8 things emotionally strong people won’t waste their time on

Life doesn’t come with a manual. We aren’t handed a guide at birth on how to navigate the intricate labyrinth of emotions and conflicts that come our way. Sure, we learn basic math, a smattering of history, and maybe a bit of science that explains the universe outside us. But what about the universe within?

We’re often left to figure it out on our own, wading through an ocean of feelings and emotional challenges, sometimes sinking, sometimes swimming, but mostly just trying to stay afloat.

Enter: the emotionally strong people. Those rare individuals who seem to glide smoothly through life’s emotional waves, unperturbed by the tempests that throw most of us off balance.

So what’s their secret? Are they born with this resilience or is it something they’ve learned? The truth is, it’s a bit of both. Emotionally strong people have simply mastered certain habits—they know what to invest their time in and, more importantly, what not to.

So let’s explore 8 things emotionally strong people won’t waste their time on. Moving beyond the usual advice, we’ll uncover insights that can truly make a difference.

1) They don’t waste time on self-doubt

Emotionally strong individuals understand the detrimental effects of entertaining self-doubt.

They know that self-doubt is simply an unproductive state of mind that can lead to stagnation, indecisiveness, and overall dissatisfaction with life. It’s a mental quicksand that can trap the most talented and capable individuals, stifling their potential.

Instead of allowing themselves to be swayed by negative self-talk, emotionally strong people choose to nurture self-confidence and self-belief. They understand that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and they choose to focus on their strengths while actively working on their weaknesses.

They appreciate the importance of self-affirmation and positive thinking. They remind themselves of their past achievements and use them as a springboard to tackle current challenges.

Emotionally strong people don’t just accept—they embrace the fact that they are works in progress. They know that making mistakes and having failures are part of the growth process, rather than reasons to doubt their capabilities.

By steering clear of self-doubt, they free up mental and emotional energy that can be better spent on constructive activities, personal growth, and achieving their goals.

2) They don’t dwell on past mistakes

Emotionally strong people recognize that dwelling on past mistakes only leads to regret and self-punishment, emotions that serve no constructive purpose.

They understand that the past is unchangeable. Instead of wasting time wallowing in ‘what could have been’, they choose to learn from their mistakes and move forward. They see past errors as valuable lessons, stepping stones on their journey of personal growth and self-improvement.

Rather than beating themselves up over errors, they adopt a solution-focused mindset. They ask themselves: “What can I learn from this? How can I use this experience to improve and grow?”

They also practice forgiveness, especially towards themselves. They acknowledge that nobody is perfect, and that making mistakes is an integral part of being human.

By refusing to dwell on past mistakes, emotionally strong people free themselves from the chains of regret. This allows them to focus their time and energy on the present moment and the opportunities it presents.

3) They don’t get entangled in petty drama

Emotionally strong people understand that life is too short to waste on unimportant disputes and trivial matters.

They know that engaging in petty drama not only consumes precious time but also drains emotional energy. It distracts from what truly matters and hinders progress towards meaningful goals.

Instead, they choose to distance themselves from unnecessary conflict. They prefer to focus their attention on constructive dialogue and resolution, rather than getting entangled in mindless bickering or gossip.

They also respect differing opinions and perspectives. They understand that everyone is entitled to their own views, and disagreement does not necessarily equate to disrespect or hostility.

By steering clear of petty drama, emotionally strong people preserve their peace of mind, maintain healthy relationships, and direct their energy towards more productive pursuits.

4) They don’t compare themselves with others

Emotionally strong people refuse to waste time on comparisons.

They realize that each person’s journey is unique, with its own set of challenges and victories. Comparing oneself to others is not just unproductive but can also lead to discontentment and self-doubt.

Instead, they focus on their personal growth and accomplishments. They strive to become a better version of themselves every day, rather than trying to imitate someone else’s life.

They also celebrate others’ successes without feeling threatened or inferior. They understand that someone else’s success does not diminish their own worth or achievements.

5) They don’t procrastinate on important tasks

Emotionally strong people understand the value of time and that putting off important tasks only leads to stress and missed opportunities.

They know that procrastination is a silent dream killer. It’s a habit that eats away at productivity, breeds anxiety, and can even affect self-esteem.

Instead, they choose to tackle tasks head-on, prioritizing and managing their time effectively. They break down overwhelming tasks into manageable chunks and take consistent action, no matter how small.

They also understand the importance of balance. They know that all work and no play can lead to burnout, so they ensure to make time for rest and rejuvenation.

6) They don’t let fear dictate their decisions

Emotionally strong people refuse to allow fear to guide their actions and choices.

They understand that fear, while a natural emotion, can often be an obstacle to growth and progress if left unchecked. It can keep one stuck in comfort zones, preventing them from taking risks and seizing opportunities.

Instead of succumbing to fear, they choose to face it head-on. They see fear as an indicator of areas they need to work on, rather than as a stop sign. They push themselves out of their comfort zones and take calculated risks, using fear as a motivator rather than a deterrent.

They also practice courage and resilience, understanding that bravery is not the absence of fear but the ability to move forward despite it.

7) They don’t neglect self-care

Emotionally strong people understand that neglecting self-care is a recipe for burnout and emotional exhaustion.

They realize that taking care of oneself is not a luxury but a necessity. It’s the foundation upon which they’re able to give their best to every aspect of their lives – be it work, relationships, or personal goals.

Instead of pushing themselves relentlessly, they prioritize time for self-care. This includes physical activities for maintaining good health, mindful practices for mental well-being, hobbies that bring joy, and adequate rest to recharge.

They also practice self-compassion, acknowledging that they too need kindness and understanding, especially from themselves.

8) They don’t hold on to grudges

Emotionally strong people understand that holding onto grudges is like carrying a heavy weight that hinders forward movement.

They realize that grudges not only consume time and energy but also breed negativity, affecting their peace of mind and overall well-being.

Instead of clinging to past hurts, they choose to practice forgiveness. They acknowledge the pain caused but also understand the freedom that comes with letting go. They see forgiveness not as a sign of weakness, but as a testament to their emotional strength.

In conclusion: It’s a matter of choice

The essence of emotional strength lies in the choices we make every day. Our decisions on what to give time and energy to largely shape our emotional well-being and resilience.

One profound connection in psychology is the link between emotional strength and the concept of locus of control. This psychological term refers to how individuals perceive the control they have over their own lives.

Emotionally strong individuals tend to have an internal locus of control. They believe that they are in charge of their own destiny and that their actions significantly influence their circumstances. This mindset helps them avoid wasting time on things that don’t contribute positively to their lives.

Whether it’s choosing not to hold grudges, avoiding comparisons, embracing self-care, or any of the other habits we’ve highlighted, remember, these are choices that we have the power to make.

As Eleanor Roosevelt wisely said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Likewise, no one can make you waste your time without your permission.

In the end, it’s about making conscious decisions that align with our emotional health and overall well-being. So reflect on these points and ask yourself: What choices will you make today to strengthen your emotional resilience?