Higher Perspective: 15 Things You Need To Give Up To Be Truly Happy

Taken from Higher Perspective, February 15, 2015

When it comes to being truly happy, it takes a lot of adding new, positive things that make you a happy person. But there are also things that you’re going to want to let go of in order to embrace happiness in its fullest incarnation. We’ll go down the list.

1. Forget the need to always be right.

“Would I rather be right or would I rather be kind?” Sometimes it’s hard to admit that we’re wrong, even at the risk of losing friendships and causing yourself pain. But sometimes, it’s more important to be kind than be right.

2. Quit trying to control everything.

This is a tough one. Sometimes you have to realize that things are outside of your control, and the sooner you can do that, the less stressed out you’re going to be and the fuller your life will feel. Giving up on controlling everything is an important part of being a happy person.

3. Stop blaming yourself – and others too.

This goes hand in hand with not trying to control everything. Sometimes shitty things happen, and there’s no need to get worked up blaming ourselves and other people.

4. Quit with the self-defeating talk already.

People hurt themselves with their negative thoughts. Don’t believe what your mind is trying to tell you, especially if it’s negative. You’re above that.

5. Don’t limit yourself with your beliefs.

Our belief systems can imprison us or liberate us. Leave behind beliefs that keep you restricted and spread those wings of yours.

6. Quit with the complaining already.

Things suck sometimes and that’s fine. But there’s no reason to gossip about the things people do or go around complaining. Instead, think about how you can proactively combat whatever seems to be bothering you.

7. Limit your criticism too.

Constructive criticism is great! We should all learn from what others have to teach us. But criticizing others in a negative way is just defeating. There’s no reason to put others down to build yourself up.

8. You don’t have to impress anyone.

Seriously, you just be you.

9. Leave behind your resistance to change.

Things change. You can resist it and be drug into the future kicking and screaming, or you can embrace the changes as they happen and make the best of them.

10. Stop labeling yourself and others.

There’s no need for it. Labels are like beliefs. They restrict us as people.

11. Stop making excuses.

If you messed up, you messed up. It’s not the end of the world. Don’t excuse yourself from the consequences by trying to cover your ass.

12. Give up your fears.

Fear doesn’t exist. It’s all in your mind. So confront it, because you created it.

13. Leave the past in the past.

It’s hard to let go of the past. Feelings of resentment can hold tight for a long, long time. But you’ll be a happier person if you can give up the things that happened in the past.