Self Help

#Optimist: 15 Things to Give Up in 2015 to Be a Happier Person!

Nasrin Modak  |  May 6, 2016

You may not realize this, but holding things back over the years might be turning you into that negative person you’ve always dreaded becoming! But don’t feel bad – nothing is beyond hope. Just accept that it may be time to change your “self” for the sake of your own happiness. We give you 15 things to give up in 2015 to be a happier person.

1.  Procrastination

There’s a reason this tops the list – you probably should not even have waited for the year to begin to get started on this. Postponement might have got the better of you, but don’t let it overcome you while developing the habit of making to-do lists. Why not reward yourself when you strike things off it? Now that should be motivation enough to get you started, right?

2. Cribbing

People suck, things are shitty, the world around is a living hell – true, we are all aware of it, but then again sitting and whining about the state of affairs never leads to anything productive. Surely there are better things to do than just being grumpy? Think about this seriously – doesn’t constant complaining just turn you into a bitter person? Quit cribbing, we say, and see how life changes!

3. Excuses

The truth is, if something is important to you, you need to and will make time for it. Period. Trust your convictions and prioritize; the only thing that is keeping you away is some bulls**t excuse you keep giving yourself.

4. Comparison

Break free from the comparison trap ASAP. There is a thin line between being competitive and being comparative. The former is way better than the latter. And if you want to compete, a good person to begin with is the one you see in the mirror every day – you don’t need to measure yourself against anyone else.

5. Anger

You are entitled to your opinions and you are allowed to express them. But raising your voice every time you need to assert yourself is not advisable. And if you are angry, learn to register it without losing your calm. Remember, it makes way more impact if you show that you are angry without bothering to pay much attention to the other party involved. Objective attained, and you didn’t have to shout even once – happy now?

6. Fear

This year, try moving out of your comfort zone – be it your favourite job, city, or trusted group of people. Believe in yourself and let that faith be bigger than what you fear. Take things as they come your way.

8. Bad Habits

It could be anything from junk food to biting nails to bad communication skills. Replace one bad habit with a new hobby.

8. The Past

Whether it was a bad relationship, a failure, or a setback least expected, don’t be too hard on yourself and let it go. You can’t let what happened control what will happen. And trust us, the future is always brighter than the past.

9. Judgement

From people to places to things, we are often too quick to judge everything. However, by doing so, we only see things through the peephole of our own insecurities, thereby limiting our imagination. Everyone here is fighting a battle of their own, so heal them with love rather than hurting them with your labels – and you’ll be contented.

10. Unnecessary Stuff

From that four-sizes-too-small dress you thought would fit you to that old phone you wanted to sell but just didn’t – there is a mountain of things you don’t need but still possess. When you sit down to de-clutter, throw away things like you would if you had to pack your life in just one suitcase. Donate to charity or sell off your excess baggage and see how liberated you feel.

11. Being a Control Freak

The problem is, when you try to control everything, there is zero time left for you to enjoy anything. You know what? Stop worrying and let people and things be.

12. Distractions

Whether it’s the noise in your head that keeps pulling you down, or all those loud people around you – cut all of them off. The quieter you become, the more you can hear. Take time to monitor your own thoughts and actions; it’s bliss!

13. Haste

Haste makes waste – you learnt that in the second grade and yet refuse to take it seriously. In this fast-moving world we live in, we do everything from walking to talking and even breathing in a hurry. Stop rushing through life – and you’ll be amazed at how much more time you have to do things that you thought you couldn’t.

14. Complications

Whether it’s about you or your relationships, keep things simple! Problems look best in math textbooks, life isn’t meant to be so serious. Forego the drama, ignore the negativity and stand by what you love. Yes, it’s that easy!

15. Ego

Open your heart and mind because pride will always build distances between two people. You don’t have to be the one who gets offended easily; also let go of that need to be right always. Trust us, you’ll be happier this way.

 GIFs:  Giphy.comindipepper.comcollegecandyviralstories.in

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