7 things you’re anxious about that will be irrelevant in a year’s time, says a psychologist

Worrying about the future is like trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. We all do it, but most of the time, our anxieties are about things that won’t matter in a year’s time.

The trick is to recognize these unnecessary concerns and learn to let them go.

As a psychologist, I’ve identified seven common worries that hold many of us back, but will likely be irrelevant within 12 months.

In this article, I’ll guide you through these seven anxieties and explain why they’re not worth your energy. Because trust me, a year from now, you’ll wish you hadn’t given them so much thought.

1) What other people think of you

Let’s be honest: most of us spend way too much time wondering what others think about us. Did I say the wrong thing? Did they notice that awkward pause?

Spoiler alert: they probably didn’t.

People are so caught up in their own lives that they barely have time to analyze yours. And that’s not just me saying it; research shows that we overestimate how much and how badly other people think of us and our mistakes. 

So yeah, the opinions you’re worried about today might not even exist. A year from now, you won’t remember that embarrassing moment at the meeting or the time you tripped in front of a crowd. And even if someone did notice, chances are they’ve forgotten it already.

So, the next time you start spiraling about someone else’s opinion, remember this: it’s not as big of a deal as you think. Give yourself permission to laugh it off and move on. Life’s too short to live in someone else’s head.

2) Temporary financial concerns

Feeling anxious about money is totally normal. Whether it’s a surprise bill, an unexpected expense, or a temporary tight spot, financial worries can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the thing: most money troubles have a way of working themselves out over time.

Think back to a financial stress you had last year. Does it still feel as big now as it did then? Probably not.

That’s because money is one of those things that tends to ebb and flow. What feels like a crisis today often becomes a manageable memory tomorrow.

The key is to take small, actionable steps to address the issue and remind yourself it’s just a phase. With patience and persistence, this, too, will pass. A year from now, you’ll probably be on to the next big thing—hopefully with less stress.

3) Fear of failure

I remember the first time I decided to run a half marathon. I was terrified. The fear of not finishing, of embarrassing myself in front of the crowd, kept me up at night.

But guess what? A year later, not only had I completed that marathon, but I was training for my second one. And the fear that had once seemed so monumental was now a distant memory.

Fear of failure is a common anxiety that plagues many of us. But most of the time, our fears are far greater than the reality. And even if we do fail, it’s rarely as catastrophic as we imagine.

So whether it’s running a marathon, starting a new job, or pursuing a new hobby, remember that this fear will likely be irrelevant a year from now. You’re capable of more than you think!

4) Small disagreements or misunderstandings

I’ve been guilty of this one myself. I remember once getting into a whole full-blown argument with my husband over something as trivial as where to put the cereal boxes. At the time, it felt like a hill worth dying on, and we both stubbornly stuck to our sides.

Looking back now, I can’t help but laugh at how ridiculous it all was. The cereal didn’t matter—our pride did.

Small misunderstandings or disagreements can feel huge in the heat of the moment. Maybe it’s a coworker who misunderstood your tone in an email or a friend who forgot your birthday.

While these things might sting initially, they rarely have lasting consequences. In fact, most of the time, the other person isn’t even thinking about it as much as you are.

A year from now, these minor squabbles will be distant memories—or completely forgotten altogether. The emotional energy we spend dwelling on them just isn’t worth it.

Next time you find yourself gearing up for a debate over cereal boxes or something equally inconsequential, take a step back and ask yourself, “Will this matter in a year?”

Fearless forecast: it probably won’t.

5) Social media posts or trends

Remember that viral challenge everyone was obsessed with last year? Or the witty caption you spent way too much time crafting?

I’m sure you’re now trying to recall what they were, right? And I can’t blame you. Social media has a way of making things feel bigger than they actually are. It heightens our fear of missing out (FOMO), and so we feel like the stakes are so high. 

But the reality is, trends come and go faster than you can scroll through your feed. A year from now, that post you stressed over or the trend you felt left out of will feel like a blip on the radar. People won’t remember whether your photo got 10 likes or 10,000.

And honestly, neither will you. Social media moments are fleeting, no matter how big they seem in the moment.

So, instead of agonizing over your online presence, remember that life exists beyond the screen. Post what you love, engage when it feels right, and don’t sweat the rest. The internet moves on quickly—and so should you.

See Also

People who always keep their cars spotless tend to have these 7 traits

6) Perfectionism over unimportant tasks

Sometimes, we get so caught up in making every little thing perfect that we forget to ask if it’s even worth it.

Whether it’s spending hours formatting a document no one will care about or agonizing over the exact shade of paint for a guest room, perfectionism can be exhausting.

The truth is, most of the things we obsess over are ones that people won’t notice—or won’t care about a year down the line.

That perfectly planned dinner party or flawless presentation might feel critical now, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s just another moment in time.

Instead of striving for perfection, aim for “good enough.” Done is better than perfect, and the energy you save can go toward something more meaningful. A year from now, you’ll thank yourself for letting it go.

7) Missed opportunities that weren’t meant for you

It’s easy to replay missed opportunities in your mind, wondering what could have been.

Maybe it was a job you didn’t get, a relationship that didn’t work out, or an event you couldn’t attend. At the time, I’m sure it felt like the end of the world—but if you think about it now, you can probably see that it was actually just a redirection.

Fast-forward a year, and you’ll likely realize that those “missed” chances led you to something better—or at least taught you a valuable lesson.

You see, life has a way of aligning the right things for you when the timing is right. What feels like a loss today often turns into a win tomorrow.

Instead of dwelling on what didn’t happen, trust the process. Missed opportunities aren’t failures—they’re stepping stones to something that fits you even better. And who knows? In a year’s time, you might even feel relieved it didn’t work out.

Final reflection: Embrace the ephemeral

Life has a funny way of putting things into perspective, and the stuff that feels so urgent right now often fades into the background.

A year from now, you might look back and wonder why you spent so much energy worrying about things that barely matter anymore. The truth is, life keeps moving, and so do we. What feels like a mountain today might just be a pebble in hindsight.

So, as you navigate your current anxieties, remember to pause, breathe, and ask yourself: “Will this still matter in a year?”

Chances are, the answer will help you let go of what’s weighing you down and refocus on what truly deserves your energy.

Because when you zoom out, it’s the bigger picture—the lessons, growth, and meaningful moments—that really counts.