Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff or keep repeating the same mistakes that only drag you down.
While they say you should “never say never,” there are some “nevers” that are actually pretty handy to have in your arsenal. After all, it’s not just about knowing what you should do in life — it’s also important to know what to avoid if you want to reduce stress and misunderstandings and increase your chances of being happy and living a peaceful existence. Here are a few of the most liberating don’ts to carry with you moving forward.
1. Never assume people can read your mind.
We often assume that people will magically know what we need or feel without us saying a word. Spoiler alert: they don’t. It’s easy to believe a partner, friend, or co-worker should “just know” what’s bothering you or what you need, but they’re not mind readers. Communicating clearly about your feelings, expectations, or needs avoids unnecessary misunderstandings and disappointment. Open conversations create better connections and prevent small issues from turning into major conflicts. So, speak up—it’s easier than silently stewing and way more productive.
2. Never say yes when you want to say no.
Agreeing to things you don’t want to do out of guilt or obligation? That’s a fast track to burnout. Overcommitting because you’re scared of disappointing anyone can lead to resentment and exhaustion. Instead, practise saying no politely but firmly. It’s okay to protect your time and energy; the world won’t end if you decline an invitation or task. You’ll notice how much freer your calendar (and mind) becomes when you prioritise what truly matters to you. Saying no is actually saying yes to yourself.
3. Never skip celebrating small wins.
We tend to hold out for the big milestones and forget to appreciate smaller victories along the way. But waiting for that “perfect” moment to celebrate means you’re missing out on a lot of joy. Every small win, whether it’s completing a project or simply sticking to a goal for the day, deserves recognition. Celebrating these gives you motivation and reminds you that progress, no matter how tiny, still counts. Plus, it’s a great excuse to treat yourself—because you’ve earned it!
4. Never ignore your gut instinct.
That little voice in your head or that feeling in your stomach? It’s not just random. Your intuition often picks up on things your conscious mind hasn’t fully processed. Ignoring it can lead to regret, whether it’s about relationships, job decisions, or even choosing the right queue at the supermarket. Trusting your instincts can save you from making decisions you’ll regret, and often points you toward what feels right for you. When in doubt, pause, tune in, and listen to yourself—it rarely steers you wrong.
5. Never let comparison steal your joy.
Scrolling through everyone’s highlight reels can leave you feeling inadequate. But here’s the truth: nobody posts their struggles, and comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s curated moments is a losing game. Constant comparison sucks the joy out of your achievements and leaves you chasing someone else’s life instead of building your own. Focus on your own journey instead of someone else’s, and you’ll feel a lot more content. After all, the grass may seem greener, but it still needs watering.
6. Never try to please everyone.
Chasing universal approval is a losing game. No matter how hard you try, someone will always have an opinion—and not all of them will be kind. People-pleasing often comes at the expense of your own happiness and leaves you drained. Instead, prioritise pleasing yourself and those who genuinely matter, and let the rest go. By doing so, you’ll attract people who appreciate you for who you truly are, not the version of you bending over backwards to make everyone happy.
7. Never put off rest until you’re burnt out.
Too many of us wait until exhaustion hits before we take a break. Rest should be a regular part of your routine, not a reward for running yourself into the ground. When you ignore the signs of fatigue, you risk more than just being tired—you could harm your health and well-being. Scheduling downtime isn’t lazy; it’s necessary to recharge and perform at your best. Whether it’s a short nap, a walk in nature, or binge-watching your favourite show, rest guilt-free and often.
8. Never hold grudges for too long.
Carrying resentment is like lugging a heavy bag everywhere you go—it only weighs you down. Holding onto anger or bitterness might feel justified in the moment, but it often does more harm to you than the other person. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing bad behaviour; it just means choosing peace over the stress of holding on to anger. Letting go of grudges frees up mental space for things that truly matter and helps you move forward with less emotional baggage.
9. Never underestimate the power of laughter.
Life gets serious, but that doesn’t mean you have to be. Laughter is an instant mood booster and a brilliant way to connect with people. Whether it’s sharing a joke, watching a comedy, or recalling a funny memory, laughter makes life lighter and stress more bearable. Surround yourself with people, shows, or situations that make you giggle—it’s free therapy and an instant pick-me-up. When in doubt, laugh it out, even if it’s at your own silly mistakes.
10. Never be afraid to ask for help.
Struggling in silence doesn’t make you stronger; it just makes things harder. We all need a hand sometimes, whether it’s for advice, emotional support, or practical assistance. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a way to get back on your feet quicker. Whether it’s friends, family, or professionals, reaching out shows strength and can make all the difference. Remember, nobody gets through life completely on their own, and you don’t have to either.
11. Never forget to treat yourself kindly.
We’re often our own worst critics, judging ourselves harsher than anyone else would. Constant self-criticism doesn’t push you to do better; it just wears you down. Practise self-compassion, talk to yourself like you would a friend, and focus on your efforts rather than just the outcome. Treating yourself with kindness helps build resilience and self-confidence, making life’s challenges a bit easier to handle. After all, you’re stuck with yourself forever—so make the relationship a good one.
12. Never ignore the importance of boundaries.
Saying yes to everyone else at the expense of your own needs isn’t sustainable. Healthy boundaries aren’t about shutting people out; they’re about preserving your energy and mental health. Setting boundaries ensures you’re able to give your best to the things and people you care about most. Learn to say no, walk away when needed, and stand firm in what feels right for you. It’s not selfish—it’s self-respect.
13. Never be scared of starting over.
New beginnings can feel daunting, but they’re also opportunities for growth. Whether it’s a career, relationship, or habit, starting over isn’t failure; it’s courage. Sometimes, a fresh start is exactly what you need to rediscover yourself and your path. Embrace the chance to learn, grow, and move in a direction that feels better aligned with who you are now. Starting over can be scary, but it can also be incredibly empowering.
14. Never forget to live in the moment.
It’s easy to get caught up in what’s next or dwell on what’s passed. But the present is where life actually happens. Taking time to appreciate now helps you enjoy the nuances of life. Living in the moment doesn’t mean ignoring the future or past; it means recognising the value of today and not letting it slip away unnoticed.
