I used to be unhappy and I blamed everything around me - until I realized I'd built an entire life around avoiding the one conversation I needed to have with myself - Silicon Canals

Maintaining a mental list of sources of unhappiness can lead to avoidance of self-reflection. Many individuals, including the author, attribute their dissatisfaction to external factors like jobs, relationships, and environments. This tendency to blame external circumstances rather than personal choices is linked to a cognitive bias known as locus of control. Research indicates that an external locus of control correlates with depression and lower wellbeing, while recognizing personal agency can enhance life satisfaction.

"Building a life organized around not having a particular conversation can lead to a lack of self-awareness. The conversation about what one truly wants and fears is often avoided."

"Attributing unhappiness to external factors is a common cognitive tendency. This external locus of control can result in feelings of depression and diminished wellbeing."

Read at Silicon Canals