LETTING GO

One of the hardest things for me is to give up. I’m like a dog with a bone when I set my sights on something. For the most part, I think it’s a good quality. The downside I’ve learned is I can be so focused on what “I know” that I may be missing the forest for the trees. I also experience frustration if something isn’t going the way I want or if I’m not getting the results I think I should be when I’m trying so hard and pushing so much. Why isn’t it working??

I’ve found that these are the moments when letting go, giving up thinking that “I know,” and being open to the “unknown” is what’s best and moves things forward.

An example of this is letting our team run our Q3 planning session recently without me. I thought it would be good for me to let go and let my leadership team take the reins. I wanted to shake things up. What would or could it look like if I wasn't there? Of course, it was great, and good stuff came out of it that might not have had I been a part of it. Was it exactly like I wanted? No. Which is also great. I know “what got us here will not get us there,” so broadening my horizons and giving up that I’ve got the answers or I need to be involved is a big deal for me. It allowed me to widen out and see things differently, creating expansion for me and our team.

Here are some other things I’ve noticed when I’m willing to let go and surrender:

1. More creativity: When I shake things up, I uncover new ideas and tap into things I’ve never thought of. It’s a great way for me to wake up my imagination and dream bigger.?
2. More trust: It’s so good to let others step up and trust that they know what they are doing. When I let my team lead and direct, I always discover more things about them that I love and respect. My way is not always the best way.?
3. Bigger Opportunities: If I come from what I know, I am basing things from the past versus bigger possibilities. I’ve found renewed energy in thinking bigger and not letting the past dictate the future.
4. More Freedom and Flow: It’s taken me a while to learn this, and I don’t always remember, but when something requires too much effort, too much pushing and force, it’s often not the right thing for me. When I let go, something better shows up.
5. Unexpected Surprises: New approaches and ideas often lead to pleasantly surprising outcomes that rarely look how I think they should.?
6. More Fun: Reducing the pressure of always being in control makes work more enjoyable. I’ve learned to have fun in not knowing how things will unfold but trusting that it will be perfect however it happens.?
7. Stronger Team Dynamics: Allowing my team to lead fosters collaboration and strengthens our overall dynamic. One of my greatest pleasures is seeing my team grow and evolve. It’s usually because I’m in the way when it's not happening.?

Letting go isn’t easy, especially for me. I love driving things and have a strong track record of success when I do. But again, what got us here won’t get us there, and I’m more committed to my growth and company growth than I am to being in control. I’ve found that letting go can open up new possibilities, greater creativity, and unexpected successes. By embracing the unknown and trusting in my team, I grow as a leader and create a more dynamic and innovative business environment.