Life's too short to sweat the small stuff

Have you noticed how often we tend to dwell on little things that, in the grand scheme of things, are not all that important?

One thing is to worry about a health issue or whether you have enough money to put food on the table for your family tonight.

Another is worrying about small stuff we have little to no control over. Here are a few examples:

• Whether the panel you interviewed with for a new job thought you seemed too interested -- or not interested enough

• Whether your date noticed you had a small hole in your shirt 

• Whether your friend is losing interest in hanging out with you because he doesn't seem to call or visit like he used to

Most of the things we agonize over can be investigated or resolved with a quick call or email.

When you worry so much about things over which you have no control, it builds anxiety, which can adversely impinge on your happiness and well-being.

Let things be. Once something has taken place, you don't get a "do over." Revisiting it in your mind and imagining alternative scenarios won't do you any good. Instead, move on and focus on the present.

We need to resist the urge to make mountains out of molehills, which tends to happen when we allow our emotions to get the best of us.

Instead of thinking of the absolute worst outcomes, why not think that things will turn out better? That the right job awaits you, you made a favorable impression on your date, or that you'll clear up any misunderstandings with your friend?

Adopting a more optimistic outlook can go a long way toward avoiding vicious cycles of negativity that will only result in unhealthy outcomes like anxiety and depression.

Strive to see the glass as half full. Don't allow things like what other say or do hijack your mind. Instead, suffuse your mind with happy thoughts.

Focus on whatever makes you feel alive. When you find yourself harping on minute stuff, ask yourself this question, "Will I be thinking about this a year from now?"