Most people ruin their entire lives because they can’t figure out a way to get out of these mental traps
Why live like a victim when you can live an empowered life?
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Imagine living in a prison where the bars are invisible, yet stronger than steel.
This isn't a scene from a dystopian novel—it's a reality for countless individuals trapped within their own minds.
Mental traps are the unseen architects of despair, meticulously crafting a labyrinth of self-doubt, fear, and limitation. They're the whispers that tell you it's too late, the shadows that convince you you're not enough, and the chains that keep you tethered to a life unfulfilled.
"You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better."
– Anne Lamott
Why resign to a life designed by your worst thoughts and fears?
Elon Musk once quipped, "I think ordinary people can choose to be extraordinary."
The key lies not in monumental, earth-shattering actions, but in the daily decision to navigate through, around, and beyond these mental traps.
I'm committed to guiding you out of this maze.
Here's how we begin.
| 1 | The “What-ifs”
What if I can’t do it?
What if people will judge me?
What if I’ll lose all of my money?
The “what if” is your real enemy.
If you believe so, think twice.
Yes, you have the option to think:
What if I’ll make it big?
What if people will learn from me?
What if my life were an inspiration to many?
But it doesn't happen so. Often.
Fear can be a powerful force, holding you back from pursuing your dreams and living a life of purpose and fulfillment. It can keep you stuck in a job you hate, prevent you from forming meaningful relationships, and even stop you from taking care of your well-being.
But here’s the thing: fear is just an irrational thought. And you have the power to choose how you respond to it.
Instead of letting fear dictate your actions, try to identify the root cause of your anxiety and take small, incremental steps to overcome it.
This could mean facing your fear head-on, seeking support from friends and loved ones, or seeking the help of a professional therapist.
The key is to take action, no matter how small.
Every time you face your fear and come out on the other side, you’ll become more and more confident in your ability to handle anything that comes your way.
| 2 | Ignoring Your Uniqueness
In today’s social media-driven world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others.
When everyone posts their wins and successes on social media, it’s easy to feel like a loser.
But it’s just one side of the coin.
Celebrity and famous personalities' suicides are an example of this fact.
So, trust me — you’re beautiful. You’re successful. You’re as good as you think someone else is.
My mantra:
If you’re 1% better than yesterday, it’s a win to celebrate.
If you woke up even 5 minutes early today, it’s a victory.
If you made 10 cents from your online gig, pat yourself.
If you can take a small step, you can walk a thousand miles. Someday — if — not — immediately.
Set your own goals. Strive to achieve that instead of following what others are doing. Why? Because everyone is progressing according to their goals, strengths, and weaknesses.
If you compare yourself with others, you’re insulting yourself. You’re programming your mind to degrade yourself by watching other people win.
And remember, the grass is always greener on the other side.
The people you’re comparing yourself to likely have their own struggles and challenges, and you have no idea what’s going on behind closed doors.
| 3 | Letting Your Mind Conjure Against Yourself
Your thoughts have a powerful impact on your life, and negative thinking can be a destructive force. It can lead to feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and even physical health problems.
When negative thoughts creep in, acknowledge them and create a counter-positive thought with reasons. The more you can reason, the more easily your mind will learn to think right.
Whenever you find your mind racing in the wrong direction, talk to it like a friend:
Oh, my mind, why are you thinking wrong? You’re my best friend — let’s think that makes us feel comfortable and powerful.
Most people call the mind a monkey. It’s a mistake!
Your mind is your best friend. It can manifest whatever you tell it to. It’s just that your mind has learned to think wrong based on your life circumstances and problems.
But by regular practice, you can create “new” neural pathways in your mind to think right.
It will take time, but eventually, it will work as you wish. Remember, you’re the master of your mind.
| 4 | Holding Yourself Back
Feeling unfulfilled and lacking a sense of purpose can be a major contributor to unhappiness and stress.
When you don’t have a clear sense of what you want to achieve or why you’re doing what you’re doing, it can be difficult to find motivation or enjoyment in your daily life.
The true nature of your being is to be creative. The more you try to stop it with ridiculous reasons such as lack of time, societal pressure, etc., the more you lose your spiritual energy and feel worthless.
It’s never too late to pursue your passions and find your true calling.
Start by identifying your values and what truly matters to you:
What makes you feel alive and energized?
What are your passions and interests?
Once you understand what drives you, you can start taking small steps to align your life with those things. This could mean changing careers, volunteering, or simply making time for the things that bring you joy.
Remember, your purpose doesn’t have to be grand or life-changing.
It can be as simple as finding joy in the little things and making a positive impact in your corner of the world.
| 5 | Clinging Onto Toxic Comforts
Toxic relationships can be comfortable.
Why?
Fear!
The thought of not finding another relationship or not feeling complete without a relationship makes you cling to gaslighting, relationship abuse, inequality, etc.
But you deserve to live better — with or without a relationship.
A relationship is not a need. It’s a supplement. You're not wrong if you feel you’re complete without another person in your life.
But toxic relationships can leave you feeling drained, unsupported, and unappreciated.
To protect your well-being, recognize when a relationship is toxic and take steps to change them.
This can be difficult, especially if you have a strong emotional connection to the person. But it’s necessary for your own mental and emotional health.
| 6 | Putting Yourself on The Backseat
Self-care is often the first thing to go when life gets busy, but it’s essential for maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Neglecting self-care leads to:
Burnout
An illness without a plausible cause
A general feeling of unhappiness
FOMO (Fear of Missing out)
A compromised mental health
Self-care looks different for everyone, but some common examples include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking breaks to relax and recharge.
It’s also important to make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, such as hobbies, socializing, and personal growth.
If you’re struggling to prioritize self-care, try setting aside specific times for self-care activities and treating them like non-negotiable appointments.
You can also try enlisting the help of a friend or loved one to hold you accountable.
Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish — it’s essential for living a happy, healthy life.
Closing Thoughts
This isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about shedding the layers of doubt and fear that never belonged to you in the first place. It's about reclaiming your space, making your voice heard, and taking bold steps toward your dreams.
So, what’s the game plan?
Start small.
Change one habit.
Make one decision that scares you.
Speak up once when you’d normally stay silent.
These are the real, tangible steps that add up to massive transformation.
And if you stumble?
Welcome it.
Each misstep is a lesson, not a life sentence.
Agree?
👉 If this post resonates with you, forward it on to your buddies!
And please, don't forget to hit that ❤️ button.
If you’re NOT using the app, respond with the word “Awesome.”
It helps others find it on Substack.
Thanks for the support! 🙌
Meaningful article. Also, don't let your past define you. Get over your past (therapy helps) and turn it into something that gives you strength, resilience, and knowledge about how strong you are.