4 ways to avoid making our lives more difficult

1. Think positive as often as possible

It can be difficult to see the bright side of things when you are experiencing challenges and setbacks, but “will spending a lot of time worrying help you?” Masuno wrote. “It won’t.”

Often the best thing to do in difficult situations is to think as positively as possible so that you can look for the best solution or next course of action. Humans naturally lean toward pessimism, Masuno noted, so you have to be intentional and remind yourself that even the most difficult times come to an end.

“The more you can see the positive side, the less anxious you will feel and the better things will go for you,” he wrote.

2. Be confident in your own decisions

While it can be helpful and important to be open to other people’s opinions, you should avoid putting too much stock in what other people have to say, Masuno said.

“All of these opinions can confuse you and make you overthink to the point where you can’t decide what you should do,” he wrote. “To avoid this, you must first know your own opinion.”

Keep in mind that you are the protagonist of your own life and that any decision you make should be one that you feel comfortable and confident with.

3. Remember that both successes and failures are now a thing of the past.

When it comes to your craft, there will be a mix of highs, lows, and everything in between. It’s important to remember that work is a “living thing,” Masuno said.

“Everything, from the timing, to the conditions, to the people involved, varies from moment to moment,” he added.

That’s why you should remember that “both successes and failures are now a thing of the past.” Change is the only constant. If you only look to your past successes for guidance, then you may miss out on future opportunities that could lead to even greater success, he said.

4. Know when to walk away from battles.

Our society is hypercompetitive and being victorious is a desire that almost all of us have, Masuno said.

But “there are times when it’s better to just get out of the ring,” he said. It’s okay to have goals and go after them, but don’t get too attached to the outcome.

When you encounter situations where you feel slighted (like someone else getting a promotion instead of you), don’t dwell on how unfair it is. “Dedicate your fighting spirit to improving your skills to be on equal footing with your competitors,” Masuno wrote.