There’s a profound difference between living life in constant chaos and finding lasting inner peace. This difference often lies in our habits.
Letting go of certain habits can be the key to unlocking a more peaceful life. It’s not about suppressing your feelings, but about understanding what truly serves you and what doesn’t.
People who have found a deep sense of inner peace usually have some common habits they’ve bid goodbye to. And trust me, it’s worth knowing what these are.
Let’s learn how to wave goodbye to the old and say hello to inner peace.
1) Overthinking
Peace of mind is often clouded by the habit of overthinking.
Overthinkers tend to stress about the past and worry about the future, leaving them in a constant state of anxiety. It’s like trying to swim while being weighed down by a sack full of rocks.
The truly peaceful have let go of this habit. They understand the value of living in the present, and have learned to let things flow naturally instead of obsessing over every detail.
Overthinking accomplishes nothing but stress. If you’re seeking inner peace, it may be time to say goodbye to this habit.
And trust me, it’s easier said than done. But with conscious effort and practice, it can be achieved. And the reward is a life of serenity and tranquility.
2) Holding onto grudges
Here’s a habit I had to say goodbye to – holding onto grudges.
I used to be someone who would hold onto every wrong, every insult, and every mistake. It felt like I was carrying around a backpack full of bricks, and it was weighing me down.
But one day, I realized that holding onto grudges only hurt me, not the person who had wronged me. They were living their life unburdened, while I was stuck with all this resentment and anger.
So, I decided to let go. I started forgiving, not for them but for me. It was one of the most liberating things I’ve ever done.
People who’ve found inner peace understand this well. They know that forgiveness is a gift to themselves more than anyone else.
And they’ve mastered the art of letting go of grudges for a lighter, more peaceful life.
3) Avoiding challenges
Inner peace doesn’t equate to a life devoid of challenges. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
People with inner peace have usually said goodbye to the habit of avoiding challenges.
They understand that life isn’t always easy, but they are mentally prepared to deal with whatever comes their way.
They’ve developed resilience and mental toughness, two qualities that I discuss extensively in my book, “The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness“.
In the book, I talk about how resilience is not about escaping problems but facing them head-on and using them as stepping stones towards growth and self-development.
People with inner peace are resilient. They find strength in adversity and see challenges as opportunities for growth.
Saying goodbye to avoidance and developing resilience is a crucial step towards attaining lasting inner peace.
4) Seeking validation
There was a time when my self-worth was tied to the opinions of others. Their praise would lift me up, their criticism would pull me down. It was a rollercoaster ride, and not the fun kind.
But then, I realized that seeking validation from others is like giving them control over my happiness. And that’s not a power anyone should have.
People who enjoy inner peace have let go of this need for external validation. They understand their worth and don’t let anyone else define it.
They find joy in their achievements, learn from their failures, and value their own opinion above all else. Because at the end of the day, you’re the one living your life, not them.
5) Always being busy
Here’s a counter-intuitive one: people who have found inner peace often say goodbye to the habit of always being busy.
In our fast-paced society, being busy is often seen as a badge of honor. We are praised for multitasking and cramming our schedules with endless tasks.
But does being constantly busy truly bring fulfillment?
People who’ve found lasting peace have learned to slow down. They understand the importance of pause, introspection, and simply taking time to breathe.
Saying goodbye to the glorification of ‘busy’ allows them to be present in their lives, fully experiencing each moment.
It’s not about doing less, it’s about appreciating more. And that can make all the difference.
6) Comparing themselves to others
Comparison can be a dangerous game. It’s filled with envy, dissatisfaction, and a constant chase for what others have.
People who’ve embraced inner peace have said goodbye to this habit.
They’ve realized that every individual is on a unique journey, with different starting points, different paths, and different destinations.
They focus on their own progress, celebrate their own victories, and learn from their own failures.
They understand that the only person they should strive to be better than is the person they were yesterday.
Releasing the habit of comparison allows them to fully appreciate their own journey and find peace within themselves.
7) Neglecting self-care
Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. And people who’ve found lasting inner peace understand this deeply.
They prioritize their mental, physical, and emotional health. They understand that they cannot pour from an empty cup, and therefore, they take care of themselves first.
Whether it’s through meditation, exercise, reading, or simply taking a moment to breathe – they incorporate self-care into their daily routine.
They’ve learned to listen to their bodies, respect their limits and recharge when needed.
This habit of self-care is their foundation for lasting inner peace. It’s not selfish; it’s essential.
Final thoughts: It’s all about self-discovery
Achieving lasting inner peace is a personal and profound journey. It’s about self-discovery, understanding your needs, and discarding habits that no longer serve you.
These 7 habits we’ve discussed are common among those who’ve found peace, but remember, everyone’s journey is unique.
What works for one might not work for another. The key is to keep exploring, keep learning, and keep growing.
In my book, “The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness“, I discuss this journey in depth, offering strategies and insights to help you navigate through life’s challenges with resilience.
As you say goodbye to old habits and welcome new ones, remember that inner peace isn’t a destination but a continual process.
It’s about embracing the beauty of becoming, the strength in vulnerability, and the grace in growth.
Inner peace isn’t found; it’s cultivated. And with every step you take on this journey, know that you’re getting closer to becoming the best version of yourself.
