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Lately, I’ve noticed something that seems to resonate with so many of us: we’re trying way too hard at everything. From our jobs to our studies, from friendships to relationships, we’re caught in this cycle of overexertion. We care too much, we feel too much.

Now, don’t get me wrong—emotions are essential, and they’re meant to be felt. But here’s the catch: when it comes to how much we care about what others think, we’re overdoing it.

We often chase unattainable standards, trying to live up to ideals that aren’t even our own. This endless pursuit leaves us drained, sometimes even forcing us to give up on our dreams. We risk spiralling down a rabbit hole of self-doubt and burnout.

So, before you continue on that path, take a moment. Ask yourself: Is what you’re doing truly for you? Even if the answer is “yes,” you might still feel that nagging doubt, the one that quietly chips away at your confidence.

Why is that? Because we’re trying too damn hard. It’s as simple as that. Why can’t we strip everything back to the basics? Focus on what genuinely matters—ourselves, our loved ones, our jobs, and maybe a couple of hobbies. We don’t need to obsess over what others are doing: where they’re vacationing, how much they’re earning, what they’re eating, or how they look.

We idolize people too much, especially in the age of social media. It’s easy to adopt a role model—someone we admire for their fitness, beauty, work ethic, or social life. But here’s the problem: we end up caring more about what these strangers are doing than we do about our own lives or the lives of those closest to us. Isn’t that a little crazy?

Sure, as humans, we crave social interaction and seek approval from our peers. This instinct dates back to our primal days when fitting in meant survival. But in today’s world, we’re the only species that compares itself daily through social media. It’s time to shift our focus inward, caring more about ourselves than about people we think we know, but don’t really.

This pattern of trying too hard extends to other areas of life as well. In school, we strive to gain our parents’ approval; in relationships, we seek validation from our partners; and in friendships, we want to be accepted, even if it means enduring toxic dynamics. We constantly feel the need to fit in, be seen, heard, and liked. But the truth is, we can’t control how others perceive us. The only thing within our control is how we respond to the negativity that sometimes comes from friends, partners, or family. Choose your inner peace over these trivial concerns.

We also care about too many things at once. We worry about so much that our brains can’t possibly handle it all. It’s time to learn how to delegate and prioritize what truly matters.

Right now, think about what’s on your mind. Does it even matter in the grand scheme of things? Consider using the 5×5 Rule: if it won’t matter in five years, don’t spend more than five minutes worrying about it. It might seem simplistic at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes an invaluable tool for managing stress and anxiety.

Let’s stop caring about a million things at once. Stay in your own lane, and prioritize yourself over everything else. Focus your energy on self-care and self-improvement. When you do, you’ll find yourself moving forward in life with a renewed sense of purpose and peace.