Know When to Let Go

Do you have a hard time letting go? Do you know the right time to let go? And do you know who and what to let go of?

UGH! I can scream off the rooftop in frustration at this one! I have made so many mistakes when it comes to this. Holding on to employees, friends, and things that have not served me well in the end.

Let's begin with the most frustrating one. This was when I realized I needed to start letting go of team members faster.  I wanted more for others than they did. When this happens now I realize, it was a good indication I had to let go.

I can remember having a friend in grammar school and all through high school who was filled with absolute drama. She was very consumed with bad thoughts and was super negative. I felt like it was my job as a friend to stay in that relationship and listen to her time and time again. If I would have left, I would have felt the burden and guilt of being a bad friend. I have done this several times in my life.

Finally, many years later, I decided it was time to let go of this friendship. I asked myself if the time I spent was contributing to my life or withdrawing?

And my answer, most of the time, was no. In fact, this relationship left me drained instead of energized. So I knew it was time. I think this is a great question to ask yourself when struggling with letting go. It doesn’t make it easier, just more clear.

Four years ago I had to let go of a job position that I was in. Some would say I was at the top of my game. I struggled with being spread too thin for my kids and my business. I wasn’t showing up very well as a leader for my kids or my employees.

The hardest part of letting go was that I was doing what I loved, and I was an inspiration to others and myself. I just couldn’t manage everything. This was a timing issue. It wasn’t the right time in my life to be on the road all the time as a single Mom. I had to make the decision and know that the thing I valued most was my girls. I also asked myself some really valuable questions. Is this position contributing to the quality of life I want? Is this good for my family? Am I learning the things I need to support my dreams in the future?

In many circumstances letting go is not easy. It’s more of an understanding that what we are letting go of has lesser value to what we will be gaining.

Is there something right now that if you let go of would help contribute to your growth?