I always felt unfulfilled and unhappy in life, until I adopted these 7 new habits

For the longest time, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing in my life.

No matter what I achieved or how much I tried to stay positive, I still felt unfulfilled and, frankly, unhappy.

It wasn’t like my life was terrible—I just knew it could be better.

Have you ever felt that way? Like you’re stuck in a cycle of doing what you’re “supposed” to do, yet it’s not bringing you the joy or meaning you crave?

That was my reality until I started making some intentional changes. It wasn’t about overnight transformation or drastic measures; it was about adopting small but powerful habits that shifted how I lived each day.

These seven habits didn’t just help me find fulfillment—they completely changed how I see myself and my life.

Let me share them with you, so you can start creating a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.

1) Embracing gratitude

I spent a lot of my life focusing on what I didn’t have, on the things that were missing. It was a one-way ticket to unhappiness.

Then, I stumbled upon the power of gratitude.

Gratitude is about focusing on what you do have, on the good in your life. It’s about taking a moment to appreciate the things that are going well, rather than dwelling on the negatives.

I started keeping a gratitude journal, writing down three things I was thankful for each day. Some days it was big things, other days it was something as simple as a nice cup of coffee or a sunny day.

What I found is that over time, this habit shifted my mindset. I was more positive, more appreciative, and ultimately, happier.

And you know what? It’s a wonderful positive feedback loop — the more grateful you are, the more positive you become. And the more positive you become, the more grateful you feel!

So if you’re feeling unfulfilled or unhappy, try embracing gratitude. It’s a small change, but it can have a big impact.

2) Prioritizing self-care

Another habit that changed my life was learning to prioritize self-care.

For years, I was caught in the loop of being constantly busy, always on the go.

Work, family, friends – there was always something demanding my time and energy. I was running on empty, and it was taking a toll on my mental health.

Then, I read about the importance of self-care. It sounded indulgent at first, something reserved for spa days or expensive vacations. But I soon realized it could be as simple as taking 15 minutes to meditate or going for a walk.

I remember one particular day when I was feeling extremely stressed and overwhelmed. Instead of pushing through as I usually would, I decided to take a self-care break. I went for a long walk in the park near my home. Just being in nature, away from the noise and demands of everyday life, made me feel calmer and more centered.

Now, prioritizing self-care is a non-negotiable part of my routine. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. And it’s made me a happier and more fulfilled person.

3) Setting personal goals

The lack of direction was a major contributor to my feelings of being unfulfilled. I felt like I was drifting aimlessly through life, without any real purpose or goal.

That’s when I discovered the power of setting personal goals.

Goals provide a sense of direction and purpose. They give you something to strive for, something to work towards. They can be big or small, short-term or long-term. The important thing is that they are meaningful to you.

Goal-setting is so powerful that it directly impacts success. In fact, a study conducted by psychologist Gail Matthews showed that individuals who wrote down their goals were 33% more successful in achieving them than those who merely formulated outcomes in their heads.

So now, I regularly set myself goals and write them down. It’s an empowering habit that has not only increased my productivity but also greatly improved my sense of fulfillment.

4) Adopting mindfulness

One of the most transformative habits I adopted was mindfulness, a concept deeply rooted in Buddhism.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, fully engaged with whatever we are doing at the time. It’s about letting go of distractions and truly experiencing the here and now.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into how mindfulness and other Buddhist principles can lead to a more fulfilled and happier life.

The idea is simple, but the impact is profound. By being mindful, we stop rushing through life. We start to appreciate the little things. We become more patient, more empathetic, and more at peace.

I found that practicing mindfulness not only improved my mental health but also enriched my daily experiences. It’s a habit that I recommend everyone to try.

5) Learning to let go

This was a tough one for me. I’ve always been a bit of a control freak, and the idea of letting go, of not trying to control every aspect of my life, was incredibly daunting.

But the truth is, not everything in life is within our control. And trying to manipulate every outcome, every situation, leads to nothing but stress and disappointment.

So I started practicing letting go. When things didn’t go as planned, instead of getting upset or frustrated, I tried to accept it and move on. I started to realize that sometimes, the unexpected detours in life can lead to beautiful destinations.

It’s not always easy. There are still times when I struggle with this. But overall, learning to let go has made me a more relaxed, happier person.

It’s freed me from the constant stress of trying to control everything, and it’s made me more open to the surprises life has in store. I’m sure it will do the same for you.

6) Inviting discomfort

This might sound strange, but bear with me. One of the habits that has brought me the most fulfillment is actually seeking out discomfort.

We’re often taught to avoid discomfort. To seek out the easy route, the path of least resistance. But the reality is, growth happens outside our comfort zones.

Whether it’s trying a new workout, speaking up in a meeting, or learning a new skill, these moments of discomfort are actually opportunities for growth. They push us to be better, to learn more, and to step into our full potential.

By inviting discomfort and challenging myself regularly, I’ve found that I’ve become stronger, more resilient, and ultimately more fulfilled. It’s not always pleasant in the moment, but the rewards in terms of personal growth are well worth it.

7) Cultivating a positive mindset

The final habit I adopted was cultivating a positive mindset. It might sound cliché, but the power of positivity cannot be underestimated. It truly has the power to shape our well-being.

Previously, I was always quick to spot the negatives in any situation. This pessimistic perspective only served to bring me down, fueling feelings of unhappiness and unfulfillment.

However, when I started consciously shifting my focus towards the positive aspects, everything began to change.

Instead of dwelling on problems, I started looking for solutions. Instead of focusing on what was going wrong, I began to appreciate what was going right.

Cultivating a positive mindset isn’t about ignoring the negatives or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about choosing to focus on the good and maintaining a hopeful outlook, even when times are tough.

This shift in mindset has made a significant difference in my overall happiness and fulfillment in life.

Consistency is key

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s the importance of consistency.

All these habits that I’ve shared, they didn’t transform my life overnight. It was the consistent effort, day after day, that led to real, lasting change.

Whether it’s practicing gratitude, prioritizing self-care, setting goals, or any of the other habits I’ve mentioned, the key is to keep at it. Even when it’s tough. Even when you don’t feel like it.

Because it’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently. So keep going, keep striving, and remember that every step you take is bringing you closer to a more fulfilled and happier life.