Worrying about things out of your control is a waste of energy. Yet, we do it all the time.
The key to letting go lies in identifying and breaking certain habits that fuel our anxieties.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably tried countless times to rid yourself of these worrying tendencies. And you’ve quickly realized it’s easier said than done.
Well, here’s the good news: saying goodbye to just 8 habits can make a huge difference.
In this article, I’ll walk you through these habits and how to kick them to the curb. Here’s to a worry-free life!
1) Overthinking
Overthinking is the arch-nemesis of peace of mind.
It’s that voice in your head that keeps playing the “what if” game, spinning tales of worst-case scenarios and potential disasters. The problem? Most of these imagined catastrophes never happen.
But here’s the thing: Overthinking gives you the illusion of control. It tricks you into believing that by mentally preparing for every possible outcome, you can somehow influence events that are entirely out of your control.
The reality, however, is much less exciting. All overthinking does is drain your energy and steal your present joy.
So, if you want to stop worrying about things beyond your grasp, say goodbye to overthinking. Easier said than done, I know. But stick with me, and I’ll show you how to do just that.
2) Perfectionism
Boy, do I know this one all too well.
Perfectionism is that nagging belief that unless things are perfect, they’re not good enough. As a recovering perfectionist, I can tell you that this belief doesn’t just lead to worry—it practically invites it over for dinner.
I remember a time when I was working on a project, and despite putting in my best effort, things didn’t go as planned. Instead of accepting the situation and finding a solution, my perfectionist tendencies had me worried sick over the outcome that was out of my control.
Perfectionism can make you worry about the tiniest details that, in the grand scheme of things, don’t really matter. It’s a habit that keeps you stuck in a cycle of worry and dissatisfaction.
If you want to stop worrying about things out of your control, it’s time to say goodbye to perfectionism. Trust me, life becomes much lighter when you do.
3) Future Fixation
When your mind is constantly in the future, it’s easy to worry about things that are out of your control. This is because the future is uncertain, and uncertainty can be scary.
But here’s an interesting thing to consider: according to a study published in Science Magazine, humans spend about 47% of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they’re currently doing. That’s nearly half our lives spent not being present!
This habit of future fixation can send your worry levels through the roof. So if you want to stop worrying about things out of your control, it’s time to bid farewell to this habit and start living in the present.
4) Lack of Self-care
We often overlook the vital role our physical well-being plays in our mental health. Believe it or not, neglecting self-care can significantly contribute to the habit of worrying about things beyond our control.
When we’re tired, hungry, or stressed, our capacity to cope with worry diminishes. We become more susceptible to anxiety and overthinking, and our perspective can easily skew towards the negative.
So, if you want to free yourself from unnecessary worry, it’s essential to prioritize self-care. This means maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. It’s not just about feeling good physically; it’s about fostering a mental state that’s more resilient to worry.
5) Seeking External Validation
Nothing fuels worry quite like constantly seeking approval from others. When your self-worth is tied to what others think of you, it’s easy to worry about things beyond your control.
Because here’s the hard truth: you can’t control how others perceive you. No amount of effort, charm, or persuasion can guarantee that everyone will always think highly of you—and that’s perfectly okay.
Everyone has their own opinions and biases, and that’s not a reflection of your worth. It’s just human nature.
So if you want to stop worrying about things out of your control, it’s time to release the need for external validation. Embrace your worth, believe in your abilities, and know that you are enough—just as you are.
6) Fearing Failure
Failure is a tough pill to swallow. I remember my first business venture – a small online store. I poured my heart and soul into it, but it didn’t take off the way I’d hoped. The fear of failure had me consumed with worry, losing sleep over things I couldn’t control.
But here’s what I learned: failure isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it can be the beginning of something better. It’s an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to become stronger.
If you’re constantly worried about failing, you’re likely focused on things beyond your control. So, if you want to stop worrying, face your fear of failure head-on. Embrace it as part of the journey, and remember that every setback is a setup for a comeback.
7) Avoiding Difficult Conversations
Have you ever found yourself worrying endlessly about a conversation you know you need to have, but keep putting off? Ignoring difficult conversations can be a major source of worry, especially when the outcomes are out of your control.
Whether it’s addressing an issue with a co-worker, discussing a sensitive topic with a loved one, or having a tough talk with your boss, avoiding these conversations won’t make them disappear. In fact, it often just makes the worry grow.
So, if you want to stop worrying about things out of your control, it’s time to face these difficult conversations. Yes, they can be hard and uncomfortable. But taking the initiative to address issues head-on can ease your worry and lead to resolution and growth.
8) Neglecting Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful antidote to worry. By focusing on the good in our lives, we can shift our attention away from the things we can’t control.
But here’s the most important thing: You need to make gratitude a habit. It’s not enough to feel grateful every now and then. It’s something you should consciously practice every day.
When you cultivate gratitude, you’re less likely to worry about things out of your control. So, if you’re serious about saying goodbye to worry, make a habit of counting your blessings, not your troubles.
Final thought: It’s about perspective
The complexities of our worries are often deeply intertwined with our perception of control.
Consider the concept of “locus of control”, a psychological theory developed by Julian Rotter. This theory posits that individuals can fall anywhere on a continuum between believing they have complete control over their lives (internal locus of control) and feeling that external factors dictate their experiences (external locus of control).
Interestingly, those with a stronger external locus of control tend to worry more about things beyond their influence. This is because they perceive their lives as being at the mercy of external forces, which can be unpredictable and therefore anxiety-inducing.
So, if you’re serious about saying goodbye to worry, consider shifting your perspective. Recognize that while certain things are out of your control, your reactions and attitudes are entirely within your grasp.
Whether it’s saying goodbye to overthinking, letting go of perfectionism, or cultivating gratitude, the power lies in your hands. And remember: every small step you take is a move towards a life less burdened by worry.