16 Common Meditation Mistakes Holding You Back from Bliss

We’ve all been there. You decide to take up meditation, hoping it’ll be the magic bullet for your stress, only to find yourself wondering if you’re even doing it right. You’re not alone.

In fact, there are a whole bunch of common meditation mistakes that many of us make (and I’ve made most of them) without even realizing it. So to help you avoid the most common meditation mistakes and get you to the zen path a little quicker, I’ve put together a list of 16 mistakes to avoid.

1. Inconsistent Effort

Think of meditation like physical exercise. You wouldn’t expect to become a bodybuilder after one gym session, right? In the same way, you can’t expect a single meditation session to turn you into a Zen master. Consistency is the name of the game. Make it a daily practice, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Over time, those minutes will compound, and the benefits will be evident.

2. Expecting Miracles Overnight

If you’re diving into meditation hoping to be floating in nirvana by tomorrow, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Don’t set yourself up to fail by setting unrealistic goals. Meditation isn’t a magic pill; it’s more like a marathon. It’s about the journey, not just the destination. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride.

3. Jumping Ship Too Soon

One of the most common meditation mistakes is hopping between different techniques. It’s like channel surfing on TV; you never really get to enjoy one show. Stick with one method that feels right for you. I suggest you start working on a sitting focus meditation to strengthen the part of your brain that controls your wandering mind. Over time, you’ll get deeper into the practice and reap more benefits.

4. Overthinking the Process

“Am I doing this right?” is a question everyone asks when practicing meditation. But meditation isn’t about right or wrong. It’s about being present. No matter what technique you use, the goal is to simply bring your awareness to what’s happening right now. So, the next time you find yourself doubting, just bring your focus back to the same object of your meditation, whether it’s your breath or a mantra.

5. Being Too Hard on Yourself

Self-criticism is a common mistake in many areas of life, and meditation is no exception. If your mind wanders, that’s absolutely normal. If you have weird or even disturbing thoughts and emotions, that’s normal too. Even seasoned meditators face distractions. The key is to realize when your mind wanders and gently bring your focus back without beating yourself up.

6. Not Setting Clear Intentions

Think of your meditation practice as a journey. Your intention is the map that guides you. Whether you’re looking to boost self-awareness, reduce stress, or increase focus, having a clear goal can help you stay on track. If you’re just starting out your intention should be as simple as noticing when your mind wanders and bringing it back to whatever you’re focusing on.

7. Overloading Your Mind

If you’ve had a busy day, or even worse, a busy day tomorrow, diving straight into meditation can be challenging. It’s like trying to sleep in a noisy city. Try to practice a few moments of mindfulness throughout your day like mindfully making your morning coffee to make your meditation sessions more effective.

8. Media Overdose

Binge-watching shows or endlessly scrolling through social media can clutter your mind, making it harder to meditate. We’re actually addicted to constant distractions like TV and social media. Relaxation is becoming harder to do, and in fact, a study psychologists at Virginia and Harvard Universities found that we would rather electrocute ourselves than sit doing nothing because our brains are so addicted to the dopamine of stimulation. So consider a media detox or at least be more selective about what you consume.

9. Being Over-Reliant on Tools

Guided meditation apps and props are great, they started me on my meditation journey, but they shouldn’t be a crutch. One of the biggest meditation mistakes to avoid is to totally rely on these apps. Apps like Calm and Headspace are perfect for learning a little about meditation techniques but should work toward making a habit of silent meditation.

10. Not Taking Meditation Beyond the Session

The beauty of meditation is that it can be applied to every aspect of life. Whether you’re practicing concentration meditation or mindfulness meditation, try to use the essence of the practice in your daily activities. In a queue at the store? Spend a few minutes focusing on your breathing.

11. Going Solo

While the idea of meditating might bring up images of lone monks on mountaintops, group energy can really help you to create a habit. Another of the common meditation mistakes is avoiding meditating with others. Even if you do it occasionally, it can really help your experience. It’s like going to a concert versus listening to music alone in your room. Both are great, but there’s a unique energy when you’re sharing the experience with others.

12. Trying to Block Out Thoughts

The most common of the meditation mistakes is thinking that meditation is about stopping your thoughts. Oh no no no. Trying that will just stress you out more. Meditation is about observing thoughts without judging them. It’s like people-watching at a cafe. You don’t interfere; you just watch. So, when you meditate, let your thoughts flow. Notice them, don’t wrestle with them.

13. Treating Meditation Like a To-Do List Item

If you’re viewing meditation as just another task to tick off, you’re missing the point. It’s not a chore; it’s a choice. A choice to give yourself some quality time. So, ditch the “I have to meditate today” mindset and embrace the “I get to meditate today” attitude.

14. Looking for Shortcuts

We love shortcuts, hacks, and 5 ways to get everything you ever wanted in 5 minutes. But when it comes to meditation, there’s no express lane. Sure, guided meditations can be a great tool, but they’re not a replacement for genuine commitment. Dive deep, don’t just skim the surface.

15. Being Too Dependent on Props

While props like cushions or incense can set the mood, they aren’t the essence of meditation. If you find yourself unable to meditate without them, it’s time to go back to basics. Remember, the real magic happens within you, not around you.

16. Limiting Meditation to the Mat

If you think meditation is only about those moments when you’re sitting with your eyes closed, think again. It’s a way of life. Whether you’re practicing mindfulness or concentration meditation, the principles can be brought into your daily activities. So, don’t box meditation in. Let its insights flow into all parts of your day.

The Takeaway

Meditation is a powerful tool for mental health, self-awareness, and overall well-being. But like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how you use it. By being aware of these common meditation mistakes and actively working to avoid them in future sessions, you can make your practice more effective and fulfilling.

Meditation helps us connect with ourselves. It’s not about perfection but progress. So, even if you’ve made every one of the meditation mistakes on this list (and trust me, many of us have), it’s never too late to refine your practice.

Meditation isn’t just about sitting still and being quiet. It’s about paying attention, being present, and connecting with yourself on a deeper level. So, whether you’ve had a busy day or are anticipating a busy day tomorrow, take a few minutes to meditate. Even if you think you don’t have time, make time. Because the benefits of a consistent practice, free from these common mistakes, are too significant to ignore.

In the grand scheme of life, meditation is a small commitment with enormous rewards. It’s a practice that can reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and bring clarity to our often chaotic lives. So, if you’re going to meditate, do it right. Avoid these mistakes, stay focused, and remember: that every breath is a step closer to achieve inner peace.