Stop Taking Life Too Seriously – Part 1 of 3


Daily Life, Humour, Way of Life


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Taking things very seriously can be a great quality, showing that you are earnest, caring, and hardworking. But, taking things ”too” seriously can cause unnecessary stress and worry over things that aren’t worth the effort. By learning about why we tend to take life too seriously and how to spread some humor and lightness into life, you can stop being so serious and spend more time enjoying life.

This is the first part of a three part serie about how to stop taking life too seriously.

Use a checklist to keep things in perspective.

Shake yourself out of a serious demeanor by asking questions that will help you get your priorities straight. When you feel intense seriousness start to bubble up inside, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is this worth getting upset over?
  • Is this worth possibly upsetting others?
  • Is this really so important?
  • Is this so bad to begin with?
  • Is the situation really beyond repair?
  • Is this your problem at all?
Interpret others with generosity.

A serious mentality can make it more difficult to see when things are meant to be taken lightly or in jest. You might jump to conclusions about what someone meant or did. For example, if someone points out to you that you have a small stain on your shirt, you might take them to be making a statement about your inability to look presentable. Just like that, a helpful comment is turned into an offense.

  • Try searching for alternative meanings beyond your knee jerk response to take people’s remarks as having very serious implications. Consider that most people do not have an agenda–they are not trying to send you hints that go beyond what they are actually saying.
See humor all around you.

Being able to find the humor in life is just as important as being able to see the more practical, close-ended way of viewing things. When you are tempted to think “I’m too mature for this” or “Does anyone really find this amusing?”, try to find the part of yourself that can enjoy it–even if it means taking a walk in someone else’s shoes.

  • After all, research shows that the two most desirable qualities for leaders to have are a good work ethic ”and” a good sense of humor. Test out the idea that you can be dedicated and hardworking without being serious all the time. Work hard, play hard-right?
Develop flexibility.

Because you never know where life is going to take you or why, ruined plans and unfinished goals might mean that something entirely different and unexpected is in store. We all know the old saying that life is about the journey, not the destination. So, rest easy and relax the reins since it is often the unplanned and uncertain that delivers most of the treats and surprises that you would never have thought to seek for yourself.

  • Try to re-envision your highest-priority goals as possible landmarks along your journey. This way, goals are not ends in themselves (this gives us that serious, tunnel-vision attitude toward them). Instead, goals are simply moments that give you the inspiration to continue making lemonade out of life’s lemons.

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