5 Things More Frightening than Hallowe'en Costumes

As people are frantically fretting about their scary Hallowe’en outfits and look, I feel there are far more frightening things we need to face up to. Things that really matter, right here and now, and are crucial to address in order for us to get the most out of our lives. Here are five of them:

1. Being stuck for too long in destructive or unhappy relationships

Earlier this week, I met a lovely lady and I was shocked by her story - she had spent 20 years in two abusive relationships - one mental and one physical. This is an extreme example. But there are cases where we stay in relationships which we are unhappy in and we just settle. How much better is it to be in a nourishing, supportive relationship? Imagine how much more you could achieve in the other aspects of your life? How much more enjoyable would your life be? How much more alive would you feel if you were with the love of your life who cherishes you, values you and supports you? And imagine being surrounded by friends, family and colleagues who do the same? How much more wonderful would your life really be?! I’m not saying it’s easy to meet the right one but if you know what you want and you act congruently you are far more likely to attract them. It starts with your self-esteem and self-respect. It’s always better to be single than in a horrible relationship.

2. Unnecessarily ageing prematurely

Sometimes people feel they are indestructible and put themselves through all sorts of unnecessary things and don't think about the consequences further down the line. I don’t mean bungee jumping or extreme sports. I mean burning the candle at both ends – working long hours, partying until the early hours, with the attitude that sleep is for wimps. Drinking excessively and eating rubbish food which lacks the nutrients that are essential for good health. Skipping all forms of exercise and not getting outdoors because other things (mostly work) seem to get in the way. Allowing far too many things to stress us out, things that we will soon have forgotten about and were not worth worrying over in the first place. 

So what is it that you can do to live a healthier lifestyle and prevent premature ageing?

Reference: If you'd like some tips here are our 7 Ways to Achieve Better Work-Life Balance

3. Staying in an uninspiring and unfulfilling job for far too long

On a couple of occasions I’ve done just that and right now I really regret it. I think to myself, where could I have been in my life right now had I acted sooner? I probably would have already achieved the things I’m aiming for right now and I could have been aiming higher and making even more of a difference in the world. It’s not all that bad, as long as we learn and don’t make a habit of repeating the same mistakes over and over again. 

Have you hit that ceiling in your job? Are you just going there for perceived security and the money? What would you rather be doing?

Reference: Check out our two articles on how to Find Your Passion and how to Follow Your Dreams.

4. Just surviving or plodding along in your life

It’s very easy to fall into living life from one day to the next and just going through the motions. I absolutely believe in living in the moment and being mindful and enjoying what’s happening in our lives right now. We never know how long we still have to live or the people that surround us will be around for. However, many of us tend to act as if everything is indefinite and tend to put things off for later. Why waste your time and then wish you had spent your life differently?

What would add meaning to your life? Imagine you are sitting on your rocking chair in old age, what would you be proud of having achieved in your life?

 Reference: For some inspiration and tips, check out our Simplify Your Life series published 1-7 August on our Facebook Page 

Life isn't about surviving, it's about living and making the most of it - whether we have 20 years or 20 seconds – '1 in 3', a play by Anthony Orme

 5. Wasting away your finances

In our world of consumerism, people buy the latest this and that and a lot of things that they don’t really need. Sometimes they don’t even really want what they're buying and often buy beyond their means. It may give you that little moment of joy and instant gratification, but then what? Ladies, what difference does carrying your stuff in a Gucci bag make versus an ordinary, non-branded handbag? Gents, how is wearing a Rolex adding to the quality of your life versus a cheaper watch? They both show the time. I believe in investing in ‘things’ that enrich you, broaden your mind or stretch you physically – things that are good for the body, the mind and the soul – travelling, books, performances, personal development, trying out different activities and seeking new experiences. My final tip - invest in what adds value to your life and makes you happiest in the long term.

How could you enrich your life?

If this post has given you some food for thought and you'd like to avoid any of these frightening things and want to find out how you can make the most out of your life, we'd be delighted to have a chat with you. You can book a free no-obligation strategy call and check out our website.

Mira Rutter is a Personal Effectiveness, Wellbeing and a Career Coach at Rutter Coaching, specialising in supporting people to take greater control of their lives and realise their potential so that they can achieve more and feel happy, healthy and fulfilled.