By 
Have you ever felt weighed down by stress, wondering why life feels more complicated than it should?
I know I have. And over the years, I’ve noticed that it’s often because we cling to habits, mindsets, and even relationships that don’t serve us.
Letting go of these things isn’t always easy—it takes practice, self-awareness, and a bit of courage—but the rewards are undeniable. Life feels lighter, simpler, and far less overwhelming when we release what no longer aligns with our well-being.
Today, we’ll explore seven such things to say goodbye to for a less stressful life. Some of these might surprise you, and others might feel like old friends you’re not quite ready to part with—but trust me, letting go of them can make all the difference.
Let’s dive in.
1. The past
One of the most significant weights we carry around is our past.
So many of us dwell on mistakes, replay past traumas in our minds, and let old hurts affect our present. But the past is exactly that – past. It’s gone, and no amount of dwelling will change what has happened.
By learning to let go of the past, we free ourselves from the chains that tie us to our previous selves. This doesn’t mean forgetting or ignoring what has happened; it means accepting it, learning from it, and then moving forward.
Every day is a new beginning, a fresh start. As famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”
2. Negative self-talk
We’ve all been there. Looking in the mirror and not liking what we see, doubting our abilities, or feeling like we’re not good enough.
I remember when I first started Hack Spirit. Doubts crept in. “What if people don’t find value in what I share?” “What if I’m just not cut out for this?”
…negative self-talk was taking over.
Over time, however, I realized that this negative chatter was only holding me back. So I decided to let it go. Instead, I chose to replace it with positive affirmations and a more constructive inner dialogue.
And to say the least, it made a huge difference to my overall mindset and mood. I felt more resilient and less affected by external disappointments. Challenges didn’t seem as overwhelming, and I found it easier to bounce back when things didn’t go as planned.
Trust me, by saying goodbye to negative self-talk, you’re not only reducing stress but also boosting your confidence and chances of success. As Henry Ford wisely noted, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.”
3. The need to control everything
We all like to be in control. It gives us a sense of security and predictability. But life, by its very nature, is unpredictable. Trying to control every aspect of it often leads to stress and frustration.
There are so many things we can’t control: traffic, the economy, other people, the weather, business outcomes…yet so often we let these things cause us stress and take up our precious energy. It’s futile!
As put by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, “In our power are thought, impulse, will to get and will to avoid, and, in a word, everything which is our own doing”. Or in simpler terms, we only control our own actions and mindset.
This understanding can help us let go of our need to control everything.
When we learn to embrace change and uncertainty instead of fighting against it, we find a sense of peace and tranquility. It doesn’t mean we stop planning or striving for our goals. But it means we stop attaching our happiness to specific outcomes.
4. Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it drives us to do better, to excel.
On the other hand, it can lead to excessive stress and anxiety when we fail to meet our own unrealistic standards.This is widely acknowledged by experts. For instance, researchers of a 2022 study found that “perfectionism was positively associated with perceived stress and social anxiety.”
But here’s the thing: Perfection is an illusion. No one is perfect. Making mistakes is a part of life and it’s how we grow and learn.
Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress. Celebrate your small victories and learn from your failures.
5. Always saying yes
Whether it’s agreeing to help a friend move house, taking on extra work, or attending social events we’d rather skip, constantly striving to please others can leave us feeling overwhelmed and under-appreciated.
Saying “yes” when we really mean “no” often stems from a fear of disappointing others and a desire for approval. But at what cost? Our time, our energy, even our mental health can suffer.
Learning to say “no” when necessary is a powerful skill. It sets boundaries and allows us to prioritize our own needs.
While it might initially feel uncomfortable, remember that saying “no” to one thing means saying “yes” to something else – perhaps something that serves you better.
6. Comparing yourself to others
In our digital age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. We see the highlight reels of people’s lives on social media and begin to question our own achievements and happiness.
But comparing ourselves to others is like comparing apples to oranges. Each of us has unique strengths, weaknesses, experiences, and life paths. Or as Einstein put it, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
Instead of measuring your worth against someone else’s accomplishments, focus on your own growth. Celebrate your wins—no matter how small—and recognize the progress you’ve made. When you let go of the comparison game, you free yourself from unnecessary stress and self-doubt.
As noted by clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson, the only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday.
7. Worrying about the future
The future is a mystery, filled with endless possibilities. But that uncertainty can easily lead to overthinking, sleepless nights, and a cycle of anxiety about what might go wrong or what could happen.
However, worrying about the future doesn’t change it—it only robs you of the joy and peace available in the present moment. As Seneca wisely said, “There are more things, Lucilius, likely to frighten us than there are to crush us; we suffer more often in imagination than in reality.”
Not long ago, I found myself caught in this trap, constantly worrying about the direction of Hack Spirit. Would it continue to grow? Was I making the right decisions? It was draining and, ultimately, counterproductive.
What helped me break free was learning to focus on what I could control—my actions, decisions, and mindset—while letting go of what I couldn’t, like the outcomes or unforeseen challenges. By shifting my perspective, I found greater clarity, less stress, and a renewed sense of calm.
When you stop letting imagined fears run your life, you’ll discover a freedom that allows you to truly enjoy the present while still working toward the future.
The bottom line
Letting go isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to create a lighter, less stressful life.
By saying goodbye to the things that no longer serve you—whether it’s negative self-talk, perfectionism, or the need to control everything—you open the door to greater peace, joy, and freedom.
Start small, be patient with yourself, and remember: every step you take toward letting go brings you closer to the life you deserve.
Here’s to a simpler, more fulfilling journey ahead.