10 Lies You Keep Telling Yourself

When you lack the strength to let go of illusions and face the harsh truth, you continue to hide from life itself. You might not even realize how often you betray yourself simply because you fear change. Here are 10 common lies you might have grown accustomed to believing.

1. Narcisism is Temporary

If you refuse to believe that someone close to you is a narcissist, despite all signs pointing to it, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Narcisism isn’t a matter of time, age, or lack of love; it’s a personality trait that many psychologists and psychotherapists consider a personality disorder. You can’t positively influence a narcissist, but you’ll fully experience their negative impact on you. Their inflated self-esteem leaves no room for happiness and strong relationships. If you recognize this character trait in someone, don’t lie to yourself; leave before it becomes too difficult. If you realize that narcissism is also about you, gather the courage to admit it and do serious work on yourself.

2. Exercise Alone Will Make You Healthy

Regular workouts are an important step towards a healthy life, but they’re not the only factor. If you go to the gym every day but ignore proper nutrition, delay treating illnesses, and neglect your mental health, no amount of fitness will save you. Instead of using exercise as an excuse, start paying attention to your diet, as a combination of healthy habits is crucial.

3. You Can Change People

Changing someone is impossible, and even if it were possible, it wouldn’t be right. You can’t and shouldn’t control other people’s feelings and behaviors, let alone try to fix them if you don’t like something. We often lie to ourselves about being able to reshape someone to our liking or at least hope that they’ll be different with us. But people only change when they want to, and not at the snap of your fingers. Let go of cinematic hopes and dreams, learn to accept people as they show themselves, and choose those with whom you won’t want to play the ‘change me’ game.

4. You Can Control Everything

There are things in life you can never control, so getting upset about them is a waste of time. You can be fired at any moment, the weather can ruin your plans, not to mention more tragic situations. Control only what depends on you, and don’t delude yourself into thinking that the world around you exists only as long as you’re here.

5. You Don’t Have Time

There’s always time for things that are important. Reevaluate your priorities, and you’ll see: if you give up something you’ve always mistakenly considered important, your life will make room for ideas you’ve postponed. If you clearly understand what you want and what you need to do to achieve your goal, you should agree to what’s more valuable to you and refuse what distracts your focus but seems like a universally important task.

6. You’ll Start Saving Money in the Future

Before you start saving money, be honest with yourself and determine what lifestyle you can afford and what are unnecessary expenses and empty ambitions. You can start saving at any time, and the sooner you begin, the better. Of course, you shouldn’t think only about the practical side and deny yourself everything just for the sake of having a round sum in your account. Think not only about how it will be harder to earn in old age but also about how, by constantly working and justifying that you don’t have enough to live on, you won’t be able to acquire anything. It’s worth revising your financial habits and choosing a comfortable course.

7. You’re Not Good Enough

By constantly doubting whether you’re good enough, you lose yourself and that valuable individuality you already possess. As an exercise, write down three qualities you genuinely love about yourself or those for which you’ve been praised and felt happy. Reread them to yourself. At first, it might seem awkward and silly, but in the process, you’ll understand how important it is to realize your worth and become more confident.

8. Intuition Doesn’t Exist

It’s simple: trust your gut. People often lie to themselves, thinking that the feeling deep inside trying to convey the true state of affairs is all made up. If you feel that a situation will turn out badly for you, don’t delude yourself by thinking you’ll cope, that you can change everything, and that control is in your hands. Look at things realistically, but don’t forget to trust your inner advisor.

9. You Don’t Have Any Addictions

Drugs, sex, alcohol, sugar—these are all addictions, even if they carry different social weights. Being a drug addict is socially negative, but being addicted to sweets is the same enslavement, just sweeter. Don’t lie to yourself when it comes to health, both physical and mental. Analyze your feelings and seek help if you realize you can’t control your needs.

10. You Don’t Have a Choice

Thinking that life has nothing good left for you keeps you in the past, even if it torments and poisons you. Instead of such foolish lies, turn to hope and believe that fresh starts await you and opportunities will soon open. This requires courage and willpower, but it’s better to move forward without knowing what awaits you than to degrade in the past, where nothing good will certainly happen. There’s always a choice, even in the most difficult situation, and it depends only on you. By choosing happiness, you’ll get happiness, and if you don’t want to leave your familiar place, don’t lie to yourself that you simply didn’t have the opportunity to change something.

For further reading, consider exploring topics on psychology.