7 habits to ditch if you want to uncover your life’s authentic meaning

Sometimes, life feels like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. You’re going through the motions, but something just doesn’t fit. 

I’ve been there, my friend — stuck in habits that had become routine but were secretly robbing me of my true potential and joy. 

If you’re craving to uncover your life’s authentic meaning, you’re not alone, and it’s not too late. 

Let’s dive into 7 habits you might want to ditch to make room for a life filled with purpose, passion, and genuine happiness. Trust me, the shift can be extraordinary.

1) Overthinking

Ah, overthinking — my old nemesis. Have you ever found yourself lying in bed at night, replaying events of the day, or even from years ago, dissecting every little detail? 

I’ve been down that rabbit hole more times than I can count.

The thing about overthinking is that it feels like you’re solving problems, but you’re actually just digging a deeper emotional pit. You become stuck in a never-ending cycle of “what-ifs” and worst-case scenarios. 

For me, it was paralyzing; it held me back from making decisions that would propel me toward a more meaningful life.

If you’re serious about uncovering your life’s true purpose, it’s time to kick this habit to the curb. Here’s a little exercise that worked wonders for me:

• Catch yourself in the act of overthinking.
• Ask yourself, “Is this thought leading somewhere or keeping me stuck in a loop?”
• Set an objective or decision you want to reach, or take physical action instead.

Remember, the more you practice this, the more natural it will become. And soon enough, you’ll clear the mental clutter, making space for thoughts that genuinely contribute to your life’s authentic meaning.

2) Procrastinating

Procrastination is something I know all too well — especially in my early days as a writer, I’d spend hours staring at the screen or fooling around on social media, thinking I’ll feel more “inspired” tomorrow. 

But here’s what I learned: procrastination often masks itself as a protective friend, claiming to save us from the fear of failure or the sting of imperfection. When in reality, it’s holding us back from finding our life’s authentic meaning.

The key isn’t to wage war against procrastination but to understand why you’re procrastinating in the first place. Are you afraid of failure? Is the task at hand too overwhelming? 

Once you pin down the root cause, you can deal with it directly. Maybe you need to break down the task into smaller, manageable parts. 

Or perhaps you need to confront the fear head-on and remind yourself that failure is just a stepping stone to success.

By overcoming procrastination, you free up the mental space and energy needed to dive deeper into what truly matters to you. 

3) Following your brain over your heart

I know what you’re thinking: “Shouldn’t we make logical choices?” Well, yes, but not always at the expense of what your heart is telling you. 

Think about it — how many times have you said yes to something because it was the “sensible” choice, only to find yourself unfulfilled or longing for what could’ve been?

There’s immense value in listening to that gut feeling, that tug in your heart that leans you towards a certain direction. I’ve opted for the ‘smart’ choice when everything inside me was screaming otherwise. And let me tell you, I’ve regretted it.

Finding your life’s authentic meaning isn’t a paint-by-numbers affair. It’s an intricate tapestry made from both reason and emotion, logic and intuition. 

So the next time you’re facing a crossroads, pause for a moment. Don’t just listen to the thoughts racing through your mind. Tune in to the whispers of your heart. 

If you’re struggling to decide which one to listen to, ask yourself these questions:

• Am I making this decision out of fear or comfort?
• How does this choice align with my long-term goals and values?
• If I could make this decision without any judgment or consequences, what would I choose?

You’ll be surprised at the clarity it can bring in steering you toward a life that genuinely embodies who you are.

4) Living in the past or future

Ever caught yourself daydreaming about a future so bright, it’s as if you’ve got sunglasses on indoors? Or maybe you’re stuck reliving a past moment, asking “What if?” 

While it’s human to revisit yesterday’s memories or fantasize about tomorrow’s possibilities, this can hold you back from experiencing today to its fullest extent. 

You see, the past is a place of reference, not residence. And the future? Well, it’s not promised. What you do have is this moment, right now. The more you focus on it, the more your life will resonate with authentic meaning. 

Here’s why: the actions we take today lay the foundation for tomorrow. They also have the power to heal or at least soften the echoes of yesterday. 

If you find it challenging to stay present, you might want to try mindfulness techniques or grounding exercises. 

These tools can help you reconnect with the ‘now,’ helping you actively participate in your own life. By being fully ‘here,’ you’re not just existing; you’re living. And that makes all the difference.

5) Valuing material things over experiences

Who doesn’t love a shiny new gadget, a lavish home, or a sleek car? Trust me, I get the thrill. The appeal of material things is loud and compelling. 

But have you ever considered how quickly that thrill fades away? Suddenly, you’re eyeing the next ‘big thing,’ and the cycle continues. It’s an endless chase that leaves you with stuff, but not necessarily fulfillment.

Now, I’m not saying material possessions are bad. But when I shifted my focus from gathering things to gathering experiences, my life changed in the most beautiful way. 

I started investing in experiences — trips, courses, dinners with loved ones, and even small adventures like hiking on the weekend or taking a painting class. 

The joy from these experiences didn’t just linger; it deepened over time. Memories were created, bonds were strengthened, and lessons were learned.

See, experiences add layers to your life in a way material things just can’t. They open you up to new perspectives, enrich your understanding of the world, and get you closer to understanding the authentic meaning of your life. 

If you want to uncover what really matters, start valuing experiences over material things. 

6) Prioritizing work over relationships

We’ve all been there — buried in work, endless to-do lists, and looming deadlines. I remember a period of my life when my daily mantra was, “I’ll hang out with friends after I finish this project,” or “I’ll call my mom after this deadline.” 

Well, guess what? The projects and deadlines never stopped coming, and before I knew it, I was in a place of isolation, despite my professional “success.”

Let’s be clear: work is important. It pays the bills and can even bring a sense of achievement and purpose. 

But if you’re sacrificing the relationships that make you human, you’re missing out on an essential aspect of life that adds real meaning. 

Remember, on your final day, you won’t be thinking about that report you aced or the promotion you won; you’ll be reflecting on the moments shared with the people you love.

So make the time for those who matter. Surprise your partner with a spontaneous date, visit your family just because, or catch up with an old friend. 

As you do, you’ll find that the quality of your relationships is an incredible barometer for the quality of your life. 

Strengthening these connections will not only bring you joy but will also help you uncover what life is really all about.

7) Doing things for the sake of “keeping busy”

Today’s world glorifies being busy, but let’s be honest, a jam-packed schedule or mile-long to-do list doesn’t necessarily lead to a meaningful life. 

The danger of this constant motion is that it can make us feel important and needed, but it also distracts us from the deeper questions about what truly matters in life. 

It fills the void, so we don’t have to confront the reality that maybe, just maybe, we’re not living our most authentic life.

It’s high time we cut through the noise. Start by taking a step back and assessing what’s on your plate. Ask yourself:

• Are these tasks aligned with my life’s purpose or am I just ticking off boxes?
• Am I running towards something valuable or simply running away from confronting my reality?
• Does my busyness contribute to my long-term vision or is it a smokescreen that hides my true aspirations?

Ditch the obsession with busyness and create space for what actually enriches your life. Free up time for introspection, for relationships, or for pursuing passions that offer true fulfillment. That’s when you’ll find your life bursting with meaning, not just filled with stuff to do.

Time to uncover your life’s authentic meaning

In the end, finding your life’s true meaning isn’t about adding more, but letting go of what holds you back. 

The journey may be challenging, but it’s also liberating. By discarding these 7 habits, you’re clearing a path to a more authentic, fulfilling life. 

So, take the plunge and let your true self shine. Your future self will thank you.