The search for instant happiness might sound like a cliché Internet scam, but there are some quick fixes anyone can make to live a happier life. Everyone does things that make them unhappy, whether it's intentional or not. If more than a few of these descriptions sound like you, you might very well be standing in your own way when it comes to being happy:

Being right

With your smartphone in hand, you can instantly shut down any naysayers in a snap. However, always being right does come with consequences. Your goal of proving your argument and dismissing others' doesn't give you time to realize contrasting opinions or notice hurt feelings. While being right does give a temporary thrill, the bruised egos of those around you are keeping you from truly enjoying friendships.

Being pretty

Being attractive on its own is not withholding happiness from your life. However, the obsession to put on a face just for the world does suck the joy out of your life. Constantly focusing on your appearance puts the priority on the outward, instead of the inward - leaving you to surround yourself with superficial fixes and values. While being "commercially pretty" might give you validation, it isn't the same as being truly happy.

Being ungrateful

Choosing to rush past chances to show gratitude to others is a quick way to be unhappy. Rushing through these opportunities doesn't allow you to truly appreciate how others are helping you, and how you can help others. Even when things in your life aren't going great, there are always chances to be grateful. Believe it or not, slowing down to be grateful will make you happier.

Being busy

While sitting around at home doing nothing isn't the cure-all for unhappiness, overbooking your schedule also doesn't do you any favors. Make time to de-stress, spend time outdoors or cultivate a new hobby to find happiness in yourself, not just your achievements.

Being complacent

Learning to be happy in your situation is an important life attitude, but be fearful of slipping into complacency. If you aren't looking for new opportunities to improve yourself, meet new people or test a skill, you won't get anywhere. You will remain at your same level of happiness, contentment and attitude. Life is about stretching yourself; learn to be happy where you are, but keep an eye out for opportunities to grow.

Being late

Constantly running late might not seem to be keeping you from being happy, but a second look says otherwise. Being more organized with your schedule will erase some stress out of your life. Being on time allows you to be more relaxed, prepared and confident.

Being prideful

This attribute might not come as a shock when it comes to increasing happiness in your life. Confidence and pride are two different qualities; be sure you are building confidence in yourself and others instead of being prideful. Being prideful will bring you a conceited sense of self-worth, instead of happiness and confidence in yourself.

Being deceptive

Cheating and lying obviously aren't admirable traits; living a lifestyle full of deception isn't going to make you happy. Lying won't ever produce secure, positive and happy relationships.

Being "liked"

With every favorite, like, retweet and repost, confusing social media with true happiness is becoming more and more common. Don't use social media to validate your goals and appearance; find validation in yourself and choose to post comments and photos that lift others up, instead of just focusing on yourself. That self-confidence is much more fulfilling than a number of how many people have double tapped your selfie.

Being unrealistic

Working toward a goal can give you an incredible amount of happiness and satisfaction, unless those goals are unrealistic. While you may think happiness lies in a huge house, fancy cars and lavish vacations, you will constantly be chasing the next and the newest thing in a lifestyle like that. Have realistic and achievable goals instead. While you still might enjoy a charmed life, you aren't investing all your happiness into having an expensive lifestyle.

Ultimately, it is up to you to be happy. Choose to focus inward instead of buying into the opinions of others. There isn't an instant fix to bring you a happy life, but you can make choices that will lead you closer to true happiness.