What should you let go of today, to become better?
My career is advancing. When I left the self-contained classroom years ago to become a Title I teacher I lost the concept of, “my students.” When I left a school, I worked at for 15 years to be an administrator, I lost the concept of, “My classroom.” These are my examples of letting go! Each decision came with consequences both good and bad. I had internal feelings of excitement and sadness each time. As I approach my newest decision, I have those same feelings. When changes are made in life, we must give up various things. I thought of a few things unrelated to my career path, that we could all give up and become better. This post is about letting go, and becoming a better person, with a better life.
Letting go of what is good or currently working for you is one of the toughest decisions a person can make. We take the risk of making the wrong decisions. As we advance, we must see that life has many opportunities. Sure, things are going good for you and change isn’t necessary. Or is it? Are we taking a greater risk of becoming stagnant or mediocre by not making changes? Making the decision to change because something better might happen, isn’t for everyone. All I’m saying, is look for possibilities. Be willing to consider that there might be something better for you.
Letting go of people in our lives is very difficult. By this, I mean those who bring you down and fail to see your value. Each of us have value that we bring to the world or our organizations. If the people around you can’t see that, then it is ok to let them go. This is not to suggest letting people go that we love. Instead, we are letting go of the idea that they must support our decisions and if they don’t, we must abandon those plans. We still love the people in our lives and that should never change. If they choose not to support our decision to improve our lives, we must continue our path regardless.
Ever pray for something that never comes? Garth Brooks said it best in the song, Unanswered Prayers, “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers.” Recently, I was hoping for a certain job to fall into my lap, only to discover later that there were greater issues that would make that decision very difficult. We get our hopes up for something that could be. Upon further investigation we find out there are more issues and difficulties coming, that will only stop us from meeting our goals. Letting go of an opportunity can be an unanswered prayer for a reason. That thing that you wanted so bad could hurt you and/or your growth plans. It’s ok if you didn’t get it, you’ll be better off without it!
The best thing we can do is let go of bitterness, anger, and guilt. Throughout our lives we experience hurt that becomes bitterness or anger. We also make mistakes that make us feel guilty. When we hold on to these negative feelings, it affects our health, our minds, and our relationships. We must let go of these unhealthy feelings quickly. Failure to let go of those will greatly hinder any path we take in life. These are the experiences that make you stronger.
What risks could you take that may provide better opportunities?
Who supports you and sees the value you bring?
Ever want something, but later find out it was a blessing you didn’t get it?
What feelings get in the way, that you should let go of?
The decision to let go is a hard thing to do. We hold on to what we have so tightly, hoping for something great to happen. Sometimes when we let go, better opportunities follow. I hope everything is going perfectly for you. I hope you look at life and ask what if I let this thing go and something better arrives? I believe it is healthy to look for things that we could let go of for our own improvements. All I’m saying, is give it some thought. Have a great week and please share your thoughts to this conversation by leaving a comment below.
Steven C. Bucks- Leading Conversations
~Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member~
