2face Idibia once said “Life is so simple, but they make it complicated”. I think this summarises the underlying principle of life. Your life is yours to live, you don’t owe anybody any explanation on how you live your life so long as you are not hurting anyone.

Living a simple and peaceful life is as easy as it comes. However, like with everything else, it totally depends on the way and manner you approach situations in life. Here are 8 simple habits i have curated to help you live a very peaceful life. By inculcating some or all of the points listed here, you will be removing unnecessary and avoidable baggages.

1. Stop yourself from being judgemental.

It’s easy to judge other people. By judging others, most people pass down their views. Most people don’t realise that the moment you express your opinion of anything, you have passed a judgement.

You need to stop this. Opinions change, and they change very fast depending on situations. Before giving your opinion of anything, make sure you know the implications. If someone values your opinion, and it turned out to be trash, you would have disrespected yourself, and lost your dignity.

Note that opinions are different from statement of facts. Statement of facts are verifiable, unlike opinion. This Is not to say that some opinions are not conceived from facts.

2. Say ‘thank you’ early and often.

Gratitude is a virtue. At all times, learn how to be grateful. For all the things you think you don’t have, there are many more you have but are probably taking for granted.

Think of all the good things that has happened and is still happening in your life. Be grateful for them, and know that no-one has it all. The happiest people are those who are grateful for the little they have. Say ‘thank you’ always.

3. Smile more, Be yourself.

In case you don’t know how to, you could always smile to the other fella staring back at you in the mirror. Yes, use the mirror and practice the art of smiling. Smiling does open doors. Smiling makes you approachable.

Trust me, no-one wants to approach an angry or frowning looking person. We all have reasons to be angry or frown i guess, but there’s no need carrying it about on your face all day. Ain’t no prize for the best frowns!

4. Don’t worry about the future.

Well, actually, you can’t stop worrying about the future. However, you can stop worrying about things from the future that is not going to help your life today.

Remember, you need to live through today first before you can have a future to look forward to tomorrow. So, stop worrying about the future, and focus on the now. If you can make now better, you would have created a great future for yourself.

5. Listen to understand, not to respond.

You find that most people have their premeditated speeches stored in their mind. This forces them to focus more on trying to pour it all out during conversations or arguments. This approach may be wrong.

There is more to learn in listening. The more you listen, the more your mind becomes more critical and analytical. This helps the mind become more sharper, and with the ability to decipher what is important for the individual, including how to contribute meaningfully to any conversation.

By focusing on listening, your mind is forced to be critical, and to carefully interpret the information it is recieving.

6. Don’t procrastinate.

This cannot be overemphasized anymore. Procrastination is the enemy of time. In fact, anytime you get the urge to shift a particular chore you are supposed to do, that’s the moment you should do that chore immediately and be done with it.

When you procrastinate, you end up creating issues for your mind and brain. Your brains attention will forever be drawn to that unattended chores, and will metamorphose into a worrying spree for you.

You can avoid this by simply doing the work or chore immediately it comes up on your to-do menu.

7. Prioritize yourself.

Everyone is selfish, you should too. You should always come first in everything you do. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t help others when they ask for your help or go out of your way to help another. No, it simply means that when push comes to shove, you should always choose yourself.

8. Stop criticizing.

Most people are self-acclaimed critics. They will criticise everything and everyone else, but never themselves.

If you are among this group of people, you need to change this habit. Constant criticism of others most times it’s just a show of lack or frustration in the individual doing the criticism. Most of the times, the person doesn’t even realise it.

JohnnyBling:
Wonderful post, OP. Thanks for sharing
Procrastination is a no no if you want to be successful. I know like most people do, if you have a habit of procrastinating, please stop.

kayode69:
Nice write up

IamAuntyOnion:
I think it's good to worry about the future. It will help one to plan ahead

Israellionel:
These are the kind of write-ups needed on the front page.
Stellar article bro.
Jah bless!

purples25:
Nice write up. I especially like number one. People are too judgmental.

Dayoebe:
Last last you will still die

DkJay:
@IamAuntyOnion

Worrying about the future never solved any problem. Instead, it takes away the energy and intelligence needed to solve present challenges.

Here's some in addition:

>> Stay away from toxic people
>> Be kind. Kindness is a superpower
>> Exercise often. Health is wealth

IamAuntyOnion:
I think it's good to worry about the future. It will help one to plan ahead

RoccoJerry444:
Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough. :- Elon Musk