Life can be complicated, can’t it? Filled with worries that take up so much space in our heads. Well, I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way.

Hi, I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a staunch mindfulness enthusiast. I believe in living a life that’s simpler and less stressful.

Here’s the thing: many of the worries we carry around are unnecessary. And letting go of these can make life significantly easier.

When we stop sweating the small stuff—or even the big stuff we can’t control—we open up space for peace, clarity, and joy.

So, if you’re ready to lighten the load and simplify your life, let’s dive into the eight things you should stop worrying about right now.

1) The past

We’ve all been there, right? Stuck in a loop of “what ifs” and “if onlys”, letting our past mistakes or missed opportunities consume our present.

Well, it’s time to stop. The past is a place of reference, not residence. You can’t change what has happened, but you can control how you move forward.

Focusing on the past keeps us from experiencing the present fully and planning for the future effectively. It’s one of those unnecessary worries that only adds stress to our lives.

As the renowned psychologist Carl Jung said, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” So choose to live in the present and let go of the past for a simpler, less stressful life.

2) The future

Similarly, worrying about the future can keep us from enjoying life, too.

I know it’s a scary place, filled with uncertainty and unknowns. Many of us spend countless hours worrying about what might happen, or what might not happen.

But here’s the thing: the future is always going to be uncertain. That’s just part of life. Worrying about it won’t change that fact or make it any less uncertain.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego,” I discuss how Buddhist principles can help us embrace uncertainty and live in the present moment.

The key is to focus on what you can control right now, and let the rest unfold as it may.

3) What others think of you

Now this is a big one for most of us. We spend so much time and energy worrying about what others think of us, don’t we?

I remember a time when I was consumed with how people perceived me. Whether it was my work, my clothing, or even my taste in music, I was always second guessing and seeking approval. It was exhausting!

But then I realized something: the opinions of others don’t define my reality. Letting go of this worry was liberating.

Remember, it’s your life. You’re the one living it, not them. As long as you’re true to yourself and not hurting anyone, what others think really doesn’t matter.

And here’s something else you might not have considered — they probably aren’t thinking about you as much as you think! Sounds harsh, I know, but it’s actually freeing when you realize it.

Most people are too caught up in their own lives to be overly concerned with what you’re doing. This means all that energy you’re spending worrying about their opinions could be better used on things that truly matter to you.

4) Perfection

Perfection is another trap many of us fall into. We strive for it in our work, our relationships, even in our personal goals.

But here’s the harsh truth: perfection is unattainable. And not only that, it’s harmful. 

Health experts have found that perfectionism can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems. It can also stifle creativity and innovation.

Instead of striving for perfection, aim for progress. It’s about doing your best with what you have and learning from your mistakes along the way.

5) Always being busy

In today’s fast-paced world, being busy is often seen as a badge of honor. We equate busyness with productivity, success, and importance.

Well, that’s actually not right. In truth, excessive busyness can hinder our progress and well-being.

Being constantly on the go can lead to burnout, stress, and a decline in our overall quality of life. It leaves little room for relaxation, reflection, and connection with others.

Moreover, psychologists have discovered that periods of downtime are essential for our brains to process information, consolidate memories, and reinforce learning.

So let’s challenge the glorification of busy. Prioritize rest and balance in your life. Take time to enjoy the ‘little’ moments. You’ll find they’re not so little after all.

6) Money

Money is a common worry for many of us, and while it’s important to manage our finances responsibly, obsessing over it can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Sure, money can provide comfort and security, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of happiness.

It’s crucial to find a balance. While it’s good to save and plan for the future, it’s equally important to enjoy the present and not let financial worries overshadow your life.

As psychologist Abraham Maslow wisely said: “The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.”

So, let’s focus on living in the present moment, rather than constantly worrying about money.

7) Not being good enough

It’s easy to feel like we’re not good enough, especially in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with images of perfection.

We compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel and end up feeling like we’re falling short.

Does this sound familiar to you? Then it’s time to stop worrying about it.

In case you need some reminding, you are enough, just as you are. Your worth isn’t determined by your achievements, your looks, or your status. It’s inherent. You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone.

You have unique strengths and qualities that nobody else has. Recognize them. Celebrate them. Don’t diminish your worth based on comparisons with others.

8) Failing

Letting go of the fear of not being good enough is a huge step toward reclaiming your peace of mind, but closely tied to this is another common worry that often holds us back: the fear of failure.

Fear of failure can be paralyzing. It can prevent us from taking risks, trying new things, and reaching our full potential.

But failure is not the enemy. In fact, it’s an essential part of growth.

Every time we fail, we learn something new. We gain a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t. We become more resilient, adaptable, and creative.

So instead of fearing failure, embrace it. See it as an opportunity to grow and evolve.

And know this — when you do fail, you can get back up and try again. So why worry about it? 

Final thoughts

These eight points we’ve covered are just some of the many things we often worry about unnecessarily. By letting go of them, we pave the way for a simpler, more fulfilling life.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego,” I delve deeper into how Buddhist principles can help us to live in the present moment, free from unnecessary worries.

Life isn’t about avoiding all problems. It’s about choosing which battles are worth fighting and which ones are better left alone.

Remember, it’s your journey. You have the power to decide what you worry about and what you let go.

Choose wisely, so you can enjoy a life that’s more joyful and meaningful, focused on what truly matters to you.