Let me tell you something, achieving genuine peace in life isn’t as complicated as it sounds. It’s not about adding more to your life, but rather letting go of what doesn’t serve you.

As a mindfulness/Buddhism enthusiast, I always say: “Peace comes from within”. But what does that mean? It’s all about understanding the habits that are holding you back and consciously deciding to let them go.

In this article, I’ll share with you eight habits that might be standing in the way of your inner tranquility. Trust me, once you say goodbye to these, you’ll find yourself living a much more peaceful life.

So, are you ready to step into a life of genuine peace? Let’s get started.

1) Overthinking

Let’s face it, we’ve all fallen into the trap of overthinking.

Overthinking doesn’t just steal your peace, it also drains your mental energy. It’s like running on a hamster wheel, you’re moving a lot but not getting anywhere.

As a mindfulness enthusiast, I can tell you that the habit of overthinking is one of the biggest hurdles to inner calm.

Why? Because it takes you out of the present moment and into a vortex of ‘what ifs’ and worst-case scenarios. It disconnects you from reality and plunges you into a world of unnecessary assumptions and worries.

The truth is, most things you worry about never happen. It’s just your mind playing tricks on you.

Now, if you’re serious about finding peace in life, consciously decide to let go of overthinking. When you catch yourself in the act, gently bring your focus back to the present moment.

2) Negativity

Ah, negativity. It’s a sneaky little thing that creeps in and takes hold before you even realize it.

From experience, I can tell you that negativity is like a poison. It not only impacts your peace of mind but also your overall wellbeing. And the worst part? It’s contagious. You start spreading it to the people around you without even realizing it.

Remember this famous quote by Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Zen master and mindfulness expert: “Peace is every step”. This quote is a gentle reminder that peace isn’t a destination, but a journey.

The key to this journey? Positivity.

Embrace positivity in your thoughts, words, and actions. Start by acknowledging the negative thoughts but refuse to dwell on them. Do not let them consume you or define your day.

3) Attachment

Attachment is a tough one. It’s in our nature to hold on to things, people, or situations that we cherish. But often, we hold on so tight that it starts hurting us.

Buddhism teaches us the wisdom of non-attachment. In fact, the Buddha once said, “Attachment is the root of all suffering”.

When we cling to things—be it material possessions, relationships, or even past mistakes—we create a space for anxiety and unrest to breed. We lose sight of the impermanence of things and invite suffering into our lives.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Non-attachment doesn’t mean you stop caring or loving. It simply means understanding that everything is transient and accepting the flow of life without resisting it.

4) Living on autopilot

We’re all guilty of it. The day starts, and we go through the motions. Wake up, work, eat, sleep, repeat. Life becomes a routine, and before we know it, we’re living on autopilot.

But here’s the raw truth: Living on autopilot is like fast-forwarding your life. You’re physically present but mentally and emotionally absent.

Mindfulness teaches us the importance of being present in every moment. It urges us to wake up from this autopilot mode and truly experience life.

Being mindful means fully engaging with whatever you’re doing, feeling, or thinking at the moment. It means savoring your coffee instead of gulping it down, truly listening when someone talks instead of planning your response, noticing your surroundings instead of rushing through them.

Sounds simple, right? But it’s honestly one of the most challenging habits to cultivate.

So slow down. Breathe. Engage with the present moment. Say goodbye to living on autopilot and start living mindfully. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for inner peace.

5) The ego trap

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my journey with mindfulness and Buddhism, it’s that the ego can be a real peace-stealer.

The ego loves to hold the reins of our lives. It thrives on comparison, judgment, and the incessant need to be ‘better’ than others. But let me tell you, this constant striving leaves no room for peace.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I talk about how Buddhism teaches us to tame our egos.

It suggests that we should not identify ourselves with our thoughts, our feelings, or our successes and failures. Instead, we should observe them as passing phenomena, not letting them define us.

Learning to tame your ego is like opening the door to a new world—a world where you can connect deeply with others and with yourself, a world where peace is not just a concept but a lived experience.

6) Ignoring self-care

Here’s a bitter pill to swallow: We often neglect the one person who needs our love and care the most—ourselves.

In the hustle and bustle of life, self-care takes a backseat. We’re too busy meeting deadlines, fulfilling responsibilities, and trying to please everyone around us.

Both mindfulness and Buddhism emphasize the importance of self-care. They teach us that caring for ourselves is not selfish but essential.

Let’s be clear: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Ignoring self-care leaves you depleted, stressed, and far from inner peace. Self-care entails nurturing your body, mind, and spirit. It means setting boundaries, learning to say ‘no’ when necessary, carving out time for relaxation, and indulging in activities that bring you joy.

7) Resisting change

Change is a part of life, yet we often resist it with all our might. We prefer the comfort of the known over the uncertainty of the unknown.

However, as the great Buddhist philosopher, Pema Chödrön once said, “Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know”.

Indeed, change is a teacher. It forces us to grow, adapt, and evolve. But when we resist change, we resist growth. We resist the opportunity to learn and understand life in a deeper way.

My advice? Embrace change. Let it mold you, teach you, and take you on unexpected journeys.

8) Pursuing happiness

Yes, you read that right. The relentless pursuit of happiness can actually steal your peace.

Here’s why: When we chase happiness, we’re essentially saying we’re not happy right now. We’re placing our happiness in the future, in some elusive goal or achievement.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive for a better life. By all means, set goals and work towards them. But remember that true happiness lies in the journey, not the destination.

Here’s a counterintuitive thought: Stop pursuing happiness. Instead, cultivate mindfulness. Savor the present moment. Find joy in the little things.

Finding true peace: Embracing inner harmony

Achieving genuine peace in life begins with a deep understanding of oneself. Start by cultivating self-awareness, acknowledging your thoughts, emotions, and triggers without judgment. Practice mindfulness to anchor yourself in the present moment, letting go of worries about the past or anxieties about the future.

Learn to let go of expectations and attachments, embracing life’s inevitable ebbs and flows with grace and acceptance. Nurture positive relationships and surround yourself with supportive and uplifting individuals who encourage your growth and well-being.

Prioritize self-care, making time for activities that nourish your body, mind, and spirit. Set boundaries to protect your energy and prioritize your needs without guilt.

Practice gratitude daily, focusing on the abundance and blessings in your life rather than dwelling on perceived lacks or shortcomings.

Above all, cultivate compassion and kindness towards yourself and others, understanding that true peace stems from inner harmony and a heart filled with love.

If you found this article helpful and want to delve deeper into the wisdom of Buddhism and its relevance in our daily lives, I invite you to check out my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”.

Here’s to a life of genuine peace, one habit at a time.