As a dedicated mindfulness enthusiast, I’ve come to realize that inner peace doesn’t just magically appear—it requires letting go of behaviors that cause internal stress and chaos.
Finding peace within ourselves isn’t about adding more to our lives.
Sometimes, it’s about what we need to let go of.
Today, we’re going to explore seven behaviors you might want to say goodbye to if you’re seeking more inner tranquility.
Trust me, letting go of these can bring you one step closer to the peace you yearn for.
1) Overthinking
We’ve all been there—caught in a cycle of thoughts, going round and round without reaching any conclusion.
Overthinking is perhaps one of the most common behaviors that rob us of inner peace.
The problem with it is that it keeps us stuck in our heads, preventing us from living in the present moment.
It creates a constant stream of worry and anxiety about things that may never even happen.
Letting go of this isn’t easy, but it’s definitely possible.
As psychologist William James once said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
Choose wisely and say goodbye to overthinking for a more peaceful you.
2) Comparison
As Theodore Roosevelt puts it, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
This is another trap that so many of us fall into—I know I certainly have, at least.
A few years back, I found myself constantly comparing my achievements to those of my peers.
At the time, I was just starting Hackspirit and was full of doubts.
I’d look at friends who were climbing the corporate ladder, launching successful products, or traveling the world while I was struggling to get readers and make ends meet.
It wasn’t healthy, and it certainly did not lead to internal peace.
Every time I compared myself to others, I ended up feeling inadequate and stressed.
It was like a never-ending cycle of self-doubt and dissatisfaction.
It took some time, but I soon realized that my journey is uniquely mine, and comparing it with others’ only robbed me of joy and peace.
Only later did I realize that comparing ourselves to ourselves is what the experts recommend.
For instance, clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson dedicates an entire chapter to this in his bestselling book, 12 Rules For Life.
Letting go of comparison allowed me to appreciate my progress and find contentment in my own journey. It might just do the same for you.
3) Holding on to the past
Holding onto past mistakes or hurts can be incredibly damaging to our inner peace.
It’s like carrying a heavy weight that holds us back from moving forward and living fully in the present.
I’ve experienced this personally, too.
I won’t get into the details here, but basically, I spent years holding onto a mistake I made, letting it affect my self-esteem and happiness.
It took a lot of introspection and mindfulness to finally let go and forgive myself.
When we hold on to the past, we are essentially living our life looking through the rearview mirror.
Which, as you can imagine, is not ideal for navigating forward.
4) Neglecting self-care
How often do we prioritize work, responsibilities, and others’ needs over our own?
This neglect can have a significant impact on our mental peace.
Experts emphasize the importance of self-care for maintaining emotional health and well-being.
Activities like taking a walk in nature, practicing mindfulness, or even indulging in a hobby can significantly reduce stress and promote inner peace.
Why don’t we do these things more then?
Well, because we are “too busy,” yes, but also because we feel guilty when we do.
Make time and understand that self-care isn’t about being selfish.
It’s about replenishing your resources to serve others better and lead a balanced life.
5) Seeking perfection
Now, this might seem counter-intuitive.
After all, aren’t we always encouraged to strive for perfection? Isn’t that the goal?
Quality is undoubtedly admirable and something to aim for.
But here’s the thing: perfection is an illusion.
It’s an unattainable standard that we often set for ourselves, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Psychologists have found that perfectionism can lead to a host of issues, including stress, low self-esteem, and anxiety.
It robs us of our ability to find contentment in our accomplishments and growth.
Instead of seeking perfection, aim for progress.
Celebrate your small victories and learn from your mistakes.
6) Not setting boundaries
Setting boundaries is not just about saying no to others, it’s also about saying yes to your peace of mind.
It’s important to understand your limits and communicate them effectively.
When we fail to set boundaries, we allow others to encroach on our personal space and time, leading to exhaustion and resentment.
Establishing healthy boundaries helps us maintain our self-respect and also fosters mutual respect in our relationships.
7) Suppressing emotions
It’s easy to think that ignoring or suppressing negative emotions will lead to peace. But the truth is, it only leads to internal turmoil.
Emotions are a natural part of being human.
They need to be acknowledged and expressed, not shoved under the rug.
Years ago, I had a habit of suppressing my emotions, thinking it was the strong thing to do.
But instead of bringing peace, it only brought more distress.
It’s essential to create a safe space for your emotions, allowing yourself to feel without judgement.
Final thoughts: It’s all about choice
Every behavior we have discussed here is within our control to change.
Whether it’s letting go of overthinking, setting boundaries, or avoiding comparisons to others, the choice lies with us.
The path to inner peace begins with the decision to say goodbye to behaviors that rob us of tranquility.
However, it’s important to remember that change doesn’t happen overnight.
It’s a gradual process that requires patience and persistence.
But every small step you take towards letting go of these behaviors brings you closer to a more peaceful you.
