Why Your Idea of 'The Perfect Life' Is Bad For You

I think most of us have life goals or an image of how we'd ideally like our lives to be but this could actually be doing you more harm than good.

Growing up I always wished that time went by quicker as I spent my days thinking that when X thing happens everything will amazing and life will be great.

When X thing did happen though that was never the case. The build-up of expectations and excitement of waiting for it to happen so life could be "perfect" always out-weighed the actual event.

This is something I believe many of us do. We think that when we finish school, graduate from college, get a job, get married, have kids etc. that life will be perfect but that's never the case.

So we're constantly left wondering when our lives are going to turn around and be as "perfect" as the lives that are portrayed online by others.

Here's the thing though...

Wishing your life away and waiting for that fairytale happily ever after moment to happen to you is damaging your mental health.

Don't get me wrong, it's good to have goals and things to aspire to, however, if you don't take the time to live in the moment and appreciate all the good things that are in your life now you'll never be happy.

Life is complicated and full of twists and turns, good moments and bad moments. Nobody has a "perfect life" not even celebrities who seemingly have it all, everyone has their challenges.

The only thing stopping us from having a "perfect life" is realising that it doesn't exist so you're wasting time and energy by wishing to have something that's not existent.

So what do you do now...

Start to appreciate all the positive things in your life, starting a gratitude journal is a great way to do this.

Remember that if you're going through a difficult time at the moment it will pass.

Bad moments in life help us appreciate the good times and good people in our lives more.

Having goals and aspirations is great but try not to be too hard on yourself if things aren't going to plan.

As long as you're doing your best you can't ask of anything more from yourself.