The pursuit of happiness is as old as modern civilization. Books, elixers, religions, and philosophies are all devoted to it. Happiness is a quest, an obsession, and a universal aspiration.

But what does it take to be unhappy?

In some ways, it’s easier than happiness itself. New research and much life experience offers a simple recipe for genuine discontent.

Here’s the (unconventional) list:

• Buy things you can’t afford or don’t want.

• Compare yourself to others.

• Take no joy in the journey.

• Respond instead of initiate.

• Allow other people to determine your values and priorities.

• Refuse to challenge yourself.

• Focus only on yourself.

• Settle.

[…]

Happiness may require more than pithy quotations on Twitter and a good sleep cycle, but unhappiness is fairly simple.