Progress in life is often about letting go. It’s about releasing the things that are holding us back, even if we’ve grown to love them.

Now, as a mindfulness and Buddhism expert and founder of Hack Spirit, I’ve observed some common attachments that seem to keep people stuck in one place.

These 8 things…if you stay attached to them, you won’t get ahead in life. Trust me on this one.

In this article, I’m going to share these with you. Because understanding what’s holding you back is the first step towards moving forward.

Let’s get started. 

1) Clinging to past mistakes

We all make errors in life. Believe me, I’ve made my fair share. But it’s how we respond to these mistakes that sets the trajectory for our future.

There’s a Buddhist saying: “You can’t change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future.”

The same goes for past mistakes. If we hold onto them, they become burdens that weigh us down and hinder our progress. Instead of dwelling on what we did wrong, we need to learn from it, let it go and move forward.

Mindfulness is key in this process. It teaches us to acknowledge our mistakes without judgment, accept them as part of our journey, and then gently direct our focus towards the present moment.

The past is gone and the future is yet to come. All we have is now. Don’t let your past mistakes steal your present. Let go, forgive yourself, and march on.

2) Fear of change

Change can be daunting, I get it. It’s like stepping into unknown territory without a map. But here’s the thing: change is inevitable. As the renowned mindfulness expert, Jon Kabat-Zinn, says, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

Fear of change is like standing on the shore, watching the waves roll in and dreading the moment you’ll have to get in the water. But clinging to this fear won’t prevent the waves; it will only keep you from learning how to ride them.

In my own life, I’ve found that embracing change, rather than fearing it, opens doors to new opportunities and experiences. It’s about adapting, growing and transforming.

Take a deep breath and dive headfirst into those waves. You might be surprised at how well you can surf.

3) Attachment to material possessions

It’s easy to get caught up in the rat race of acquiring more and more. We live in a society that often values us based on our material wealth. But let’s be raw and honest here: material possessions are impermanent and can’t bring lasting happiness.

Buddhist wisdom teaches us about the concept of impermanence, that everything in life is transient and constantly changing. This includes our material possessions. Clinging to them only leads to suffering, as we fear losing them or constantly desire more.

The key to getting ahead in life is not accumulating more stuff, but understanding that true wealth lies within us – in our kindness, compassion, and ability to love and connect with others. When we let go of our attachment to material possessions, we make room for truly meaningful experiences.

4) Living on autopilot

Let’s get real here. How many of us go through our days on autopilot, mindlessly going from one task to the next without truly living in the moment? I’m betting it’s more than we’d like to admit.

Living on autopilot means that we’re not fully present. We’re not truly experiencing our lives. We’re just existing. And that’s not how to get ahead.

Mindfulness teaches us the importance of being in the now. It’s about fully engaging with our experiences, savoring the moment, and not letting life just pass us by.

Step off the autopilot mode. Start engaging with your life. Experience each moment fully, whether it’s savoring your morning coffee or feeling the wind on your face during a walk. Every moment is precious. Don’t let them slip away unnoticed.

5) Holding onto an inflated ego

One of the greatest stumbling blocks in life is an inflated ego. It’s a lesson I’ve learned time and again in my own journey. An oversized ego can blind us to our own faults, prevent us from learning from others, and create unnecessary conflicts.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into the Buddhist teachings on the ego. Buddhism encourages us to let go of our inflated egos and embrace humility, understanding that we are just one small part of a vast universe.

When we deflate our egos, we make room for growth, learning, and connection with others. We become more open to different perspectives and ideas. And it’s through this openness that we truly get ahead in life. So let’s put aside our egos and step into a more humble, impactful existence.

6) Chasing after happiness

Now, this one might seem odd. Shouldn’t we all strive to be happy? Well, let’s be brutally honest: the pursuit of happiness often makes us more unhappy.

Sounds paradoxical, right? But consider this. When we chase after happiness, we’re essentially saying we’re not content with what we have now. We’re always looking ahead, always wanting more.

This is where mindfulness and Buddhist wisdom come in. They teach us to find contentment in the present moment, to appreciate what we have right now.

Happiness isn’t a destination to reach; it’s a state of being, found in the present moment. So let go of the chase. Embrace the now. You might find that happiness has been there all along.

7) Being a slave to your emotions

Our emotions can be powerful. They can drive us, shape us, and, if we’re not careful, control us. Let’s face it: who hasn’t made a hasty decision while angry or spent days wallowing in sadness?

But here’s the raw truth: being a slave to your emotions is no way to get ahead in life. As renowned Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said, “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”

This wisdom reminds us not to let our emotions dictate our actions. Instead, we can acknowledge them, understand them, and then let them pass without causing harm.

It’s about mastering your emotions, not letting them master you. And trust me, that’s a powerful skill to have in life.

8) Ignoring the ordinary

Now, this might sound counterintuitive, but stick with me. In our quest to get ahead in life, we often chase extraordinary moments and overlook the ordinary ones. But here’s the truth: life is mostly made up of ordinary moments.

Mindfulness teaches us the value of these often overlooked moments. It’s about being present and finding joy in the simple things – a beautiful sunrise, a delicious meal, a chat with a friend.

When we start to appreciate these ordinary moments, we find that they are not so ordinary after all. They are full of life, full of beauty.

Conclusion

Recognizing these is the first step towards a more mindful, fulfilling existence.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It’s about taking that first step and then consistently taking steps every day. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

For those interested in diving deeper into this journey and uncovering more insights on letting go and living with greater impact, I invite you to read my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s a guide that can help you navigate life’s challenges and uncover your true potential.

The power to change your life lies within you. Start today. Let go of these eight things and watch as you progress towards a better, more fulfilling life.