In life, there are things we cling to and others we willingly let go. The tricky part is knowing which is which.

Psychology can provide some insight into this. It suggests that there are certain things that we should never let go of, even when the going gets tough.

These are elements in life that provide us with happiness, peace, and a sense of purpose. Closely holding onto these can enhance our overall wellbeing and help us navigate life’s challenges.

Here are eight things, backed by psychology, that you should hold onto in life and never let go.

1) Self-belief

Life can be a rollercoaster of ups and downs, successes and failures. It’s easy to lose faith in ourselves when things don’t go as planned.

Psychology advises us to hold onto our self-belief, no matter what.

Why? Because it’s the fuel that drives us forward. It’s the little voice in our head that says, “You can do this” when we’re confronted with challenges.

Self-belief isn’t about being arrogant or ignoring our shortcomings. It’s about having faith in our ability to learn, grow, and adapt.

It’s about recognizing our potential and knowing that we have what it takes to reach our goals.

So when life gets tough, don’t let go of your belief in yourself. You’re stronger and more capable than you think.

2) The power of gratitude

If there’s one thing psychology taught me, it’s the importance of holding onto gratitude.

There was a time in my life when I was consumed by negativity. It felt like everything was going wrong, and I couldn’t see a way out.

Then, I started a simple daily ritual. Each night before bed, I wrote down three things I was grateful for that day. They could be big or small, anything from a kind word from a stranger to a beautiful sunset.

Over time, this practice started to shift my perspective. Instead of focusing on what was going wrong, I began to notice all the good in my life.

Gratitude became my anchor in stormy times. It reminded me that even when things were tough, there were still things to be thankful for.

So, hold onto gratitude. It has the power to transform your outlook on life.

3) Your authentic self

In a world that often pressures us to conform and fit in, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are. But psychology suggests that embracing our authentic self is vital for overall wellbeing.

Our authentic self is who we are at our core, separate from societal expectations or pressures. It’s our true thoughts, feelings, and desires.

Did you know that the word “authentic” is derived from the Greek “authentikos”, which means “original, genuine, principal”? So being authentic means being original and not a copy of someone else.

Holding onto your authentic self doesn’t mean you won’t change or grow. Instead, it ensures that any changes are aligned with your true nature, not imposed by external factors.

4) Resilience

Life is full of challenges. Some are small and easily overcome, others are significant and can shake us to our core.

This is where resilience comes in. It’s our ability to bounce back from setbacks, to rise again after we fall.

Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship or denying its impact. It’s about facing difficulty head-on, learning from it, and emerging stronger on the other side.

Psychologists suggest that resilience is not just a trait that people either have or do not have. It involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed by anyone.

So hold onto your resilience, nurture it, and let it be your shield against life’s inevitable challenges.

5) Love and compassion

At the heart of our human experience is the capacity to love and show compassion – not just towards others, but also towards ourselves.

Psychology tells us that love is a powerful emotion that can significantly impact our mental and emotional health. It has the ability to lift us up, bring us joy, and give our lives meaning.

Compassion, on the other hand, helps us connect with others on a deeper level. It reminds us of our shared humanity and encourages empathy and understanding.

So hold onto love and compassion. Let them guide your actions and shape your interactions with others. And most importantly, remember to extend them to yourself too.

6) Dreams and aspirations

I remember, as a child, I’d spend hours daydreaming about becoming an astronaut. The thought of exploring the vast expanse of the universe excited me. As I grew older, the dream changed but the passion remained.

Our dreams and aspirations give us a sense of purpose. They fuel our ambition and drive us to explore, create, and achieve. They make us get up in the morning with a spark in our eyes.

But sometimes, life gets in the way. We face obstacles that make us question whether our dreams are attainable. We may even consider giving up.

But here’s the thing – dreams are not just about reaching a destination, they’re about the journey too. They push us to grow, learn and step out of our comfort zones.

So hold onto your dreams and aspirations. They’re your personal roadmap to a fulfilling life.

7) Positive attitude

A positive attitude is like a beacon of light in the darkest of storms. It doesn’t necessarily change our circumstances, but it significantly changes how we perceive and respond to them.

Psychology reveals that maintaining a positive attitude can contribute to better health, increased productivity, reduced stress, and overall happiness.

This doesn’t mean ignoring reality or avoiding negative experiences. Instead, it’s about choosing to focus on the possibilities rather than the obstacles. It’s about seeing the glass as half full, not half empty.

So hold onto your positive attitude. It’s your secret weapon in navigating life’s ups and downs.

8) Inner peace

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters – your inner peace.

Inner peace is the calm and tranquility that comes from within. It’s the ability to remain steady and composed, even in the face of adversity.

Psychology advocates that inner peace is essential for our mental and emotional wellbeing. It helps us stay centered, reduces stress, and promotes clarity of thought.

So, no matter what life throws at you, hold onto your inner peace. It’s your sanctuary amidst the chaos of the world.