Sometimes, what keeps us from going forward is what we aren’t willing to give up. Fear, bad relationships, and stale routines — all these can hold us stuck, unable to move forward. Giving up is not easy, but it is vital to move forward in life. If you want to free yourself and achieve your best, then you have to ditch these things. Here are 10 things you must let go of so that you can stop feeling stagnant and start moving.
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The Need for Approval
Desperately awaiting other people’s approval can lead to a life of self-doubt. You may avoid making decisions or taking actions because you feel judgement or criticism. This might involve saying yes to unwanted things or hiding parts of yourself in order to conform. In the long run, this behavior steals your joy and uniqueness. When you stop trying to please others, you can be in control of your life, make good choices, and focus on what matters to you.
Fear of Failure
Fear of failure is what will make you never try. You might hold off applying for a job, undertaking a project or following your passion because you’re scared things won’t work out. This fear makes you feel stuck and unmotivated. But failure is the best teacher — it can make you stronger. Once you conquer this fear, you can accept new challenges and reach your full potential.
Past Mistakes
You are locked into regret if you relive your mistakes time and again. It’s possible that you’re thinking “If only I’d have done something differently,” or feel guilty for decision you can’t now change. These ideas can make you insecure and shameful. But the reality is, people screw up, and that’s just the way it is. Letting go isn’t forgetting — it’s understanding what happened and applying what you’ve learned to your life now
Toxic Relationships
Toxic relationships can hold you back in many ways. These relationships can leave you feeling unappreciated, exhausted, or even stuck. Those toxic people always bring negative energy into your life, be it through criticism, manipulation or selfishness. This type of relationship can prevent you from reaching your potential or being happy. Leaving may feel difficult, especially if the other person is dear to you. But it’s in your best interest. You become a better you when you are around good people.
Comparing Yourself to Others
When you compare yourself with other people, you’re more inclined to see what they have and you don’t. This can make you feel that you’re not good enough or you’re not doing it right. You could compare your job, your marriage, or even looks – but you might never realize all are going through their own struggles. Moreover, all those comparisons rob you of your pleasure and keep you from enjoying what’s good. Abandon this habit and focus on your progress and goals as something that matters to you. Remember, everyone’s journey is different.
Grudges and Resentment
Grudges are a weight that can feel heavy to hold on to. It can make you relive past arguments or be angry with anyone who harmed you. This anger can eat at your heart, your health, and you will feel stressed and depressed because of this. Forgiving doesn’t mean what they did is okay, but it helps to take away the pain. Forgiveness lets you get away from the negativity so that you can focus on your own joy and progress instead of living in the past.
Perfectionism
Perfectionism can stifle you because you prefer to wait for everything to be perfect before you do anything. You may put off an idea or postpone your effort if it isn’t on point. This mindset keeps you from progressing and enjoying what you achieve. It’s just that there is no such thing as perfect and pursuing it is just frustrating. By letting go of perfectionism, you can experiment, make mistakes and celebrate your accomplishments. Failure — not perfection — makes you succeed.
The Comfort Zone
Your safe space is comfortable because it’s familiar — but it also keeps you trapped. By remaining in this space, you keep missing out on something new, or challenging, or risky. In time, this leaves your life feeling stale and stagnant. When you step out of this bubble and confront new challenges, even if they start out painful, you become wiser. When you lose the desire to be safe, you’ll be free to live your dreams, develop your own talents and make a better life.
Material Possessions
You feel like you’ll be happier if you own more things, but possessions weigh you down. You may be anxious about keeping them or get caught in a race to make the next major purchase rather than enjoy what you already have. The clutter also takes over your home, leaving you with less room for peace or creativity. Getting rid of things you don’t need frees you up to be focused on other things, such as experiences, relationships, and learning. Simplicity is a way to live a more content and centered life.
Negative Self-Talk
Negative self-talk can be a constant barrier to growth. Thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never succeed” can lead to fear and dread. These thoughts gradually wear you down and prevent you from trying anything new. This inner critic can be hard to beat but you need to battle it. Say goodbye to your self-criticism and replace negative thoughts with supportive words such as “I can do this” or “I’m getting better every day.” By being kinder, you become optimistic and can get things done.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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