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Life’s like a rollercoaster — ups, downs, twists, turns, and understandably, every now and then, we lose our hats in the process. 

And in this thrilling ride, it’s quite easy to get caught up in things that seem important but honestly, aren’t really worth our time or energy. We often stress over things that, in the grand scheme of it all, won’t matter. 

That’s why today, we’re going to take a closer look at the top 10 most overrated things in life that you might want to consider letting go of. 

1. Chasing Perfection

Perfection, my friend, is a myth. We’ve all been there, agonizing over the minor details that no one but us would notice. 

We end up exhausting ourselves in the pursuit of this elusive concept, and for what? Remember, imperfections make you unique. They add texture to your existence. Think of a carefully crafted piece of pottery. 

The beauty lies in the cracks, the rough edges, the places where the artist’s hands have left their mark. Embrace your imperfections. They’re part of your story, part of what makes you human.

So, the next time you find yourself fixated on attaining the “perfect” body, the “perfect” job, or the “perfect” life, take a step back. Remember that perfection is a subjective concept, and what might be perfect for one person may not be for another. 

Besides, perfection leaves no room for growth or improvement. So, why not aim for progress instead?

2. Living Up To Society’s Expectations

overrated things in life
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Societal expectations — they’re like that overbearing aunt who always has an opinion about what you should be doing with your life. 

The truth is, you can’t please everyone, and trying to do so is like chasing a never-ending mirage.

So, you didn’t get married by 30? So, you don’t have a nine-to-five job? So, you don’t want kids? That’s perfectly fine! There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to life. 

Everyone’s journey is different, and that’s the beauty of it.

Let go of the societal script. It’s liberating, it’s empowering, and it allows you to define success on your own terms. 

Your worth is not defined by societal norms or expectations. It’s defined by who you are as an individual, your values, and the impact you make in the world.

3. Keeping Up With The Joneses

In this age of Instagram-perfect lives and Facebook bragging rights, it’s easy to get sucked into the vortex of envy. 

We see our friends flaunting their new car, their dream vacation, or their latest designer purchase, and we feel a pang of envy. But here’s the thing: Life is not a competition.

Sure, your friend might have a swanky car, but perhaps they’re drowning in debt. Or maybe they have a picture-perfect relationship on Instagram, but they’re struggling in reality. 

Remember, social media is a highlight reel. It doesn’t show the whole picture.

Strive for your own personal development, not to outdo someone else. Define what success means to you, set your own goals, and work towards them. 

Instead of being envious of others, be inspired by their achievements, and let that motivate you.

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4. Money

What are some overrated things?
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We’ve all heard the phrase “money can’t buy happiness,” yet we continue to idolize wealth and material possessions. 

Yes, money is important. It pays the bills, it puts food on the table, and it offers a certain level of comfort and security. But it’s not everything.

You see, happiness isn’t found in a fat bank account. It’s found in moments, in experiences, in relationships. The laughter you share with a friend, the satisfaction of helping someone in need, the joy of pursuing a passion – these are things money can’t buy.

So, don’t spend your life chasing after wealth, forgetting to live in the process. Remember that money is a tool, not a goal. Use it to build the life you want, but don’t let it become the center of your universe.

5. External Validation

The intoxicating pull of approval — it’s the surge of satisfaction when we see the “likes” pile up on our latest Instagram post. The quiet thrill of a compliment. 

But here’s the thing: You don’t need anyone else’s validation to prove your worth.

Many of us fall into the trap of constantly seeking approval, of basing our self-worth on the opinions of others. It’s a dangerous game, my friend, and it rarely leads to true happiness.

Realize that you’re more than the sum of your likes, shares, and comments. Your value doesn’t lie in someone else’s perception of you, but in your own self-belief. 

Embrace who you are, unapologetically. Own your strengths, acknowledge your weaknesses, and believe in your ability to grow.

So, next time you find yourself seeking validation, remember: You are enough, just as you are. No approval necessary.

6. Having a Massive Social Circle

People often equate popularity with having a large social circle, but let’s clear up this misconception. 

The truth is, it’s not about the quantity but the quality of friendships. Having a thousand friends on social media does not equate to having true friends in real life.

The number of likes, shares, or birthday wishes on your social media wall does not determine your worth. Nor does the number of people you hang out with on weekends. 

Friendship is not a popularity contest. It’s about forming deep, meaningful connections that nourish your soul.

Cherish the few close friends who know you inside out, who stick by you through thick and thin, and who truly enrich your life. They are worth more than a thousand superficial acquaintances. 

Let go of the idea that you need to be friends with everyone. You don’t.

7. Being Busy All The Time

Photo by wayhomestudio from Freepik

In this time of “hustle culture”, we often wear “busyness” as a badge of honor. But is being busy all the time really something to aspire to? Or is it just another overrated thing that we should stop caring about?

Being busy does not always equate to being productive or successful. On the contrary, it can often lead to burnout, stress, and a decline in our overall well-being. 

Remember, life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. It’s okay to take breaks, to recharge, and to prioritize your mental and physical health.

So, stop glorifying “busy”. Understand the value of time and make room for things that truly matter to you. 

It’s okay to slow down and enjoy the journey. In the grand scheme of things, you’ll realize that constant busyness was just a distraction that prevented you from truly living your life.

8. Always Being In Control

The illusion of control. It’s comforting, it’s reassuring, and it’s utterly overrated. 

The truth is, you can’t control everything. Life is unpredictable and full of surprises (not all of them pleasant). That’s just the way it is.

So why not embrace the unpredictability? It can be scary, I know. But it can also be liberating. 

It allows you to be more adaptable, more flexible, and more open to new possibilities. It teaches you resilience and equips you with the ability to bounce back from setbacks.

Remember, it’s not about the circumstances you find yourself in, but how you respond to them. 

So, let go of the reins a little. Trust in the journey, even when you can’t see the destination. You might just find that life has a way of working things out in the end.

9. The Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO)

The fear of missing out, better known as FOMO, is a modern-day phenomenon that has us glued to our screens, constantly checking social media feeds, and saying yes to every invite or opportunity for fear that we’ll miss out on something.

Here’s a truth bomb for you: There will always be something you’re missing out on. 

There will always be events you can’t attend, experiences you can’t partake in, and places you can’t visit. But that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re leading an incomplete or unfulfilled life.

Recognize that every choice you make is a trade-off. Choose what truly matters to you, what brings you joy, and what aligns with your values. Live for yourself, not for the fear of missing out.

10. The Past and The Future

We often live our lives in two places: the past and the future. We ruminate over past mistakes, past relationships, and past failures. And we worry about the future. The future job, the future spouse, the future home.

The problem is, by living in the past and the future, we forget to live in the present. We miss out on the here and now.

Learn from your past, but don’t dwell on it. Plan for your future, but don’t obsess over it. Live in the present, because that’s all there truly is.

Key Takeaway 

The key takeaway from this article is the importance of prioritizing what truly matters in life and not getting caught up in societal norms, external validation, or the constant hustle. 

It’s about understanding that life is not a race or a competition. It’s about embracing imperfections, nurturing genuine relationships, and living in the present. 

Our worth is not defined by external factors but by our own values, actions, and self-belief.

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Destiny Femi

Destiny Femi is a dating coach whose work has helped transform the love lives of countless people. With a writing style that is both insightful and relatable, Destiny has amassed a following of hundreds of thousands of readers who turn to him for advice on everything from finding the perfect partner to maintaining a healthy relationship. Through his articles he has inspired people around the world to become more confident, authentic, and successful in their dating life.

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