Why Letting Go of the Past is KEY to Success

What do you do when you lose your favorite item/thing or if it breaks completely? 

Are you sad and horrified? Do you do everything you can to salvage it? Do you go out and buy the exact same item to replace it? 

This happened to me recently when I dropped my favorite pair of sunglasses in a rush and the arm broke off. 

I didn’t even realize it was broken. I had dropped the glasses before so I didn’t think this would be any different. And then I picked it up and couldn’t believe it was gone. 

Sure, it was a pair of sunglasses but it had been with me for years. 

I let it sit on the counter for days, not ready to throw it away. I wanted to look for a replacement but figured it was unavailable (which it was). 

I thought about if I could fix it but finally decided it was time to let it go. 

It was time. 

So often we relive and hold onto the past because of the memories we had and what we make it mean. What we don’t realize is how much space and energy this is taking in our lives, physically and mentally. This weighs on us and drags us down. 

There’s no space for success when we are stuck in our past.

Any time we’re in the past, we’re not in the present. We are living in the “shoulda, woulda, coulda” which isn’t doing anyone any good. 

Because you can’t create from the past. You can only create from the present and now. 

It was time to move on and I had to clear space in order to welcome a better future. 

Think about buying a new house and being so excited to move in… But when you get the keys to open the door, you find that the previous owner didn’t move out any of their stuff. Especially the junk in the garage! So there’s no room for you to bring in your new stuff.

So now it’s your turn.

What are you still holding onto? How is it weighing you down and keeping you stuck? 

Letting go can be challenging because we like the familiar and comfort. But what if letting go is the only way for things to get so much better? 

You have to let go of what’s not working in order for things to start working again.

How do you let go? Here’s my simple 3-step process from my bestselling self-help book, So Much Better.

1. STOP- first acknowledge what is and notice the now. Notice when you’re worrying or stressing about whether you’re doing the right thing, judging how your performance has been, or reminiscing about all the good times and bad… just notice where your thoughts go without judgment or shame.
   
2. ASK- be curious and find out why this past event or issue keeps coming up for you. Ask yourself, “what do I gain by holding onto this story?” Even though it seems unhelpful to keep judging or sabotaging yourself, there’s usually some type of gain or benefit to it.
   
3. CHOOSE- know that you always get to choose. You can make your own decision and take action from it. Be brave and do one new thing today. Remember that you are making a decision by not making a decision. If you’re done, willing, and ready to let go of this version of you- you can make a new commitment.

Put your hand on your chest, close your eyes, and say to yourself: “I commit to letting go.” See yourself letting go of this past, cutting all cords and ties, like releasing a balloon into the sky, feeling lighter after.

If you’re having a hard time moving on from the past, come talk to me! Coaching will help you manage your mind so you can move forward to a bigger and brighter future!