7 things to stop worrying about (because they don’t matter in the long run)

For the longest time, I found myself constantly worrying about things that, in the grand scheme of things, simply didn’t matter.

You know what I mean:

– Job promotions

– Social media likes

– The latest trends

– What others think of me.

In short, I was stressing over things that were fleeting and didn’t contribute to my long-term happiness or peace of mind.

I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a psychology enthusiast. There was a point when these worries consumed my every waking moment. But then I realized, most of these worries don’t matter in the long run.

In this article, I’ll share with you the 7 things I learned to stop worrying about because honestly, they just aren’t worth your time or energy.

Let’s dive in.

1. Other people’s opinions

One of the biggest things I used to fret about was what other people thought of me. I would agonize over every little detail, wondering if I had said something wrong or done something to offend someone.

But then it hit me – these worries were doing nothing but draining my energy and happiness.

The truth is, you can’t control other people’s thoughts or reactions. People will always have opinions and they’re not always going to align with your own.

I realized that constantly worrying about what others think was holding me back from living my life authentically, from being truly happy and content.

So, I made the decision to stop. To stop allowing other people’s opinions to dictate my actions, my feelings and my self-worth.

I’m not saying it’s easy, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Every time you catch yourself worrying about what others might think, remind yourself that their opinion doesn’t define you.

Your worth is not dependent on anyone else’s view of you. It is defined by who you are, by your actions, and by the love and kindness you show to yourself and others.

2. Failing

I have always been a perfectionist, and the idea of failing at anything used to terrify me. I would stress over every task, every responsibility, every goal. The fear of failure was a constant shadow over my life.

But then I read this quote by psychologist Carl Jung: “The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.”

It made me realize that failure is a part of life, an essential part of personal growth. By fearing it, I was denying myself the opportunity to learn and grow.

I remember when I was first starting Hack Spirit. I was petrified of it failing, of it all being a waste of time. But I took the leap anyway. And yes, there were failures along the way, but with each one I learned something new, something valuable.

Now, I see that those failures weren’t just stumbling blocks; they were stepping stones to the success that Hack Spirit has become today.

Here’s my advice to you: don’t fear failure. Embrace it. Let it be your teacher and guide on your journey to growth and success. Because in the end, it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up that truly matters.

3. Social media comparison

A few years ago, I found myself spending an unhealthy amount of time on social media. I would scroll through my feeds, looking at pictures of people with seemingly perfect lives, and feel a pang of envy.

I would compare my life with theirs, feeling inadequate and unsatisfied. I felt like I was always several steps behind everyone else.

Then one day, I sat down and asked myself, “What am I really gaining from this?” The answer was clear: nothing but stress and self-doubt.

I realized that social media only shows a filtered version of reality. People only post their best moments, the highlights of their lives. It’s not a fair comparison.

So, I decided to cut back on my social media use. Instead of wasting hours scrolling through feeds, I started spending my time doing things that truly made me happy and fulfilled.

And you know what? My life didn’t get worse; it got better. I was less stressed, more content, and more focused on my own journey rather than comparing it to someone else’s.

Your worth is not determined by how your life looks on social media. Don’t let the highlight reel of others make you feel inferior. Your journey is unique and beautiful in its own way.

4. Being busy all the time

In today’s fast-paced world, being busy has become a status symbol. I used to think that the busier I was, the more successful I was.

But over time, I started to realize that being constantly busy wasn’t doing me any favors. It was just adding stress to my life and taking away my peace of mind.

I decided to slow down. Instead of packing my schedule with endless tasks and meetings, I started prioritizing my time. I learned to say no to things that weren’t important to me and started focusing on what truly mattered.

And guess what? My productivity didn’t decrease; it increased. I was more focused, more efficient, and most importantly, happier.

The lesson here is clear: being busy all the time doesn’t equate to being successful or productive. Make sure to take time for yourself, to relax and recharge. Your mind will thank you for it.

5. Not being good enough

This is a worry that haunted me for much of my life. I constantly felt that I was not good enough, not smart enough, not successful enough, not enough. This worry held me back from pursuing my dreams and goals.

One day, I had a realization. I was the one putting these limitations on myself. No one else was telling me that I wasn’t good enough. It was all in my head.

I decided then and there to challenge this belief. Every time I caught myself thinking that I wasn’t good enough, I would counter it with evidence of my accomplishments, no matter how small they seemed.

Slowly but surely, I began to see myself in a new light. I realized that I am enough just as I am.

And you are too. You are enough just as you are, right now. Don’t let self-doubt and fear hold you back from reaching your full potential.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not good enough, you’re not alone. But this belief doesn’t have to control your life. In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore how Buddhist principles can help you overcome these feelings of inadequacy and embrace your true self. It’s time to stop being your own worst critic and start living with confidence, purpose, and peace.

The only person you need to be good enough for is yourself. And you already are.

6. The past

For a long time, I carried around the weight of my past mistakes and regrets. They were like ghosts, constantly haunting me and holding me back.

Then I came across a quote by psychologist Carl Rogers: “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn from his experiences.”

This quote resonated with me deeply. I realized that dwelling on the past was not only unproductive but also preventing me from moving forward.

So, I decided to make peace with my past. I acknowledged my mistakes, learned from them, and then let them go.

For instance, when Hack Spirit was just starting, there were several missteps I made that I initially regretted. Instead of beating myself up over them, I used those experiences as lessons to improve and grow.

Now, instead of seeing my past as a burden, I see it as a valuable source of wisdom and growth.

If you’re carrying around past regrets or mistakes, remember this: the past is a place of reference, not residence. Learn from it, then let it go. The present is where your focus should be.

7. The future

Now, this one might seem counterintuitive. After all, isn’t it important to plan for the future?

Yes, planning is important. But obsessing over every single detail of the future? That’s a recipe for stress and anxiety.

I’ve been there, endlessly worrying about what tomorrow might bring. But I’ve learned that no amount of worry can change the future. All it does is steal the joy of the present.

As Eckhart Tolle wisely said, “Worry pretends to be necessary but serves no useful purpose.”

So, I started practicing living in the moment more. Instead of constantly worrying about the future, I started focusing on making the most out of my present.

Here’s a practical tip: whenever you find yourself worrying about the future, take a deep breath and bring your attention back to the present moment. What can you see, hear, feel right now? Ground yourself in the present, and let the future unfold as it will.

Conclusion

Letting go of these seven worries has made a significant difference in my life, and I’m confident they can do the same for you.

We all have the power to choose what we let affect us. If you find yourself consumed by these worries, take a step back and ask yourself if they truly matter in the long run.

Most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Start small, with one worry at a time, and gradually work your way through the list.

Life is too short to be spent worrying about things that don’t truly matter. Choose to focus on what brings you joy, peace, and fulfillment. Because at the end of the day, that’s what truly matters.

If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of how to let go of worries and live with more purpose and clarity, my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego delves into timeless Buddhist teachings that can help you transform your mindset.

Through these principles, you’ll discover how to live a life that’s not only free from unnecessary worries but also rich in meaning and fulfillment. It’s time to embrace what truly matters and let go of the rest.