10 Things to Let Go of in 2020
Reflecting on the past year can be enlightening. How did 2019 treat you? I hope it was filled with joyous moments and cherished memories.
For me, however, it’s a mixed bag. While I have encountered remarkable people and shared unforgettable experiences, I have also faced loss, making the year feel rather chaotic.
In fact, I eagerly anticipate bidding it farewell, quite literally. I plan to dispose of some physical reminders of the year—like those hospital wristbands—in a ceremonial burn in my fireplace, letting go of everything that weighs me down. I’ve noted them down and will release them one by one.
Change is a constant, and I believe the best time to initiate it is now. There’s no need to wait for the new year, next month, or even next week. How many times have you promised yourself, “Starting Monday, I will ____,” only to fall short?
The New Year symbolizes a fresh start, inspiring many of us to make necessary changes. But remember, the ideal moment to start is always right now.
10 THINGS TO LET GO OF IN 2020
“And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke
I prefer not to use the word “resolutions.” It evokes memories of years spent struggling to fulfill them. Did you know that only about 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions?
Instead of resolutions, let’s frame this as goals. The New Year brings a surge of energy, providing an excellent opportunity to facilitate meaningful change in our lives. However, to do so, we often need to remove certain burdens.
WAITING FOR THAT “PERFECT MOMENT”
If you keep deferring actions until that elusive “perfect moment” arrives, you may end up waiting indefinitely. While some significant decisions merit contemplation, many of us have delayed simple tasks for years, waiting for a moment that might never occur.
Trust me on this. Many people spend their lives in a perpetual state of waiting. We tell ourselves, “I’ll be happy when I get a better job,” or “I’ll start once I feel ready.” This mindset can trap you in a cycle of stagnation.
SELF-DOUBT
Letting go of self-doubt is no easy feat. It’s something we all experience, whether occasionally or daily. Marianne Williamson eloquently articulated this when she said, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Don’t let that nagging voice of doubt hold you back. Each of us has unique strengths to offer the world.
JUDGMENT
Judgment is an inherent part of being human, making it nearly impossible to eliminate entirely. We often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, replaying past mistakes, and passing harsh judgments on ourselves and those around us. However, the less we judge ourselves, the less we will judge others. Instead of trying to eliminate judgment totally, we can learn to recognize and release it when it arises.
COMPARISON
This tendency often diminishes with age, yet many still find themselves caught in the “grass is always greener on the other side” mindset. Remember, the grass is greener where you water it. Focus your energy on your own growth rather than comparing your journey to others. It’s your actions and efforts that will truly enhance your life.
BOTTLING UP YOUR EMOTIONS
Suppressing emotions can weigh heavily on you. It’s crucial to express your feelings instead of compartmentalizing them. When emotions are trapped inside, they will eventually surface in unpredictable ways. Talk to a friend, seek therapy, or write about your feelings—whether journaling or composing a letter to someone who has hurt you. Addressing your emotions leads to deeper understanding and healing.
TAKING SMALL THINGS PERSONALLY
Not everything is about you. Stop overanalyzing every interaction. If someone seems unfriendly or dismissive, it often reflects their own mood rather than your actions. Recognizing that others have their struggles will help you detach from unnecessary personal offense.
PERFECTIONISM
Pursuing perfection can lead to an all-or-nothing mindset, where anything less than ideal feels like failure. Focus instead on your goals, understanding that not everything will unfold as planned. Accepting this will free you from the stress tied to chasing perfection.
TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS
These relationships can be highly damaging, creating a cycle of emotional turmoil. Whether romantic or platonic, letting go of toxic individuals requires a firm commitment to walk away. Remember, as much as you care for someone, you cannot change their behavior.
UNHEALTHY HABITS
Identify one habit that stands in your way and address it methodically. Whether it’s overeating, drinking too much, or lacking sleep, focus on one change at a time. Instead of framing it as a resolution, devise a practical plan to implement this change.
FEAR OF FAILURE
This is a common hurdle. One effective way to mitigate fear is to acknowledge that failing is part of the process. Embrace the lessons learned from mistakes, as they are crucial for growth. Every time you stumble and rise again, you are making progress.
