Buy into many of the myths and you could actually be causing yourself more misery. Banish these beliefs pronto and focus on simply loving your life. Recently, it seems that happiness has become the new drug. You want it stronger, better, faster, and more often. But paradoxically, the road to nirvana you’ve been pursuing could be the major roadblock to a more satisfied you. Things everyone thinks are keys to bliss don’t necessarily create a life you love. Most people are actually bad at predicting what makes them content.

First of all, a ton of cash and luxury items don’t necessarily equal ultimate happiness. Granted, you do need a base amount of bank. People are happier when they don’t have to afford basics like shelter, clothing, and medicine. But beyond that, cash loses much of its power. People with above-average incomes actually tend to be tenser and don’t spend any more time doing enjoyable activities than those who make less do. The reality is, no matter how much you strive for, you’ll never be satisfied, thanks to a phenomenon called the hedonic treadmill. Humans are wired to accumulate things, then outgrow them…originally so you could evolve into better people. But today, upgrading takes on a whole new meaning. Obviously, you’d ditch your home for a much bigger one. But before long, you’d have to have a new kitchen to match the room renovation. The “what’s next” mindset never changes.

What makes you happy is appreciating the stuff you already have, like noticing how your place looks on a sunny day with the light streaming in. And, using our cash for experiences versus material stuff pays off twofold. Revisiting great events in your head makes you feel those happy sensations again. So don’t deprive yourself, but recognize the limits of happiness a new thing can bring. If you drain your account for it, you won’t be pleased or secure when you can’t pay your bills.

You may have also fantasized about stealing off to an island where your top duty is to just enjoy the sun. But, dragging your body to work on a Monday morning makes you more content than you think it does. You’re really at your happiest when you know you have a purpose. It can be fun to sit around and do nothing, but without a cause, you won’t feel accomplished. And, that’s what gives you a sense that your life is moving forward and helps you appreciate your downtime.

Even busting your butt to finish a project on time can make you feel better inside and out. There’s a concept called flow, where you’re so absorbed in what you’re doing that you find yourself thinking that the hours just flew by. When you do an activity requiring skill, you actually feel physically stronger and more satisfied. Giving your brain a break is essential, but it’s the mix of work and play that makes you love life. You may actually be happy right now, you just haven’t given yourself enough time to analyze all the blessings you have in your life.