There are many wants and desires in life that distract us from what is really important. This can result in us constantly working towards a idealized future rather than being fully present in the moment. This has nothing to do with a mindful life, something most people do not feel happy or comfortable with. The following nine things we’re going to present to you in this article are often the reason you lose sight of your current life and waste your precious time on this planet.

1. Chasing false dreams.

Many people in your life probably have a pretty good idea of who you should be or become. It could be your parents, friends, or partner, but even co-workers and bosses like to make statements about what you should want and could achieve. The problem with this is that none of them are telling you what you really want, but rather projecting their own ideas onto you.

If you listen to them again and again you will never live an authentic life because you are not living out your dreams. Instead, you’re living out those of everyone around you. Finding out what your personal goals and desires really are is an important requirement for a happy life.

2. Playing safe too much.

A minimum level of safety is important for you to not run around in a panic. All too often, however, the need for security is so exaggerated that there is no longer any room for risk or adventure in life. This also means that no change can ever take place, therefore stifling any room for further personal development.

You won't learn anything new if you don't take risks. Of course, that doesn't mean you should throw away all your savings and leave your job and apartment. But every now and then, doing something a little crazy in certain situations can give your life a huge boost and open up a whole new world of possibilities.

3. Wanting big money.

Of course, money is important to finance our daily needs and to be able to live a relaxed life. A small financial cushion also helps to reduce your fears for the future. Anything beyond this however does not automatically translate into the greater happiness that most people hope to get from wealth.

It really is true that money can't buy us happiness, or that more money always means less worries. According to studies, people are the happiest when they have just enough money to live on. If you have a lot more at your disposal, real life often passes you by, as you are always chasing more of it.

4. Seeking superficial beauty.

What is currently considered beautiful in society is changing at breakneck speed. Nevertheless, everything these days seems to revolve around external perfection, which says little about true qualities on the inside. Whenever it's all about looks, you should take a step back and question the real value of what you’re dealing with, because focusing on this so-called beauty overlooks that which is much more valuable.

The saying true beauty comes from within is not just an empty phrase: Everything superficial is fleeting, while a beautiful character, talents, knowledge and experience are far more enduring. But you won’t achieve this yourself or notice it in others if you chase only values related to external beauty.

5. Worshiping eternal youth.

We live in a society obsessed with youth. Everyone wants life experience and the wisdom and serenity that go with it. But nobody wants this life experience to be visible on their face. Gray hair or wrinkles are treated like contagious diseases. The older you get, the better decisions you will make based on your previous experiences.

You will get to know yourself better and be able to make your life more authentic. Aren't these great achievements of aging? So why would you want to look twenty forever when few people want to feel or act this way forever?

6. Chasing after love.

You only have to watch one of the many love films from Hollywood to be reassured once again that you would do almost anything for true love. But is this view really healthy? Why should something as beautiful and natural as love have to be fought for?

In fact, in real life, the best relationships are relatively simple. Of course there are always arguments and compromises, but love shouldn't be a tough struggle broken only by the occasional cheer. So if you have to constantly fight for love, it's probably someone you couldn't be truly happy with anyway.

7. Living life according to trends.

The economy benefits from the fact that we associate consumption with feelings of happiness. Always buying the latest things gives us a momentary high, followed by a sense of dissatisfaction that we quickly compensate for with the next trend. The problem with this is not only the large amount of time and money that goes hand in hand with a consumer oriented mindset.

In this scenario, your happiness never lasts long, so you can never be truly content.. Whenever you are “up to date” in all areas, the next mobile phone comes onto the market or the next season brings new styles of clothing into your sights. It's better to get off this hamster wheel sooner rather than later.

8. seeking true happiness.

What happiness means is different for different people. However, most feel that their true happiness is still a long way off and involves things that are yet to be achieved or earned. But you can find true happiness in the small everyday things if you live your life attentively and gratefully. Being happy has a lot to do with allowing yourself to feel that way in the first place.

If you make it conditional on external achievements, you'll likely always be at least one step away from realizing it. Instead, you’ll think that real happiness should feel even more powerful and overwhelming than the momentary happiness triggered by the achievements you’ve already made.

9. Success at all costs

What is success for you? Does it mean having a lot of money and a certain professional position? Are you thinking of a certain level of fame or an academic degree? Then you not only have to do a lot to achieve it, but you also have to give up a lot. Most externally recognized ‘successes’ can be attained only through hard work, self-sacrifice and the foregoing of many other areas of life.

It can be worth it if you're doing it in the pursuit of your heart's greatest desire, but not if you're just doing it because you believe success is vital. For a happier life, success can simply mean achieving your own goals, even if this seems very small and insignificant to other people.

Today’s Conclusion.

By now, you have probably realized that these misconceptions and unhelpful values can limit you in life. Don't let society and the people in your world influence you in this way any longer. Let them chase after these things if they think they’re so important. From now on, you should spend your energy on things that are really close to your heart and make your personal wishes come true. That's it for today.

Don’t Do THIS! It’s a Waste of Your Time!