By Kimberly Mikesh

5 things to do less of to get more out of life

Tags Living Happier

Like anything worth pursuing, positive thinking and living a happier, more fulfilling life takes work. But what if you could do less and be even happier? Well, you can. It's all in the "what" you do -- not the "how much" you do:

1) Complaining: Sure. Sometimes merely airing a grievance is all we need to feel a little bit better about things, but seriously, no one wants to be around someone that is constantly talking gloom and doom. Next time you find a whine-fest coming on, stop before you start. That old adage about "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" holds true here.

2) Judging: We're all guilty of this one. But before you rush to judge someone, pause and try giving them the benefit of the doubt. In the words of Ian Maclaren: "Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." We couldn't have said it better ourselves.

3) Blaming: It's time to take ownership and stop blaming others when things don't go our way. But on the flip side, be kind to yourself and be sure to take responsibility when things go right, too. 

4) Worrying: Most of us have a seemingly never-ending list of things we're actively worrying about, but how much good is that actually doing us? Probably very little. Sure, worrying does allow us to process different scenarios and mentally act out how we'd handle them, but chances are most of the things you're worrying about aren't worth the mental space they're taking up. So let them go and reclaim some of your sanity. Feel that? It's a weight being lifted off of your shoulders.

5) Over-thinking: You've made a pros/cons list. Perhaps a spreadsheet. You've polled your friends and family and still haven't made up your mind. Sometimes it's best to go with your gut and save the hemming and hawing for truly important things: like what flavor ice cream to go with. Or should you make it a two-scoop? Perhaps a sundae? .... 

 

Next up: 7 ways to deal when life throws you a curve ball

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