If you want life to feel fun and exciting again, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors

Remember when life felt effortless and full of possibility? Back then, even the smallest moments felt like adventures.

But somewhere along the way, the daily grind snuck in, and suddenly, life feels more like a loop than a journey.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It happens to the best of us.

The good news? It’s not as complicated as you think to bring that excitement back.

You don’t need a dramatic life overhaul — sometimes, it’s more about letting go of the things quietly draining your energy and enthusiasm.

The truth is, some habits feel harmless, but they slowly chip away at your joy. Let them go, and you might be surprised how quickly your days start to feel lighter, brighter, and fun again.

Let’s look at 7 of the most common behaviors that could be holding you back.

1) Overthinking

Often, the biggest joy-killer is our own mind – specifically, the habit of overthinking.

Overthinking means getting stuck in a loop of ‘what ifs’ and worst-case scenarios. It’s when you replay conversations in your head, or worry about the future to the point that it paralyzes you.

This habit can drain the fun and excitement from life faster than anything else. It turns simple decisions into complex dilemmas and peaceful moments into anxiety-inducing nightmares.

Here’s the kicker – most things you worry about never happen. You’re using valuable mental energy to create hypothetical problems instead of enjoying the present moment.

So if you want your life to feel fun and exciting again, it’s time to break up with overthinking.

Remember, life is meant to be experienced, not over-analyzed. When you catch yourself spiraling into a pit of what-ifs, take a deep breath, remind yourself you’re in control, and redirect your thoughts towards something positive and present.

Saying goodbye to overthinking isn’t an overnight task, but with consistent effort, you’ll start feeling a big difference in your overall enjoyment of life.

2) Neglecting self-care

I learnt this lesson the hard way.

There was a time when I used to put everything and everyone ahead of myself. I was so focused on meeting deadlines, attending to others’ needs, and ticking off tasks that I forgot to take care of myself.

And guess what happened? I ended up feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and far from excited about life.

It’s like always pouring from a cup without ever refilling it; eventually, the cup will run dry.

That’s when I realized the importance of self-care. It’s not selfish or indulgent; it’s been clinically proven for maintaining a sense of excitement and fun in life.

Now, I make sure to set aside some ‘me-time’ every day. It could be as simple as taking a walk in the park, reading a chapter from my favorite book, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea.

The key is to do something that refreshes you, something that makes you feel alive and present. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to enjoy life and navigate its challenges.

3) Living on autopilot

Another behavior that can rob life of its fun and excitement is living on autopilot. This means going through your days mindlessly, without truly experiencing each moment.

When you’re not fully present, you miss out on the small joys that life has to offer – the warmth of the sun on your skin, the taste of your morning coffee, or the sound of your loved ones’ laughter.

Mindfulness is the antidote to living on autopilot. It’s about being fully engaged in the present moment, without judgment or distraction.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I delve into practical ways to cultivate mindfulness in your everyday life.

From simple breathing exercises to mindful eating techniques, the book offers easy-to-follow tips and strategies to help you bring back the fun and excitement into your life by living in the here and now.

So if you’re feeling like life has become a monotonous routine, it might be time to switch off autopilot mode. Start practicing mindfulness and see how it transforms your everyday experiences into extraordinary ones.

After all, life is happening right now, in this very moment. Don’t let it pass you by!

4) Holding onto grudges

Holding onto grudges can feel like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere you go – it weighs you down and makes every step feel like a struggle.

There was a time when a close friend betrayed my trust. The hurt and anger consumed me, casting a shadow over all the other beautiful aspects of life.

Choosing to let go of that grudge was one of the most liberating decisions ever made. It was like setting down that heavy backpack. Suddenly, life felt lighter, brighter and much more enjoyable.

Letting go of grudges isn’t about forgetting the past or condoning wrong actions. It’s about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment and making space for more positive emotions.

If you want life to feel fun and exciting again, consider letting go of old grudges. Do it for yourself and your own inner peace. 

5) Chasing perfection

This might sound counter-intuitive, but if you want life to feel fun and exciting again, let go of the pursuit of perfection. According to research, it is a real happiness-killer. 

You see, perfection is a mirage. It’s an illusion that keeps moving farther away the closer you get to it. And the constant chase can leave you feeling drained, dissatisfied, and far from excited about life.

See Also

If you grew up working-class, you probably display these 9 behaviors (without realizing it)

Instead of striving for perfection, aim for progress. Celebrate small victories, learn from mistakes, and appreciate the journey.

Life isn’t about achieving a flawless end result; it’s about growing and evolving along the way.

When you shift your focus from perfection to progress, you’ll find that life becomes less of a relentless race and more of an enjoyable adventure. 

6) Avoiding risks

Staying in your comfort zone might feel safe and easy, but it can also make life seem dull and predictable.

Risk-taking is an integral part of living an exciting life. It’s about daring to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown.

Now, this doesn’t mean you should be reckless. Instead, it’s about calculated risks – whether it’s trying a new hobby, exploring a new place, or pursuing a passion project.

Every risk you take is a chance to learn something new, to grow as a person, and to experience life from a different perspective. And even if things don’t turn out as expected, you’ll still gain valuable lessons and memories.

So if you want life to feel fun and exciting again, start taking calculated risks. You never know what amazing experiences could be waiting just outside your comfort zone!

7) Ignoring your passions

Your passions are the things that light you up, that make you feel alive and excited. They’re the activities or pursuits that you could spend hours doing and still not feel tired.

Ignoring your passions is like snuffing out your own spark. It can lead to a life that feels dull, monotonous, and far from exciting.

So here’s the most important thing to remember: make time for your passions. Incorporate them into your daily life, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.

Your passions are a source of joy, energy, and excitement. They’re a part of who you are, and embracing them can make life feel fun and exciting again. So don’t ignore them – celebrate them!

Final thoughts: It’s all about choice

At the end of the day, making life feel fun and exciting again is about choices. It’s about choosing to let go of behaviors that weigh you down and embracing those that lift you up.

It’s about choosing progress over perfection, adventure over comfort, and passion over monotony. It’s about choosing to be present in each moment, rather than living on autopilot.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I explore how mindfulness can play a pivotal role in this process. How it can help you make conscious choices that bring joy and excitement into your life.

But remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. So take it one step at a time, one choice at a time.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this article, it’s this – you have the power to make your life as fun and exciting as you want it to be. It all starts with a choice.

So what will you choose?