When you see a smiling person, you assume they’re always happy. When you see someone meditating, you think they’re at peace. But let me tell you, it’s not always that simple.

The human psyche is like an intricate puzzle. It’s complicated and requires a lot of effort to achieve a state of happiness and tranquility.

However, some people seem to have cracked the code. They’ve managed to let go of 8 specific attachments for peace of mind.

These are the folks we’re talking about today. I’m going to tell you their secret.

1) The need for approval

We’ve all experienced it: you do or say something and instinctively look around to see if it was noticed or approved.

They understand that happiness stems not from outside validation, but from within. These individuals don’t let others’ opinions dictate their self-worth or happiness.

Instead, they tune into their own inner voice, trust their instincts, and engage in activities that bring them joy, regardless of external perceptions.

By doing so, they significantly reduce their emotional burden, making space for authentic peace of mind. Research supports that individuals who prioritize intrinsic goals and self-validation over seeking approval from others tend to experience higher satisfaction and mental well-being. 

2) Attachment to perfection

I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist. It’s something that I’ve carried with me since my school days. Every project and every assignment had to be just perfect.

But over the years, I’ve realized that this constant pursuit of perfection was taking a toll on my peace of mind. It was like I was on a never-ending treadmill, always running but never reaching the finish line.

It wasn’t until I met a friend, who seemed to be the happiest person on earth, that I understood the mistake I was making. He told me how he had let go of his attachment to perfection and embraced the beauty of imperfection.

He taught me that it’s okay to make mistakes, it’s okay to fail. Because that’s how we learn and grow.

I took his advice to heart and began practicing what he preached. And you know what? It worked. I found myself feeling lighter, happier, and more at ease.

3) Attachment to material possessions

Did you know that the average American home contains 300,000 items? That’s a staggering amount of stuff. And let’s be honest, we don’t need half of it.

Happy people have figured this out. They understand that happiness doesn’t come from the things you own but from the experiences you have and the people you share them with.

They’ve learned to let go of their attachment to material possessions. Instead of focusing on accumulating more, they focus on appreciating what they already have.

4) Living in the past or future

Time travel is a captivating theme in science fiction, but it’s less beneficial when it comes to our mental health. 

These individuals have mastered the art of releasing their grip on time. They engage in mindfulness practices, focusing their attention entirely on the present moment and immersing themselves in their current activities.

By doing so, they liberate themselves from the burdens of ‘what was’ and ‘what could be,’ thus opening up to the peace and contentment that exists in the here and now.

5) Control over everything

I used to be a control freak. I wanted to have a say in everything that happened around me. If things didn’t go as planned, I would get stressed and anxious.

But then I realized, life isn’t something you can control. It’s unpredictable and full of surprises. And that’s what makes it beautiful.

I learned to let go of my need for control. Instead of trying to manipulate every situation to my advantage, I started going with the flow, embracing the uncertainty.

Doing so has made me happier and more at peace with myself. I’ve come to understand that I can’t control everything around me, but I can control how I react to it.

6) The need to always be right

It might seem like winning an argument would bring satisfaction, but often it just leads to resentment and strained relationships.

Happy people have discovered something profound. They’ve realized that the need to always be right can be a huge roadblock to peace of mind.

They choose to prioritize harmony over being right. They understand that it’s more important to maintain positive relationships than to prove a point.

And in doing so, they find a deeper sense of fulfillment and peace. So, next time you find yourself in a heated debate, ask yourself: “Do I want to be right, or do I want to be happy?”

7) Negative self-talk

We’re often our own worst critics. We say things to ourselves that we would never say to anyone else.

But here’s the thing: happy people don’t do that. They’ve let go of negative self-talk. They understand that the way they speak to themselves matters.

Instead of being harsh and critical, they practice self-love and self-compassion. They speak to themselves kindly, with understanding and patience.

This shift in inner dialogue creates a more positive mindset, builds self-esteem, and leads to true peace of mind. 

8) Comparing oneself to others

This is perhaps the most debilitating attachment of all. Comparing ourselves to others is a surefire way to rob ourselves of happiness.

The happiest people know this. They’ve let go of the constant need to measure up, to be better, to have more. They understand that each person is on their own unique journey, with different strengths and challenges.

They focus on their own growth, their own progress, and their own happiness. They’re not in competition with anyone else.

In letting go of comparison, they find a deep sense of contentment and peace of mind that can’t be shaken by the achievements or success of others.

Final thoughts

As we wrap up, it’s clear that finding peace of mind isn’t about piling on more things, achievements, or accolades. It’s about releasing the attachments that weigh us down and prevent us from truly experiencing happiness.

I’ll leave you with this pearl of wisdom from the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu: “He who is contented is rich.” In letting go, we find our wealth not in possessions or comparisons, but in peace, contentment, and happiness.

So take a moment. Reflect. You might just find that the path to peace of mind is less about adding and more about subtracting.