8 things you should really stop worrying about, says a psychologist

Worrying can be quite the energy drainer, right? As a psychologist, I often see people getting stuck in this loop of unproductive thoughts.

Here’s the truth. Much of what we worry about never actually happens. And some things we fret over are simply beyond our control.

But how do you separate worthwhile worries from those that are just wasting your time?

Well, I’ve identified eight common concerns that really aren’t worth the worry. By avoiding these traps, you’ll free up mental space for more important matters.

Stay tuned as we delve into these unnecessary worries and help you shift towards a more carefree mindset.

1) What others think of you

We’ve all been there. You’re lying awake at night, replaying a conversation from earlier in the day, wondering if you said the right thing.

Worrying about what others think of us is something we all do. But here’s the kicker, it’s usually a waste of your mental energy.

Why? Because most of the time, people are too wrapped up in their own worries to be thinking about you.

Even when they do form opinions, remember this – their thoughts are based on their own experiences and viewpoints, not an objective truth about you.

Next time you find yourself worrying about what others think, take a step back and remind yourself that you can’t control other people’s thoughts, and that’s okay.

By letting go of this worry, you’ll free up mental space for more important things – like being the most authentic version of yourself.

2) Making mistakes

I’ll let you in on a little secret – I make mistakes. All the time.

Just last week, I accidentally double-booked myself for two important meetings. Instead of beating myself up about it, I took a deep breath, owned up to my mistake, and swiftly rearranged my schedule.

Mistakes are a part of life, and they’re often how we learn best.

Worrying about making a mistake can prevent you from taking risks or trying out new things – both of which are essential for personal growth.

When you start to worry about making a mistake, remind yourself that even if you do mess up, it’s not the end of the world. You’ll learn from it, move on, and become a little wiser in the process.

Why worry? Let’s embrace our mistakes as stepping stones on the path to becoming better versions of ourselves.

3) The unknown

Here’s something to ponder – our brains are wired to fear the unknown. It’s a primitive survival mechanism that served our ancestors well when they had to predict potential dangers.

But we’re no longer living in the Stone Age. Today, most unknowns we face aren’t life-threatening.

Yet, our brains still react as if they are.

Worrying about the future, or any situation we can’t predict or control, can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.

But remember, uncertainty is also where growth and innovation happen.

So, instead of fearing the unknown, embrace it. It might just lead you to something amazing.

4) Aging

Getting older is inevitable, yet so many of us spend countless hours worrying about it. The wrinkles, the grey hair, the passage of time – it can all seem a bit overwhelming.

But here’s a different perspective. Each year that passes is a gift, filled with experiences that shape us and memories that enrich our lives.

Instead of worrying about aging, try celebrating it. After all, it’s a privilege denied to many.

Embrace your age, whatever it may be, and focus on living fully in the present moment.

After all, that’s truly where life happens.

5) Not being good enough

Feeling inadequate can be a heavy burden to carry. It can consume us with worry, making us feel like we’re constantly falling short.

But here’s a heartfelt reminder – You are enough, just as you are.

You don’t have to be perfect, or the best at everything you do.

You don’t need to compare yourself to others. Your worth isn’t determined by external achievements, but by who you are as a person.

Let go of the worry that you’re not good enough. Embrace your strengths, accept your weaknesses, and remember that you are uniquely you – and that’s something to celebrate.

6) Failure

I once had a dream to write a book. I spent months pouring my heart into it, only for it to be rejected by multiple publishers. I felt like I had failed.

But over time, I realized that failure isn’t something to be feared. It’s just a stepping stone on the path to success. It’s a chance to learn, grow, and come back stronger.

Now, when I face potential failure, I don’t let it consume me with worry.

Instead, I see it as an opportunity. So next time you’re worried about failing, remember, it’s not the end of the road – it’s just a bump along the way.

7) The past

We’ve all had moments in our past that we wish we could change. Maybe it was a missed opportunity, a relationship that ended, or a decision we regret.

But no amount of worrying can change the past. It’s done and dusted, and all we can do now is learn from it.

Try to see your past not as a source of worry or regret, but as a teacher.

Every experience, good or bad, has shaped you into who you are today.

So let go of past worries. Focus on the present, and use your past experiences to shape a better future.

8) The perfect life

Chasing the illusion of a perfect life can be exhausting.

But here’s the thing – There’s no such thing as perfect.

Life is messy, unpredictable, and filled with ups and downs. That’s what makes it beautiful.

Stop worrying about achieving perfection.

Embrace the imperfections, take life as it comes, and find joy in the journey. Because that’s where the real magic happens.

A final thought

Worrying is a part of human nature. It’s deeply ingrained in our survival instinct, helping us anticipate and prepare for potential threats.

But sometimes, we let worry take the driver’s seat, steering us into a world of unnecessary stress and anxiety.

The eight points we’ve discussed are some of the most common worries that can consume our thoughts and energy.

But remember this – You have the power to control your worries, not the other way around.

As psychologist Carl Jung once said, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”

Start today. Choose to let go of these unwarranted worries.

Choose to focus on the present moment. Choose to live a life less burdened by worry, and more filled with joy and gratitude.

After all, life isn’t about avoiding worries or achieving perfection.

It’s about embracing the journey with all its ups and downs, and making the most out of every single moment.

And that’s something we all can choose to do.