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Life is complicated, but there are ways to lighten the load and take control of some outcomes.
Shunmyo Submissivea Zen Buddhist monk devotes an entire chapter of his book, “How to let things go,” about how you can avoid complications for 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
It may be hard to look on the bright side when you are faced with problems and setbacks, but “does it help to spend a lot of time worrying?” Masuno wrote. “It won’t.”
Often the best thing to do in difficult situations is to think as positively as possible so that you can find a better solution or next course of action. People are naturally prone to pessimism, Masuno noted, so be intentional about reminding yourself that even the toughest times come to an end.
“The more you can look on the bright side, the less anxious you will be and the better things will go,” he wrote.
2. Be confident in your own decisions
While being open to other people’s opinions can be helpful and important, you should avoid placing too much weight on what other people say, Masuno said.
“All these considerations can confuse you and leave you unable to decide what to do,” he wrote. “To avoid this, you must first know your own mind.”
Keep in mind that you are the protagonist of your own life and any decision you make should be one that you feel comfortable and confident about.
3. Remember that successes and failures are already in the past
When it comes to your craft, there will be a mix of huge accomplishments, tough times, 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—changes from moment to moment,” he added.
That is why it is worth reminding yourself that “successes and failures are already in the past.” Change is the only constant. If you look only to your past successes as a guide, you may miss future opportunities that could lead to even greater success, he said.
4. Know when to walk away from battles
Our society is hyper-competitive, and winning is a desire that almost everyone has, Masuno said.
But “there are times when it’s better to just get out of the ring,” he said. It’s good to have goals and go for them, but don’t get too attached to the outcome.
When you encounter a situation where you feel slighted—for example, when someone else gets a promotion instead of you—don’t dwell on how unfair it is. “Dedicate your fighting spirit to improving your abilities so that you are on a more equal footing with your competitors,” Masuno wrote.
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