With just over one month to go before 2026, now's a good time to think about what you want moving forward. It's also a great opportunity to leave behind anything that doesn't work for you.
Let Go to Thrive in 2026
Letting go is not as painful as you think. Holding on to excess baggage is even more unbearable. Holding on to yesteryear baggage weighs you, especially when you need to shift gears. This is one of the reasons why so many struggle to execute their goals.
Imagine the following
Your mum/dad/guardian takes you to the swimming pool for the first time. They want you to let go of the side rail once they persuade you to enter the pool. You don't. Instead, you cling to the side even harder.
Many people struggle with the same mindset when it comes to their careers.
The Story of Artemis
I recently heard of an acquaintance who resigned from his job and is struggling to find another one. Let's call him Artemas. He's been out of work for three months, and each passing month is taking its toll on him. He's sending out 10–15 CVs daily and not hearing from anyone.
Let Go
Artemis is a talented creative who could play to his strengths and create a couple of side hustles. One of his side hustles involves travelling on his motorbike. He's recorded a few videos but kept them private. In my opinion, he's holding on to the swimming pool handle. He's struggling to let go. Why? He believes they're not good enough to upload.
Artemis is doing what many do: procrastinating because he doesn't trust the step in front of him.
Excuses Come in Many Guises
When asked why he hasn't made any videos public, he says, "I'm a private person." I know how he feels. It took me ages to upload posts on social media. Over time, I learned to experiment with different platforms. Now, it feels more comfortable than before. However, it took daily consistent effort.
Here's a list of 10 potential things to let go if you want to be happy in 2026
- A version of your old self. Who you were yesterday is not who are today and nor will you be the same person tomorrow.
- Bearing a grudge. It serves no purpose and keeps you in a mental jail for all the wrong reasons. Plus it takes up way too much mental energy and not making any room for growth and development. Think of it like an old suitcase you can't close because of the old clothes spilling out. It's frustrating m but more importantly, the old clothes might be out of vogue or not fit you anymore.
- Outdated mental scripts. Learn to speak nicely to yourself today onwards. Why? It matters. Science has already proven the way you speak to yourself impacts your mental and physical well being. Start right now.
- Expectations of others, your boss, family and friends. Learn to play to your strengths so you live the life you want instead of expecting others to recognise your efforts and strengths. Instead, recognise your own strengths and find opportunities to match. Watch how things change for the better.
- Don't try to 'fit in'. You weren't designed for that. Instead, recognise your gifts and use them to help you thrive instead of exit.
- Ditch outdated friendships. Remember, friendship is a two way process and not a one way avenue. It's ok to outgrow your old tribe. Give gratitude, reflect and build new friendships.
- Don't open old wounds. What happened yesterday can't be changed. Instead, heal and learn to move on. When you keep revisiting them, you're opening them up again, which takes up too much of your emotional landscape.
- Ditch the 'sell by date' mindset on anything. Appreciate your limitations, but don't anything stop you from setting new goals.
- Don't people please. Everyone wants to be like, but you could be the nicest person and still not be liked. Instead, make sure you like yourself.
- Old habits that no longer serve you such as procrastination. The latter is no friend and will keep you thinking and playing small.
Practice Strategic Reflection
Set aside 5 minutes daily to review yourself each day. Notice patterns. What triggers negative loops? When are you at your strongest? Use these insights to build better mental habits.
Every elite performer, from athletes to CEOs, masters themselves first, including their self talk. You can change a lot when you know what's not working.
Parting Comments
Remember, sometimes the bravest thing you can do is let go of the rail and trust yourself to swim.
Thank you for your attention.
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Pervin
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