How to give fewer f*cks
- Don't give a f*ck about buying a fancy car just because society wants you to.
- Don't give a f*ck about travel, just because society wants you to.
- Don't give a f*ck about fitness, just because society wants you to.
Giving too many 'f*cks' can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety, leaving you exhausted and unfulfilled. But there's a way to break free from this exhausting cycle.
Imagine a life with less stress, fewer worries, and overflowing happiness, all by detaching from the unnecessary noise that clutters your path. In this article, I've compiled 7 practical, step-by-step guides to help you master the art of giving fewer f*cks and unlock the key to a genuinely happier life. Ready? Let's dive in..
Prioritize your f*cks
Think of life as a grand buffet. There's a variety of dishes laid out in front of you, but you can't fill your plate with everything. So, what do you do? You pick your favorites. Similarly, in life, you've got a limited amount of "f*cks" to give, so choose wisely.
As Mark Manson says:
"The key to a good life is not giving a f*ck about more; it's giving a f*ck about less, giving a f*ck about only what is true and immediate and important."
Imagine you're swamped with endless work meetings, but tonight is your daughter's school play. What really matters here? Your job, or being there for your child's special moment? When you identify what you really care about, choices like these become effortless.
According to Buddhism, the root cause of all suffering is attachment. If you attach yourself to unnecessary things, you're going to suffer unnecessarily.
When you prioritize your f*cks, you'll naturally give fewer f*cks to the noise and distractions.
Reduce attachment - reduce suffering - reduce your f*cks = and you're at peace.
Overcome comparison
It's easy to compare yourself to others, especially in today's world of social media. When we're constantly bombarded with images of people who seem to have perfect lives. But it's important to remember that no one's life is perfect. Your friend who's posting perfect vacations probably had flight delays and lost luggage too.
Theodore Roosevelt says:
"Comparison is a thief of joy."
You're a unique piece of the puzzle that can't fit into someone else's space. It's like trying to jam a square peg into a round hole - It just doesn't work.
"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." - Albert Einstein
Comparing yourself to others will only lead to disappointment and unhappiness. That is why you need to overcome comparison, stop the thief of joy, and give fewer f*cks to what others are doing.
Don't be a People-pleaser
It's okay to say no. In fact, it's important to say no sometimes. If you're overcommitted, stressed, or just don't have the time or energy for something.
"It's okay to say no. It's okay to disappoint people. It's okay to take care of yourself."
Saying no can be difficult in some situations, but remember you have free will and the right to protect your well-being.
If you find it difficult to say NO, try these:
- Be direct and honest.
- Offer an explanation, but don’t feel obligated to apologize.
- Be firm but polite.
- Practice saying no in low-stakes
situations.
As Warren Buffett says: "The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say 'no' to almost everything."
Saying no doesn't mean you're selfish or unhelpful. It means you're respecting your own boundaries and priorities. It's a powerful tool on your journey to giving fewer "f*cks" and living a more fulfilled life.
Embrace the gifts of Imperfection
Perfectionism can be a real joy-killer. It's like trying to create a flawless, gourmet meal every time you cook. Aiming for perfection can leave you stressed, anxious, and dissatisfied.
As Dr. Seuss says: "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you."
Perfection is an illusion. Even the most successful people have their flaws and make mistakes. It's part of being human. Instead of trying to achieve that unattainable perfection, you must aim for progress and growth.
Embrace your gifts of Imperfection and stop giving a f*ck about being perfect.
Forgive
Imagine carrying around a heavy backpack filled with grudges, regrets, and anger. It only weighs you down and prevents you from moving forward freely. Forgiveness is like unburdening yourself, taking that weight off your shoulders.
Start by forgiving yourself. We all make mistakes; it's part of being human. Beating yourself up over past mistakes leads to disappointment towards your life.
Now, extend that forgiveness to others. Holding onto grudges only ties you to negativity. Nelson Mandela, who forgave his oppressors after 27 years in prison, said:
"Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies."
Forgiveness is a powerful act of compassion that leads to giving fewer "f*cks" that eventually lead you to a more peaceful and happier life.
Don’t take it personally
Stoicism says that you should not let the actions of others control your emotions. Most of them are acting out of their ignorance, and you should never take their words or actions seriously.
As Don Miguel Ruiz, in his book "The Four Agreements," says:
"Don't take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality."
It's important to remember that you cannot control other people's behavior. But you can control how you react to it. Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust Survivor in his Book "Man's Search for Meaning," writes:
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."
Don't take it personally lightens your load and gives fewer "f*cks" to things that don't deserve your energy. It's a really liberating way to live.
The power of now
Imagine you’re at a beautiful beach, feeling the warm sand between your toes, hearing the soothing waves, and savoring the salty breeze. In that moment, you’re not worried about yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s worries. You’re fully present in this moment right now. Without thinking about your f*cks. That’s mindfulness.
Eckhart Tolle, author of "The Power of Now," puts it brilliantly:
"Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have."
When you embrace the present, you free yourself from the unnecessary "f*cks" tied to past regrets or future uncertainties. It’s the easiest and most effective way to reduce your f*cks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, giving fewer f*cks is not about being selfish or uncaring. It is about choosing to focus on the things that are truly important to you and letting go of the things that don't matter as much.
It takes time and practice to give fewer f*cks. But it’s a skill that is worth developing. It will help you live a happier and more fulfilling life.
- So, give a f*ck about buying a fancy car because you wants to.
- Give a f*ck about travel, because you wants to.
- Give a f*ck about fitness, because you wants to.
Happy Reading!
