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

We all have worries. But often, we find ourselves stressing over things that, in the grand scheme of things, just don’t matter.

You see, the problem with worrying is that it consumes your energy and mental space. And more often than not, what we worry about today won’t matter a year from now.

I’ve found that there are certain things, certain worries, that we can simply let go of. And trust me, when you do, you’ll feel a whole lot lighter.

Let’s dive in.

1) Other people’s opinions

We’ve all done it – we’ve let the opinions of others dictate our actions, our choices, even our self-worth.

Consider this, though. How often have those opinions truly mattered in the long run?

In reality, most people are too caught up in their own lives to spend too much time scrutinizing yours. And even if they do, their opinions are just that – opinions. Not facts. Not prophecies of your future.

Worrying about what others think can be a heavy burden to carry. But it’s one that you can choose to put down.

Whenyou find yourself worrying about others’ opinions, ask yourself: Will this matter a year from now? Five years from now? If not, let it go.

You’ll find that life becomes much lighter when you stop carrying the weight of other people’s opinions.

2) Perfectionism

I’ll admit it, I used to be a perfectionist. I would stress over the tiniest details, redoing tasks until they were “just right”. I would lose sleep over a single typo in an email or a minor mistake in a presentation.

Then, one day, I realized that my quest for perfection was not only causing me unnecessary stress, but it was also holding me back. I was so afraid of making mistakes that I was avoiding taking risks or trying new things.

It took some time, but I gradually learned to accept that mistakes are a part of life. That they are opportunities for learning and growth, not indicators of failure.

Believe me, letting go of the need for perfection can be a game changer. It frees you up to take chances, make mistakes, and ultimately grow as a person. Because in the long run, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being human.

3) The past

We’ve all made mistakes, had bad experiences, or made choices we regret. It’s part of being human. But here’s something to ponder – did you know that the human brain tends to remember negative events more than positive ones?

This is known as negativity bias. It’s a survival mechanism, helping us to avoid danger in the future by remembering past harmful events.

Unfortunately, this bias can lead us to dwell on past mistakes or regrets, causing unnecessary worry and stress.

But the fact is, no matter how much we worry about the past, we can’t change it. We can only learn from it and move forward. So why not focus on the present and future instead, where you have the power to make a difference?

It’s not about forgetting your past, but rather not letting it control your present and future.

4) Future uncertainties

We all have those moments where we can’t help but worry about what the future holds. Will I get that promotion? Will my relationship last? How will I handle that big change coming up?

The truth is, the future is and always will be uncertain. No amount of worrying can change that. What we can control, however, is how we handle whatever comes our way.

Instead of worrying about the unknown, why not invest that energy into building resilience and adaptability? These qualities will not only help you navigate future uncertainties, but they’ll also make you stronger and more capable in the present.

In the long run, it’s how we react to circumstances, rather than the circumstances themselves, that truly matters.

5) Social media comparisons

In this digital age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our lives with those we see on social media. Picture-perfect homes, dream vacations, seemingly successful careers – it can all make us feel like we’re falling behind.

But remember this – social media is a highlight reel. It shows the best parts of people’s lives, not the struggles, the mundane moments or the hard work behind the scenes.

Worrying about how you measure up to others’ online personas is a fruitless endeavor. It only serves to diminish your happiness and satisfaction with your own life.

When you find yourself stressing over social media comparisons, take a step back. Remind yourself that everyone has their own path, their own struggles and their own successes. Your journey is uniquely yours, and that’s something to celebrate.

6) Things out of your control

There’s a certain peace that comes with accepting that there are things in life we simply cannot control. The weather, the traffic, other people’s actions – no amount of worrying can change these things.

Yet, we often find ourselves stressing over these uncontrollable aspects of life. It can be tough to accept, but doing so can truly be liberating.

Instead of worrying about what you can’t control, shift your focus to what you can. Your attitude. Your actions. Your responses to life’s challenges.

In the long run, you’ll find that it’s not the things out of your control that truly shape your life, but how you handle them.

7) Not being good enough

I remember a time when I constantly felt like I wasn’t good enough. I questioned my abilities, my worth, even my place in the world. It was as though an invisible scale was always tipping against me, no matter what I did.

It took time, and a lot of self-reflection, to realize that this worry was self-inflicted. I was the one setting impossibly high standards for myself, then berating myself for not reaching them.

Slowly but surely, I learned to replace this harmful thought pattern with self-compassion and acceptance. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

And so, if you find yourself worrying about not being good enough, remember this: You are enough, just as you are. You don’t need to be perfect or to please everyone. You just need to be you. And that is more than enough.

8) Always being busy

In today’s fast-paced world, being busy is often equated with being successful or productive. But here’s something to chew on – constant busyness isn’t always a good thing.

In fact, it can lead to burnout, stress, and a feeling of emptiness. It can make us feel like hamsters on a wheel, constantly running but never truly getting anywhere.

The reality is, it’s okay to not be busy all the time. It’s okay to take breaks, to have downtime, and to simply be. Life isn’t a race to the finish line. It’s a journey meant to be savored.

If you find yourself worrying about always being busy, take a step back. Allow yourself some time to rest and recharge. You might just find that you’re more productive and happier when you’re not running on empty all the time.

9) Fitting in

We all want to belong, to feel accepted. But sometimes, this desire can lead us to worry excessively about fitting in, about being ‘normal’, about conforming to societal expectations.

The thing is, trying to fit into a mold that isn’t truly you can be incredibly draining. It can stifle your individuality and dampen your spirit.

What’s more, the most interesting and authentic people are often those who dare to be different, who embrace their quirks and uniqueness.

10) Making mistakes

Fear of making mistakes can be paralyzing. It can hold you back from taking risks, trying new things, and ultimately, growing as a person.

But here’s the truth: mistakes are inevitable. They’re a part of life. And more importantly, they’re one of our greatest teachers.

Each mistake is an opportunity to learn, to improve, and to become better. Instead of fearing them, embrace them. Welcome them as stepping stones on your path to growth and success.

It’s through mistakes that we learn the most about ourselves and the world around us. So don’t be afraid to make them. In the long run, they’re not something to worry about – they’re something to be grateful for.