedd963b85d74669f9e%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2958025253%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
Your soul needs to venture. Search for places and things, explore your town, your state, and the world. There is so much out there, don't limit yourself.
18. Making a bad minute a bad day.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274422455862411579089911_200.webp%233&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=452&h=df6a79ea2a0e5a670e22fac7a02525bac5b0701beceaa1cb5719adfcbbd75aeb&size=980x&c=3283718090 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274422455862411579089911_200.webp%25233%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D452%26h%3Ddf6a79ea2a0e5a670e22fac7a02525bac5b0701beceaa1cb5719adfcbbd75aeb%26size%3D980x%26c%3D3283718090%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
So you were late to work, or you spilled coffee all over you, or you bombed an exam. Whatever happened, take five minutes and get mad about it, but then let it go and make it a good day.
19. Dwelling on the negatives.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274422743865374429750300_200.webp%2314&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=353&h=2024928f42f17ea86fd9f5a4c53c0d0d84a31a9fb747024e3782f6a804981589&size=980x&c=346859581 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274422743865374429750300_200.webp%252314%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D353%26h%3D2024928f42f17ea86fd9f5a4c53c0d0d84a31a9fb747024e3782f6a804981589%26size%3D980x%26c%3D346859581%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
Bad things will happen. Don't dwell on them, or it will spread negativity into all aspects of your life.
20. Getting caught up in any other time than the present.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F04%2F10%2F636274423074351585-567581737_200.webp%230&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=194&h=edd5170fea0dca1abfee4584b1270f6f759782ff21e37a2d45b14c09b3af3f9e&size=980x&c=4022394066 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F04%252F10%252F636274423074351585-567581737_200.webp%25230%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D194%26h%3Dedd5170fea0dca1abfee4584b1270f6f759782ff21e37a2d45b14c09b3af3f9e%26size%3D980x%26c%3D4022394066%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"]
Don't cling to the past, and don't stress yourself out over the future. Enjoy the now, focus on what is in your control today.