As humans, we often find ourselves caught up in the minutia of our daily lives. We get so consumed with what is happening right now that we forget to look at the bigger picture.
We worry about things that ultimately won't matter in the grand scheme of things. But what if we took a step back and considered whether our current struggles will still hold the same weight in 20 years? Would that change the way we approach life?
Here are 9 things that we tend to worry about, but in the end, won't matter in 20 years.
1.Embarrassing Failures
We all have moments where we fail or embarrass ourselves. In the moment, it can feel like the world is ending, but the truth is, these moments are fleeting. Most of the time, they won't even be remembered by others. What's important is what you learn from these moments. Failure is an opportunity for growth and learning.
2.Fantasies About a Perfect Future
It's easy to get caught up in the idea of a perfect future. We have certain expectations for what our lives should look like, but in reality, life rarely goes as planned. It's important to have goals and aspirations, but it's equally important to be flexible and adaptable. In 20 years, you might look back and realize that the life you thought you needed wasn't actually what made you happy.
3.Worry Over Trying Something New
Taking risks and trying new things can be scary. We worry about the unknown and the potential for failure. But the truth is, we miss out on so many great experiences when we let worry get in the way. In 20 years, you're not going to remember the things you were worried about, but you will remember the adventures you took.
4.Not Taking Part in Your Community
Community involvement is important for personal growth and the growth of your community. It's easy to get caught up in social media activism, but real change happens when we get involved in person-to-person activities. In 20 years, you're not going to remember the online rants you posted, but you will remember the impact you made in your community.
5.Being Right All of the Time
We all like to be right, but sometimes it's not worth it. Arguing over random facts or trying to prove a point can be exhausting and ultimately damaging to relationships. In 20 years, you're not going to remember who was right about a certain topic, but you will remember the relationships you had.
6.People Pleasing
It's impossible to please everyone, and trying to do so can be detrimental to our own well-being. We should strive to do our best and live by our personal convictions, but we shouldn't worry about pleasing everyone else. In 20 years, you're not going to care about what random acquaintances thought of you, but you will care about whether you lived a life true to yourself.
7.Obsessing Over Your Looks
We live in a society that places a lot of value on appearance, but the truth is, outer beauty fades with age. In 20 years, you're not going to care about that bad haircut you got or that pimple you had, but you will care about the person you were on the inside.
8.How You Judge or Perceive Others? Decisions
We all have different experiences and perspectives that shape the way we view the world. As we grow older, we often gain new insights and understandings that change the way we perceive people and situations. In 20 years, you might look back and realize that your judgments of others were based on incomplete information or a lack of understanding.
9.Owning Expensive Possessions
In a world that promotes consumerism, it's easy to get caught up in buying the next shiny object. We're told that owning expensive possessions will make us happy, but in reality, they can often become a source of stress and anxiety. In 20 years, these same items might not even exist, let alone matter. Remember, most objects lose their luster, but experiences last a lifetime.
Instead of focusing on buying material possessions, focus on building meaningful experiences. Travel, learn a new skill, or spend time with loved ones. These are the things that you'll look back on fondly in 20 years, not the latest gadget or fashion accessory.
Conclusion
It's easy to get caught up in the present moment, worrying about things that seem important now but won't matter in 20 years. By keeping a long-term perspective and focusing on the things that truly matter, we can live happier and more fulfilling lives.
Embarrassing failures, fantasies about a perfect future, worry over trying something new, not taking part in your community, being right all of the time, people pleasing, obsessing over your looks, how you judge or perceive others' decisions, and owning expensive possessions are all things that may seem important now, but in the grand scheme of things, won't matter much in 20 years.
Instead of worrying about these things, focus on building meaningful relationships, creating memorable experiences, and making a positive impact in the world around you. These are the things that will truly matter in 20 years, and beyond.
Bonus (just because you read till the end, lol)
Here are three fast-action steps that you can take to apply the advice from this article to your own lives:
1.Reflect on your past mistakes and what you've learned from them
Take some time to journal about some of the embarrassing mistakes you've made in the past. Write down what happened and what you learned from the experience. Reflecting on your past mistakes can help you gain perspective and develop a more positive attitude towards failure.
2.Focus on building healthy habits
Instead of obsessing over your looks, focus on building healthy habits that support your overall well-being. This can include things like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. These habits can help you feel better physically and mentally, and contribute to your long-term health and happiness.
3.Get involved in your community
Instead of just being an online activist, find an organization in your community that you care about and get involved with it in person. Attend meetings, volunteer your time, and get to know the people in your community. Building relationships and making a positive impact in your community can be deeply rewarding and help you feel more connected to the world around you.
By taking these fast-action steps, you can start living a more meaningful and fulfilling life today, and create a brighter future for yourself and those around you.