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Master the Art of Letting Go

We humans tend to hold on to things at the emotional and mental levels to the detriment of our day-to-day functioning. This wastes our energy and consumes our limited time, thereby keeping us from functioning to our full capacity on the important things that are on our plates at the present moment. Some of the things we hold on to include the following: * Relationships that didn't work out as desired * Things we have done that cause us to feel guilty * Things we left in a state of incompletion or failed to meet our standards * Expectations that were not met * Failures we have experienced * Thoughts or ideas that captured our imagination, yet we have not acted upon them Why do we hold on to these things? The fact is that we are getting some sort of benefit from holding on to them, although we are probably not aware of it on a conscious level. Perhaps we like to beat ourselves up over something to assuage our feelings of guilt or incompetence around that issue or event. Perhaps we are wishing that if we think about something all the time, it will miraculously work out as we desire without any concrete action on our part. Perhaps holding on is a coping mechanism we use to cover up anger and hostility that we are unable to express. You probably have other reasons for holding on to things. How do you go about letting go? The first step is to clearly identify the issue, idea, or event you are holding on to. Bring it clearly into your conscious mind and allow yourself to feel all the emotions that come up with it. Just experiencing these emotions often will allow you to let go. While you have the issue clearly in mind, ask yourself what benefit you are getting from holding on to it and how you can derive even greater benefit by letting go. Once you have decided to let go of the issue, do not allow yourself to think about it. The thought will come up. You need to be vigilant. As soon as you are aware of it, gently redirect your thoughts to another topic. When your subconscious mind realizes that you are not going to dwell on that issue, it will stop bringing it up to you. Your goal: To be able to let go of issues that are interfering with your personal functioning and effectiveness. The result: You will have much more energy and time available for you to utilize in the present moment to obtain the results you truly desire. Your assignment: Identify an issue, idea, or event you are holding on to in a nonproductive manner. Follow the steps above to revisit that issue, experience the emotions connected with it and the benefit you are getting from holding on to it, and then release it and redirect your thoughts to the present moment. Wishing You the Very Best! Sandy Karn Results Specialist Sandy Karn is president of her own company, Creative Results Sources, Inc., a consulting and training company of over 30 years. Take her Self Development Quiz! http://www.sandykarn.com/quiz/

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