7 things you should be willing to walk away from in life, according to psychology

Life is full of choices. Some are easy, while others can leave us feeling torn. Sometimes, the hardest choice involves letting go and walking away.

According to psychology, there are certain things in life that we should be willing to walk away from, for our own peace of mind and happiness.

Knowing when to let go can be a tough call. But it’s essential to make room for the things that truly matter. In this article, I will share 7 things you should be willing to walk away from in life, as per psychological insights.

These aren’t random recommendations – they’re backed by science. So stick around, and let’s discover what they are together.

Let’s get started.

1) Toxic relationships

We’ve all been there.

Stuck in a relationship that drains us, with a friend or partner who seems to suck the life out of us, leaving us feeling empty and drained.

This is what psychology calls a toxic relationship.

A toxic relationship is any relationship that is not beneficial to you. It’s a relationship where you’re constantly on the receiving end of criticism, negativity, and emotional abuse. It’s a one-way street where you’re doing all the giving and they’re doing all the taking.

These relationships can have a serious impact on our mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression.

Psychology says that for our own happiness and mental health, we should be willing to walk away from these toxic relationships.

Easier said than done, I know. But remember, walking away doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re strong enough to let go.

2) The need for approval

I’ll admit it, I’ve been there.

In my younger years, I was constantly seeking validation and approval from others. Whether it was obsessing over likes on my social media posts or changing my behavior to fit in with the ‘cool’ crowd, I was always looking for that external validation.

But you know what psychology says? It’s a waste of our time and energy.

The constant need for approval can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and can even inhibit our ability to make decisions. It was a hard lesson to learn, but eventually, I realized that the only person’s approval I needed was my own.

The truth is, we can’t control what others think of us. We can only control our actions and attitudes. So why not focus on being the best version of ourselves instead of trying to please everyone else?

Walking away from the need for approval isn’t easy, but it’s liberating. Trust me on this one, it’s definitely worth it.

3) The past

Life is ever-changing, and that’s the beauty of it. But sometimes, we get stuck in the past. We ruminate over past mistakes, relive old hurts, and hold onto regrets.

However, psychology suggests that living in the past can prevent us from enjoying the present and planning for the future. It’s like trying to drive a car while constantly looking in the rearview mirror.

Did you know that a study published in the journal Emotion found that people who let go of their regrets were able to enjoy a more satisfying life?

Letting go of the past isn’t about forgetting it, but rather learning from it and moving forward. Walking away from the past allows us to make space for new experiences and possibilities. So let’s focus on where we’re going, not where we’ve been.

4) Comparing yourself to others

In a world dominated by social media, it’s incredibly easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. We see the highlight reels of their lives and wonder why ours doesn’t measure up.

But here’s the thing. Psychology suggests that this comparison game is a losing battle. It’s detrimental to our self-esteem and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.

Remember, there’s only one you in this world. You have your own unique strengths, talents, and experiences. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your personal growth and celebrate your own achievements.

When we walk away from comparison, we create room for self-acceptance and self-improvement. It’s about being the best you, not a second-rate someone else.

5) Fear of failure

I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist. The thought of failing at anything was paralyzing to me. In fact, this fear of failure kept me from trying new things or stepping out of my comfort zone.

Psychology, however, tells us that this fear can limit our potential and hold us back from achieving our goals.

Failure, as uncomfortable as it may be, is an essential part of growth and learning. It’s through failures that we discover our strengths and weaknesses, learn resilience, and gain valuable life lessons.

Letting go of the fear of failure isn’t about becoming reckless or careless. It’s about understanding that not everything has to be perfect and that it’s okay to make mistakes. Walking away from this fear opens up a whole new world of opportunities and possibilities.

And you know what? Once I embraced this fact, I found myself taking more risks and, surprisingly, enjoying life more.

6) Material possessions

We live in a consumer-driven world where material possessions are often equated with success and happiness. We’re constantly bombarded with messages telling us to buy more, own more.

However, psychology shows us that the pursuit of material possessions rarely leads to lasting happiness. In fact, it can often lead to stress, anxiety, and a feeling of emptiness.

It’s not about giving up everything you own and living a Spartan life. It’s about understanding that true happiness doesn’t come from what you have, but from who you are and the relationships you nurture.

Walking away from materialism allows us to focus on what really matters in life – experiences, relationships, and personal growth. So let’s shift our focus from having to being.

7) Your comfort zone

Our comfort zone can be a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there. This is the most important thing you should know when it comes to letting go.

Psychology tells us that stepping out of our comfort zone is essential for personal growth and development. It’s where we challenge ourselves, learn new skills, and experience life to its fullest.

It might be scary at first, but the rewards are worth it. Embrace the uncertainty and make the leap. You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve when you’re willing to walk away from your comfort zone.

Final thoughts: Embrace the journey

Change is a fundamental part of life. It’s the one constant we can always count on. And often, it’s our ability to let go and move on that enables us to grow and evolve.

As Carl Rogers, a prominent psychologist, once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”

Walking away from certain things in life isn’t always easy. It requires courage to leave the known for the unknown, to let go of the familiar and embrace change.

But remember, every ending is also a new beginning. By walking away from what no longer serves us, we create space for new possibilities, opportunities and experiences.

So embrace the journey of life with all its ups and downs, its joys and sorrows. After all, it’s these experiences that shape us into who we are, and who we are yet to become.