People are quick to tell you that adding things to your life like a new purse or a new look will make you happier. But if you keep collecting material things, you will find yourself living a life surrounded by clutter that was supposed to make you happy. If you truly want to be happy, you need to give up these 10 things:

1. Give up asking "what if"

Don't dwell on what could have happened. Focus on what is happening now and what you can do from then on. You can't change the past, but you can influence your future.

2. Give up people-pleasing

Accept that you can't make everyone happy. Do your best and be satisfied with that. You'll find that you're happier when you aren't overwhelmed with meeting everyone's expectations.

3. Give up toxic relationships

Let go of the people holding you back from reaching your dreams, whether it's a friend or significant other. You might think they will change and choose to support you, but sadly that doesn't always happen. You deserve to be with people who prioritize and support you. If you are in an abusive relationship, seek trusted family members, friends or therapists for help.

4. Give up excuses

Don't put it off or say you can't do it. The time is now. If you already failed your New Year's resolution, don't wait until next year to start over. Start where you left off and keep going.

5. Give up regrets

The past is in the past; let it stay there. Take the lessons learned and use that to become better, but don't let your history continue to haunt you. Focus on what you can do to in the present to affect your future. Replace regrets with action.

6. Give up social media for a day

Cleanse yourself from negativity; you can start with social media. Vow to stay off social media for an entire day. This will keep you from reading negative comments or comparing yourself to others. There are positive messages on the internet at times, but endlessly scrolling can also flood your mind with negative thoughts, leaving you frustrated and insecure.

If you want to go the extra mile, go completely unplugged. Only use your cellphone for emergencies and take time for yourself and your family.

7. Give up criticizing yourself

We are our own worst critics. Part of giving up negativity in your life is giving up feeling negative about yourself. This is easier said than done, but it is possible. Next time a bad thought about yourself creeps in, think about something positive. Mention the things you love about yourself inside and out.

8. Give up gossiping

Gossiping might make you feel good in the moment, but it can make you feel crummy afterwards. Don't involve yourself in that kind of negativity.

9. Give up unrealistic expectations

It's great to dream big, but to be happier, set goals and expectations you can achieve while still challenging yourself. You can do this by setting small goals to help you reach a big goal. For example, if you want to lose 30 pounds, set a goal to lose one pound a week. This looks much less daunting than the 30-pound goal, and it can help you feel accomplished as you work towards your big dreams.

10. Give up labels

You are not defined by what other people say about you. Give up the labels anyone has ever given you and give up labeling other people. Eliminating this negativity from your life can help you feel positive about yourself and the people around you.

Remove even just one of these 10 nasty habits from your life, and you'll see what an incredible difference it can make for your happiness.

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