Have you ever found yourself caught up in worries that seem to take over your mind?
I sure have. I know how it feels…like a constant battle.
But here’s the thing: I’ve realized that many of these worries aren’t worth the mental energy. By talking to wise people around me and doing a bit of soul-searching, I’ve discovered that some things just don’t matter in the long run.
I won’t say it was an overnight revelation, but gradually, I’ve managed to identify a few key things that just aren’t worth the worry.
And you know what? Letting go of these worries has been liberating.
Maybe they’ll help you see things in a new light, too.
1) Being perfect
One of the biggest worries I’ve learned to let go of is the unrealistic expectation of perfection.
Perfection, as a concept, is seductive. It lures us into believing that if we just try hard enough and work long enough, we can achieve a state of flawlessness in our lives.
But here’s the hard truth: perfection doesn’t exist.
Pursuing it can lead to procrastination, self-doubt, and anxiety—all of which sap our productivity and joy. It’s not about how flawlessly we execute our tasks but rather how consistently we show up and give our best effort.
Letting go of this need for perfection has been liberating. It’s freed me from the constant pressure and allowed me to embrace my imperfections as part of my unique journey.
2) Other people’s opinions
We all like to be liked; it’s human nature. But when we start to mold our lives based on what others might think, we start losing ourselves.
It’s a trap that’s easy to fall into, and I’ve been there myself.
Countless times, I found myself second-guessing my decisions or altering my actions, all because of the potential judgment from others. It was exhausting, to say the least.
The turning point came when I stumbled upon a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: “You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” It was a revelation.
Pople are usually too consumed with their own lives to spend much time scrutinizing ours. Why, then, should we let their fleeting opinions govern our lives?
Your life is your own journey. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your inner voice.
3) The past
According to research, people spend almost 47% of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they’re currently doing.
I’d bet much of this daydreaming involves dwelling on the past.
The past can be a tricky thing. It’s filled with memories, experiences, and lessons. But it can also be a source of unnecessary worry and regret.
I’ve spent countless hours ruminating over past events—wishing I’d done things differently or agonizing over mistakes. But the reality is no amount of worry can change the past.
Understanding this was a game-changer for me. It freed me from the chains of past regret and allowed me to focus on the present.
It wasn’t an easy transition, but with conscious effort and practice, I’ve learned to leave the past where it belongs—in the past.
Instead of worrying about what’s been done and cannot be changed, I now focus on what can be done now to create a better future.
Letting go of the past doesn’t mean forgetting it. It means acknowledging it, learning from it, and then moving on. After all, the past is a place of reference, not residence.
4) The need to control everything
Here’s a worry that I’ve wrestled with quite a bit: the need to control everything.
In a world full of uncertainties, it’s natural to seek a sense of control. It gives us the illusion of stability, security.
But the reality is, we can’t control everything, and that’s okay.
Embracing this philosophy has been liberating. I’ve learned to focus my energy on things within my control—my actions, my reactions, my mindset—and let go of the worry about things beyond it.
This doesn’t mean becoming passive or indifferent. It means understanding that while you can influence things, you can’t dictate every outcome. It’s about finding peace amidst uncertainty.
Sometimes, you just have to let go and see what happens. Trust me, it’s worth it.
5) The “what ifs”
If there’s one worry that can keep us stuck in a cycle of anxiety, it’s the “what ifs.”
What if I make a mistake? What if they don’t like me? What if I fail? What if…? The list goes on and on. These hypothetical scenarios can consume our thoughts and prevent us from taking action.
Furthermore, most of our “what ifs” never come to pass. They’re just figments of our imagination, not realities.
Learning to let go of the “what ifs” has been a transformative experience for me. It has freed me from the shackles of anxiety and allowed me to live more fully in the present moment.
It’s not about ignoring potential risks or challenges but rather about not letting hypothetical worries control our lives.
6) Comparing yourself to others
This is a huge one.
In a world where everyone’s achievements are just a click away, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison.
It can turn into a constant struggle, a never-ending cycle of comparison and self-doubt.
Letting go of this worry has been incredibly liberating. It has allowed me to focus on my own growth and progress rather than measuring myself against others.
Remember, your value does not decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth. So, instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on being the best version of yourself.
Trust me, once you stop comparing, you’ll find more happiness and satisfaction in your own achievements.
7) An uncertain future
We all grapple with worries about the future. What will happen tomorrow? Where will I be in five years?
I’ve spent countless nights tossing and turning, worried about the uncertainties of the future. It felt like I was living in a constant state of apprehension, always wondering what lay ahead.
But then I came across this quote when reading Seneca:
“There are more things, Lucilius, likely to frighten us than there are to crush us; we suffer more often in imagination than in reality.”
It hit home hard. I now consciously try to avoid suffering in my imagination.
This doesn’t mean I don’t plan for the future or set goals. It just means I don’t let the uncertainty of what’s to come overshadow my present.
Letting go of this worry has brought a newfound sense of peace and contentment in my life. It’s allowed me to truly live in the moment, appreciating each day as it comes.
The bottom line
Ultimately, worry is a thief of joy and productivity.
Letting go of these worries won’t happen overnight, but each small step brings you closer to a more peaceful, fulfilling life.
So, start today and reclaim your peace of mind. You’ve got this!
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Until next time, stay curious.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
