Life is challenging, but there are ways to ease the burden and take control of some outcomes.
Shunmyo SubmissiveA Zen Buddhist monk devotes an entire section of his book: “How to let things go“How to avoid making things harder on yourself.
Here are his four tips for using your energy wisely and making life a little easier.
4 ways to make your life less difficult
1. Think positively as often as possible
When experiencing challenges and setbacks, it can be difficult to see the positive, but “will spending a lot of time worrying help?” Masuno wrote. “It won’t.”
In difficult situations, it is often best to think as positively as possible to look for the best solution or next course of action. Humans are naturally inclined to be pessimistic, Masuno noted. So you have to be conscious and remember that even the most difficult times come to an end.
“The more you are able to look on the bright side, the less anxious you will feel and the better things will go,” he wrote.
2. Be confident in your own decisions
While it can be helpful and important to be open to other people’s opinions, one should avoid giving too much weight to what others have to say, Masuno said.
“All these opinions can confuse you and cause you to think so much that you are no longer able to decide what to do,” he wrote. “To avoid this, you must first know your own mind.”
Remember that you are the protagonist in your own life and that you should feel comfortable and confident in every decision you make.
3. Remember that both successes and failures are already in the past
When it comes to your craft, there will be a mix of great successes, low points, and everything in between. It’s important to remember that work is a “living thing,” Masuno said.
“Everything – from the time to the conditions to the people involved – varies from one moment to the next,” he added.
Therefore, you should remember that “both successes and failures are already in the past.” Change is the only constant. If you only focus on your past successes, you may miss future opportunities that can lead to even more success, he said.
4. Know when to leave battles
“Our society is extremely competitive and being victorious is a desire that almost everyone has,” Masuno said.
But “there are times when it’s best to just get out of the ring,” he said. It’s okay to have goals and pursue them, but don’t get too attached to the outcome.
If you encounter situations where you feel insulted – such as someone else being promoted instead of you – don’t emphasize how unfair it is. “Use your competitive spirit to improve your skills so you can be more equal with your competitors,” Masuno wrote.
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