How to Get Rid of False Guilt & Drop the Burden Others Put On You

We’re under a lot of pressure which can create false guilt inside of us. It’s time to learn how to get rid of false guilt with these 12 useful strategies.

There are two types of guilt: false and true guilt. And there’s a big difference between the two. Understanding how to leverage true guilt and how to get rid of false guilt will help us live happier lives.

True guilt is a feeling we have when we harm other people. Whereas, false guilt are negative feelings triggered by not living up to standards that are out of our control or unrealistic. For example, the feeling of guilt because we cannot afford a fancy apartment or that we’re not good enough for our parents. That is false guilt. You’re not able to control the situation around you, and that triggers false guilt.

False guilt is a form of mental suffering as you’re experiencing feelings that aren’t appropriate. Why are you feeling guilt over a situation you can’t control? It’s a question you need to ask yourself and reflect on.

[Read: How to make life easier and go from exhausted to effortless]

The 12 best strategies to know how to get rid of false guilt

As you reflect, use these strategies to help you move past false guilt. Life is hard enough, and the last thing you need is more pressure on yourself for no reason. So, let’s talk about the ways to get rid of false guilt.

It’s time to learn how to get rid false guilt.

#1 Own your feelings. If there’s one thing you shouldn’t do, it’s suppress your feelings of guilt. Yes, you’re feeling guilty, but don’t push it down. Instead, own your feelings. See where they’re coming from and go through them. They’re only feelings; trying to process them can’t hurt you. [Read: How to recognize the physical and emotional signs of a guilty conscience]

#2 Stop with the “I should have.” I should have, you should have, we all should have. But you know what? We didn’t. You can be self-critical to a point, but if you’re thinking, “I should have…” you’re opening yourself up for self-judgment, which limits your growth. You can’t change the past. [Read: The art of not giving a shit – 15 ways to stop caring so much]

#3 Acknowledge the truth. You need to acknowledge the truth of your guilt. Look at the situation at face value, and acknowledge what really happened. Put your self-critic to the side, and try to look at the situation without bias. This may help you see the situation for what it is, rather than what you think it is.

#4 Are you being manipulated and blamed? Where is your guilt coming from? What are the pressures you’re feeling, and where is the source? Is someone you know blaming or manipulating you? If so, is what they’re saying to you reasonable?

#5 Practice positive affirmations. You need some self-love. It’s time to change your mentality and look at the positives in life. Every morning when you wake up, say positive affirmations. Tell yourself about the good things you have in life and what you’re grateful for. [Read: How to be chill and learn to lead a happier life as a result]

#6 Start a journal. If you have false guilt inside of you, it’s time to release it. How? By journaling. Grab a journal and write down how you’ve been feeling. This can help you not only see your progress, but also see on paper what you’re thinking about. 

#7 Learn from the situation. Though you can’t change the past, you can learn from it. That’s really the mentality you should go into the future with. Now, you have some knowledge and experience. So, for the future, learn from your past and avoid making similar mistakes. [Read: 10 ways your negative thinking is ruining your life]

#8 It’s quality, not quantity. You need to change the mindset from “should” to focusing on what you’re doing in your life right now and appreciate your time doing it. If you feel guilty about not seeing your family, make time to see them. This is your chance to be more mindful.

#9 Accept the situation for what it is. It is what it is. You can dwell on the situation and let false guilt consume you, or you can see the situation for what it is and focus on finding a solution. Since you’re reading this, you know it’s time for a change.

#10 Shift the attention. The feeling of guilt isn’t something new; we all feel guilty. But you have the power to control how you choose to respond to the feeling of guilt. You can use guilt to bring attention to something you need to act differently on. But if not, shift your attention to something else.

#11 Forgive yourself. If you want to release false guilt within yourself, then forgive yourself. This part is about self-care and deciding to move forward with your life. You don’t need your guilt to control your life anymore. [Read: How to stop self-destructive behavior for good]

#12 Learn your boundaries. We all have our own personal boundaries. For example, if your partner teases you, and it’s creating guilt inside you, you need to set the limits. This will protect yourself and also help the people around you understand your limits.

[Read: How to set personal boundaries and guide other people to respect them]

Everyone experiences guilt; we’re all human. But if you follow these tips, you’ll be able to learn how to get rid of false guilt you carry around inside.

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