In life, you often get caught up and too involved with a lot of overrated things. So much so that you forget the really priceless and valuable things that life has to offer: your loved ones, the time you spend bonding with the people who matter to you, gratitude, simple celebrations, a picnic in a park, a lazy run, and a warm hug from an equally warm person, amongst others.
Sadly, instead of focusing on what truly matters, you focus on these following eight overrated things that aren’t really worth all your time, energy and efforts. Take note of these eight things and stop giving them so much of your attention.
1. Growing up
You make such a big deal of growing up that you actually forget to hone your maturity level. Instead of developing your relationships with people and making more meaningful connections, you’re too involved in your teenage angst to pay attention to anyone else but yourself. As an example, when I had my 18th birthday party, I didn’t really bother with the invitations. I wanted a Japanese-themed party so I made sure to have all the stuff, all the things and all the food complete – without realizing that the guest list wasn’t done.
2. Weddings
You’re more in love with the idea of getting married than the idea of spending forever with your significant other. Nowadays, it seems like weddings are competitions. Who gets married first? Who gets married in the most expensive location? Whose wedding gown was made by an international designer? Who should cater? How much should the budget for the flowers be? Because we’re too busy minding the superficial elements, we forget that marriage is supposed to be a celebration of love; not a competition of wealth.
At the end of the day, without all the frivolities, being married to your partner is supposed to last forever.
3. Vacations
You get caught up in where you are going for your trips, when in fact you should be more concerned about who you’re going with. Where to go for a trip is on our list of eight overrated things because essentially, when you really stop and think about it, it doesn’t matter if you’re going to great places if you’re all alone. It’s better to just do a staycation, and take a vacation in your local tourist spots as long as you’re with your family and friends.
What good is an amazing view if you’re all by yourself?
4. Job-related concerns
Instead of staying up late at night to bond with the people who matter to you, you stay up late in order to finish a project before its deadline, impress your boss and hopefully get that promotion that you’ve been eyeing. “I’m only doing this for my family. I’m working hard so that they can have a better life,” you might say. True, you need to make a living for your daily expenses. But have you ever thought that your family may appreciate your presence more than the actual presents that you give them?
Sam Walton, with a net worth of $65 billion and founder of Walmart, said, “I blew it!” on his death bed. Remember: no one on their death bed wished that they had spent more time in their office. Instead, they wished that they had spent more time with their family and friends.
5. College and the pressure of getting a degree
You’re all self-absorbed with complicated-sounding titles. We want the PhD, the MBA, the RN, the MAN and all of those fancy names. But, my friend, college isn’t about how long your title is, or how many years you studied. It’s all about self-development, progress and self-discovery. Getting a degree won’t ensure that your life is already set up for you. It’s to ensure that you’re well on your way to discovering who you are and what you’re passionate about.
6. Being right
The majority of the arguments all over the world stem from our desire to be right. Naturally, being right is acceptable when it’s dealing with public safety. However, the same logic doesn’t work when applied to minuscule things. Is arguing about “who wore it better,” or “who sang the better version,” or “which businessman is richer” really worth it?
Being right at the cost of a relationship is hardly worth it.
7. Finishing first
This is applicable whenever we encounter contests. Why is it that we only reward those who finish first, instead of giving rewards to people who participated in the endeavor? Finishing first isn’t always important. As they say, “Even if you finished first in the rat race, remember, you’re still a rat.”
8. Luxury items
Expensive handbags and branded shoes are overrated items that aren’t worth your efforts! There are nonbranded items that also have really great quality. Don’t be defined by the bag you hold, the shoes you walk in and the clothes you wear. Instead, be defined by your friendly personality, positive outlook in life and kindness. Luxury items may run out of style, but being gracious and confident of yourself is a classic, timeless trait.
Featured photo credit: elbowsonbus.jpg/puravida via mrg.bz
