How to Let Go of Lesser Goals

How to Let Go of Lesser Goals

We all want to grow. So why is it so hard??

Of course, there are lots of reasons, but here is one key factor:?

Growth requires you to lose something.?

Like a crab shedding its previous shell, growth requires letting go of a past version of yourself so that you can grow into something bigger and better. It requires letting go of past goals and past dreams. It may require changing your mind or admitting you were wrong.?

Changing strategies or reversing course doesn’t have to mean defeat. In fact, it’s par for the course. According to research by Tufts University professor Amar Bhide, 70% of all successful new businesses ultimately pursue a different strategy than initially planned.?(1)

Still, change means uncertainty, and uncertainty can make us uneasy.?

But as you move forward, you will come to a tipping point. You will start to believe in the possibility of this new version of yourself, making it easier to let go of the old because the unknown is becoming real enough that you can step into it.

How to Let?Go of Lesser Goals

Ask these questions:?

  1. What do I want so much that I’d be willing to give up what I have right now for it??Gaining the courage to invest?in a future version of yourself becomes easier when you identify something you want even more than what you have now.?
  2. What are my next steps to get there??Remember,?you’re?not mapping the entire journey because the journey will change. Just identify the next step or two.?

“We are kept from our goal not by obstacles but by a clear path to a lesser goal.”?― Robert Brault

P.S. - Learn more about investing in the “future you” by listening to?my conversation with Dr. Benjamin Hardy, author of??10X is Easier than 2X,?and?Be Your Future Self Now. You can?listen here.?

(1)?Johnson, W. (2015). What to Do When Your Personal Growth Stalls. [online] Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2015/09/what-to-do-when-your-personal-growth-stalls [Accessed 18 Oct. 2022].

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Mael Elegoet

Financial controller chez GROUPE 3H - Cliniques des Pays de la Loire

2 年

Hi Greg Greg McKeown, not sure you read here, but dont know actually! ;) You're absolutely right about letting go our lesser goals. But how difficult it can be! What about systematizing a tool like a monthly objectives review that allow letting go the lesser ones? It could be something like woop https://woopmylife.org/ but more global? What would you think about this? Kind regards

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??Tina BQ Tran?? Emotional Wellness Catalyst

Emotional #wellness: I help #overworked executives rid of emotional baggage caused by unwanted emotions such as #stress, #anxiety, #insomnia, #trauma, #grief, #emotionaleating, etc.

2 年

In my opinion, letting go can only happen when we are crystal clear on what is important/valuable to us. However, most of us are so caught up in the daily busyness of life that we forget to pause and ask ourselves questions that help us remain focused on what matters most. Stress, worries or/and overwhelm cloud our minds and prevent us from being clear. Take care of our mental/emotional health/wellbeing and things shall improve from there.

Bill Ramsey

Barko Hydraulics, Wacker Neuson, Rotobec, CSI

2 年

Like eating an elephant, One Bite at a Time! Focus, Listen for different ideas, but don't stop chewing!

Stephanie Lehr

??I’m an online Couples Coach who helps you to be more secure & loving in your committed or next relationship??

2 年

Thanks Greg for this post. “Like a crab shedding its previous shell, growth requires letting go of a past version of yourself so that you can grow into something bigger and better.” Love this! During this growth state, the crab is very vulnerable and sheds the shell anyway. Great lesson!

Jasmine Cossey

Project Management | Public Sector Cybersecurity Programs | Change Management | HR & People Strategy | Strategic Initiatives

2 年

I like this post a lot. I think people only think about what they gain as they move forward. I like how this post sheds light on the reality of the matter while still being motivating and positive. Thank you for sharing, wonderful insight.

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