You're taking things too seriously, stop it!
A simple guide to getting the best out of life
Before we jump into the insights I want to share today, I’d like you to spend 10-15 minutes today listening to the latest episode of The Grinders Table - Anchor, Apple, Google, Stitcher, Radio Republic. I had a chat with Pamela Wagner, founder of Ajala Digital, a certified Google Partner that specializes in mobile, search, video, and display ads. She shared insights on building a viable business, the mistakes she made and tips you would definitely find useful in your journey to fulfilment.
One thing Pamela said that stuck with me was “just chill, relax, it's not that serious. Laugh a bit more, when you fail, smile. You'll get over it."
Another piece of advice Nse Ikpe-Etim1 gave me some days before my wedding a few years back was “don’t you ever lose the child in you”.
You know how children shrug off disappointment and try again, even when they got hurt?
As we grow older, we take everything way too serious. And that’s ok because the stake becomes higher - you get married, or have mouths to feed, or occupy a senior position at work. Your siblings, family, friends or co-workers begin to look up to you for direction or support etc.
The problem with taking things too seriously is that life begins to lose its meaning, you stop being aware of all the happiness and great things around you and you become fixated on just getting by. This is the worst way to live.
You shouldn’t just hustle through life, you have to ‘live’ life.
Here are some tips that have worked for me:
The goal is not perfection, the true goal should be growth.
Stop basing your worth on what everyone thinks. Only a ‘few’ people, who are pivotal to your happiness and growth, matter.
Don’t jump to conclusions. Take time to assess every situation, ask questions and learn. Keep an open mind.
Shrug things off, quickly! Don’t let things weigh you down. Avoid negative self-talk. Think of all the other great things you’ve been able to achieve and will still achieve. Be your personal hype-man(or hype-woman, you get my drift)
Take time to respond. Not everybody or the situation deserves an immediate response. When you’re ready, seek clarification than attack or impose your point of view.
If you can’t change it, leave it. Rewrite your story with another activity.
Practice self-meditation. Take a few minutes every day or when you find yourself stuck in that negative emotion to introspect and practice self-awareness. One app that helped me is Balance2
Take time out for yourself. Without you, your goals, aspirations, wealth are useless. Make it a habit to carve out time in your busy schedule for things that will make you truly happy. Take a stroll, visit the spa, chat with that friend, go to that restaurant - just do what makes you happy!
Nse Ikpe-Etim is a Nigerian actress and all-around amazing individual.
Balance app is a self-meditation app that helps improve stress and sleep.