Before you leap forward, you must close the door on habits that are holding you back.
You cannot start the next month, the new venture, the next chapter if you stay stuck in the old one.
Letting go can be an act of great power.
With that in mind, here are 25 things to let go of so you can create a successful new year.
1. Thinking you’re not ready.
Nobody is ever 100 percent ready for the opportunities that come his or her way. The best opportunities stretch us beyond our limits.
2. Dwelling on the past and worrying about the future.
If you want success, you can’t stay stuck in the past or worry about what the future holds. All you can do is live for this moment.
3. Breaking promises.
The fastest way to lose credibility is to break your promises. If you say you are going to do something, do it. Don’t do anything that will break credibility or ruin the reputation that you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Don’t overpromise and don’t underdeliver.
4. Trying to live up to people’s expectations.
Do whatever you can to set high standards for yourself, and then do everything you can to meet them. Other people’s expectations are none of your concern.
5. Comparing yourself with others.
You have heard it before and you’ll hear it again: Comparing yourself with others is a waste of time. The only person you should be competing against is yourself.
6. Constantly complaining.
If something isn’t working, do something about it.
7. Being overly self-critical.
Be who you are and say what you feel. Be kind to yourself.
8. Procrastinating.
If you want to accomplish something, stop waiting and start doing.
9. Trying to be perfect.
Those who insist on perfection don’t get much done.
10. Being underprepared.
A surefire way to fail is not to have a plan.
11. Holding grudges.
They’re a waste of time and a hindrance to your happiness. The sooner you forgive, the sooner you can move on.
12. Trying to avoid mistakes.
Life is about making mistakes, taking chances, allowing risk. The only mistake that can truly hurt you is choosing to avoid living your life.
13. Saying “I can’t.”
Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you will always be right.
14. Setting small goals.
If you set small goals, you get small results. Set big goals, and then do everything in your power to achieve them.
15. Making mountains out of molehills.
The more you take things in stride, the less anxiety you will have. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
16. Buying things you don’t need.
Don’t spend your money to impress others, and don’t think having stuff is a measurement of your success.
17. Blaming others for your troubles.
Blaming others is a way of denying your own accountability for your life. Take responsibility for who you are and what you do.
18. Always being so serious.
Life is serious enough to begin with–spice it up with some fun.
19. Having a sense of entitlement.
The sooner we understand we’re all equal, the faster we can succeed together.
20. Playing it safe.
Everything worth having comes by taking a risk.
21. Keeping your feelings bottled up inside.
If no one ever knows what you’re thinking or what you need, you can’t expect to be heard or receive help.
22. Holding on to relationships that bring you down.
Negative people are everywhere, but most of the time we don’t have to be in a relationship with them.
23. Trying to do everything alone.
The better you understand that things are easier and more fun together, the faster you will realize you don’t have to do everything alone.
24. Trying to control everything.
The only control you will ever have is your relationship with yourself; the rest is up for grabs.
25. Doubting yourself.
Passionate, determined people do remarkable things. Never allow your self-doubt to get in the way of what you want to accomplish.
We must be willing to let go of the life we have so we can have the new life that is waiting for us.
Here’s to a happy new year.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
THE LEADERSHIP GAP
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.