Life is too short to hold onto habits that drag us down.

I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a keen enthusiast of mindfulness and Buddhism.

In my journey, I realized the power of letting go. Shedding off certain practices that do not serve us well, is a significant step towards a fulfilling life.

To truly make the most out of your existence, there are 7 habits you need to say goodbye to. Letting go can be daunting, I know.

But trust me, it’s worth it..

1) Living in the past or future

Life is a series of moments, happening here and now. Yet, many of us spend our time dwelling on the past or fretting about the future.

Mindfulness, a core principle in Buddhism, encourages us to immerse ourselves in the present moment. It’s all about savouring the ‘now’.

When we constantly revisit past regrets or future anxieties, we rob ourselves of the joy and experience of the present moment. This habit becomes a roadblock to happiness and fulfillment.

Let’s take a cue from mindfulness practices. Start by acknowledging this habit. The next time you find yourself stuck in a time warp of past or future, gently remind yourself to return to the present.

Saying goodbye to this habit is about taking control of your life.

After all, we can’t change the past or predict the future. But we can make the most of what’s happening right now.

2) Seeking perfection

Perfection is a myth. There, I said it. As someone who used to be a perfectionist, I can tell you that it’s an exhausting, unattainable goal.

We often set incredibly high standards for ourselves and feel disappointed when we don’t reach them. This constant pursuit of perfection can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression.

Buddhist teachings emphasize the beauty of imperfection and the acceptance of our flaws. It’s about understanding that life is imperfect, and that’s what makes it beautiful.

Strive for progress, not perfection. Embrace your flaws and learn from your mistakes. They don’t define your worth; they help you grow.

Saying goodbye to the habit of seeking perfection will not only bring you peace but also open doors to opportunities you might have missed while chasing an illusion of perfection.

3) Comparing yourself to others

Let’s get real. We all fall into the comparison trap at times. It’s human nature. But it’s also a destructive habit that can chip away at our self-esteem and happiness.

Buddhist wisdom offers a refreshing perspective on this. It reminds us that we each have our unique path in life. Each of us has different experiences, different lessons to learn, and different timelines.

Comparing ourselves to others is like comparing apples and oranges – it just doesn’t make sense.

In Buddhism, we’re encouraged to focus on our own journey and growth, rather than measuring ourselves against others. This simple shift in perspective can be incredibly liberating.

Remember, your worth is not determined by how you stack up against others, but by how you’re growing and evolving as an individual.

4) Being driven by ego

In my journey, I’ve learned that ego can be one of the biggest obstacles to living a fulfilling life.

Our ego often convinces us that we’re separate from others and the world around us. It feeds on comparison, competition, and the desire for recognition.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into how Buddhist teachings guide us to transcend our ego.

Rather than being driven by ego, Buddhism encourages us to cultivate compassion and interconnectedness. It’s about recognizing that we are a part of a larger whole and that our actions have a ripple effect on those around us.

Saying goodbye to being driven by ego doesn’t mean losing your sense of self. It’s about shifting from a self-centered perspective to a more compassionate, interconnected view of life.

Remember, a life led by compassion and understanding is far more rewarding than one dictated by ego.

If you’re interested in learning more about this concept, you can find my book on Amazon here. 

5) Holding onto grudges

Holding onto grudges is like carrying a heavy backpack. It weighs you down, saps your energy, and hinders your journey.

Buddhist teachings emphasize the importance of forgiveness. It’s not about condoning what someone else has done, but about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment.

Mindfulness also plays a crucial role here. It helps us acknowledge our feelings of hurt and betrayal without letting them define us. It allows us to let go of the past and make room for healing and growth.

It’s raw and honest advice. But it’s also freeing. Letting go of grudges doesn’t mean you forget what happened. It means you stop letting it control your life.

Say goodbye to holding onto grudges. Embrace forgiveness and free yourself from the chains of resentment. 

6) Fear of change

Change is inevitable. Yet, many of us fear it and resist it. We cling to the familiar and comfortable, even when it no longer serves us.

Buddhism teaches us about the concept of impermanence – the idea that everything is constantly changing. Resisting this natural flow of life only brings suffering.

Change can be scary, yes. But it can also be an opportunity for growth and transformation.

Let’s welcome change with open arms instead of fear. Let’s see it as a chance to learn, evolve, and become better versions of ourselves.

7) Constant busyness

In today’s world, being busy is often equated with being important or successful. We rush from one task to another, always on the go, always doing something.

But is this constant busyness truly productive? Or is it just a habit that keeps us from truly living?

Mindfulness urges us to slow down and truly engage with each moment. It isn’t about doing less; it’s about being more present in what we’re doing.

It may seem counterintuitive, but slowing down can actually make us more productive. When we’re fully present, we can focus better, make fewer mistakes, and enjoy what we’re doing.

So let’s say goodbye to constant busyness. Let’s learn to pause, breathe, and truly engage with life. Remember, life isn’t a race to the finish line. It’s a journey to be savored one moment at a time.

Final thoughts

So there you have it.

Eight habits that you need to say goodbye to if you want to truly make the most out of your life. Each one of us is a work in progress, and letting go of these habits is a stepping stone towards living a more fulfilled, balanced life.

If you found this article insightful and want to delve deeper into Buddhist teachings and how they can guide us towards a more fulfilling life, I invite you to read my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s packed with wisdom and practical tips to help you navigate through life with greater ease and joy.

Remember, the journey towards a better life starts with small steps. Start by saying goodbye to these habits and embracing a mindful approach to life.