Many of our problems stem from our own minds. After all, you must have heard of the saying ‘prisoner of your own mind’, right? So why not get your mind out of the way for a happier life? Here are five ways to do just that.
1. Don’t assume
When people jump to conclusions, they’re acting upon assumptions, rather than actual facts. This can lead to big problems when the assumptions are wrong. For example, if someone you know is grumpy, you might assume that they are mad at you. But what if they were simply in a bad mood, and it had nothing to do with you? You may even start making up angry stories in your head. Many relationships suffer, and can be destroyed, when assumptions are made.
2. Drama, be gone
You’re not the only one who’s running late. Or the only person about whom someone said something bad. Many ‘trivial’ things happen to many people. Blow it out of proportion, and you’ll have an unnecessary, time-wasting and energy-wasting drama on your hands, all just because of the ‘small stuff’. So get over it and move on, rather than making a mountain out of a molehill.
3. Stop being a perfectionist
Many times, good enough means exactly that. Perfectionism is a mental sickness that will destroy all your pleasure and send you in search of what can never be attained, using up all your energy and vitality. It also stops you from doing things, because you’ll worry you won’t do it properly.
4. Don’t take it personally
Have you ever read the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz? It’s a short and sage read. One of the agreements is “don’t take it personally”, because whatever someone says, whether it be nice or downright rude, it is never about you, but always about them. So, do yourself a favour and don’t get emotionally bogged down.
5. Don’t make yourself a prison out of rules
I’m guilty of this one. I have a lot of ‘shoulds’ that govern my life. These irrational rules take up much important mind space and make it hard to focus on what truly matters.
What energy-wasting and happiness-zapping mind games do you play with yourself? Have you thought about how you can change your mindset for a calmer and happier you?
