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

Let’s talk about letting go. It’s often easier said than done, right?

Psychology tells us there are some things in life we should be willing to walk away from. It’s not about giving up, but about recognizing when something is no longer serving us.

These aren’t just trivial matters, these are aspects of life that can significantly impact our wellbeing and happiness.

Here are the 9 things you should be willing to walk away from, according to psychology. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it.

1) Negative self-talk

Let’s start with something internal – your own thoughts.

Psychology tells us that negative self-talk is incredibly damaging. It’s that little voice in your head that says you can’t, you’re not good enough, you’ll never succeed. Sounds familiar?

The thing is, we often believe this voice, despite the fact that it’s usually not based on reality. Negative self-talk can hold you back and affect your mental health.

It’s time to stand up to this voice and say, “Enough”. Start replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. It’s not easy, but it’s a critical step towards a healthier mindset.

The way you talk to yourself matters. Make sure it’s kind and supportive. Getting there takes effort, but it’s a journey worth embarking on.

2) Toxic relationships

Now let’s talk about something a little closer to home.

Ever had a relationship that just drains the life out of you? I certainly have. I once had a friend who never stopped criticizing me. Nothing I did was ever good enough for her. It was exhausting.

This is what psychologists call a toxic relationship. These are relationships that, instead of bringing joy and support into your life, bring stress, negativity, and emotional pain.

It took me a while to realize that I deserved better. Walking away wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for my mental health.

You see, maintaining toxic relationships can be detrimental to your wellbeing. They can lower your self-esteem, drain your energy, and even lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety.

3) The need for control

In life, there are things we can control and things we can’t. Often, we exhaust ourselves trying to control the uncontrollable.

Here’s something interesting: Studies show that people who are able to let go of control and accept the unpredictability of life are generally happier and less stressed.

Why? Because when you stop trying to control everything, you free up energy to focus on what really matters. You become more flexible, adaptable, and open to new experiences.

4) Living in the past

The past can be a tricky thing. It’s filled with memories, lessons, and experiences that shape who we are. But sometimes, we can get stuck there.

Living in the past means you’re not fully present in the now. You might be holding onto old regrets, past mistakes, or reliving glory days instead of making new ones.

Psychology suggests it’s healthy to learn from the past but not to dwell on it. Dwelling on the past can cause you to miss out on current opportunities and experiences.

5) The constant need for approval

Let’s be honest, we all want to be liked and accepted. But when that desire turns into a need, it can become a problem.

Chasing after the approval of others can make you lose sight of who you are. You might find yourself doing things you don’t want to do or becoming someone you’re not, just to fit in.

Your self-worth should never depend on what others think of you. Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.

6) Unforgiveness

Forgiveness – it’s one of the hardest, yet most liberating things you can do.

Holding onto grudges and resentment can weigh heavy on your heart. It’s like carrying around a bag of bricks – it only slows you down and tires you out.

Forgiveness isn’t just about the other person. It’s about setting yourself free from the burden of unforgiveness. It’s about letting go of the pain and making room for peace, happiness, and growth.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning the hurt caused, it means choosing to heal.

Let that bag of bricks go. Forgive, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.

7) Fear of change

Change can be scary, I get it. I’ve found myself in more than one situation where the thought of change made my stomach churn. But here’s the thing: Change is an inevitable part of life.

Staying stuck in your comfort zone might feel safe, but it also keeps you from growing and experiencing new things. What if the things you’re afraid to let go of are the very things keeping you from reaching your full potential?

Embracing change, instead of fearing it, can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.

Don’t be afraid to let go of the familiar. Take the leap, embrace change, and see where it takes you.

8) Comparing yourself to others

In a world of social media highlight reels, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. You see others’ successes, achievements, and seemingly perfect lives, and you can’t help but compare them to your own.

But here’s the truth: Comparison is the thief of joy.

Psychology tells us that comparing ourselves to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and low self-esteem. It keeps you focused on what you lack, rather than on what you have.

Run your own race. Your journey is unique and so are you. Focus on your own growth and progress, and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they might seem.

9) Unrealistic expectations

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, let’s talk about expectations.

Having high standards isn’t a bad thing. However, unrealistic expectations can set you up for constant disappointment and frustration.

Psychology suggests that when our reality doesn’t meet our expectations, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and decreased self-esteem.

Accept that life is unpredictable and imperfect. Embrace the beauty of imperfection and understand that it’s okay to not have everything figured out.

Life is a journey of learning and growing, and it’s entirely okay to make mistakes along the way. That’s how we learn and grow.