The Wisdom of Letting Go

How do you know if and when to let go? Is it a lack of faith, wisdom or pure common sense to let go?

To let go starts from the premise that one is holding on to something/someone. What does it mean to let go, and what benefits are there?

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Sharing from a personal career perspective.

Way before 2017, I knew deep within it was time to let go of my job and move to something else, especially as I had been asking myself, “Is this all there is?”. The question had morphed into a statement, “I want more!”

I rationalized the knowing and told myself I needed to be thinking about moving on in the foreseeable future. To what, where and when were the big questions? I know now that rather than answer these questions, I chose to look at them from afar, which was, in effect, buying myself some time. I was scared! Who wants to leave the fat known for the seemingly lean unknown?

Looking back, I realize I had taken steps toward preparing for what I believed would be my next phase – Professional Coaching Services. In addition to the foundation my organization had availed me (I had been certified as an Internal Coach), I took another certification course, which enabled me to fulfill the first part of getting credentialed by an international coaching organization. But then I parked it as something for the future.

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When you have a great job, fantastic career, perks (read comfort) and wild opportunities, thinking of launching into something different is challenging. The telltale that the journey was ending was there, but I ignored them and pushed my way through. As believers, we tell ourselves, “It is opposition, an attack, I will P.U.S.H (Pray Until Something Happens).” Trust me, you know when you need to pray through and when you are in denial or avoidance.

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By the way, letting go could also mean starting afresh, not necessarily (or maybe) at entry level. Starting out at lower levels can be daunting when you have risen very close to the top or the top of your career. And this was my case. I was moving into a profession (Coaching) where I would have to learn and grow, develop/expand new relationships and networks, build my profile so I could stand out, showcase my capabilities amid a lack of thorough understanding about the profession and proliferation of untrained yet vocal individuals; build a profitable practice. And the list goes on.

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On a bright April afternoon in 2017, it became clear that the journey was ending with my previous company, but thankfully, it was not abrupt (the final exit took seven months). I’m glad I had started planning; it meant I had to develop the plan with clear outcomes and timelines. On the one hand, I was determined to exit with an evident legacy, and I also needed to transition as seamlessly as possible into the new venture.

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When you are at that point where there are more questions than answers, step aside and take time to answer those questions. Here are some tips:

- Be brutally honest with yourself

- Take stock and be aware of your strengths, capabilities, and successes. You have something(s) in your hand.

- Get professional help to chart the next course.

- Above all, lean on the Holy Spirit!

Five years later, I can honestly say I’m glad I let go! Here are a few things I learned in the process.

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Gains of letting go:

-? ? ??Faith anchors: Too many proof points of God’s leading, faithfulness, and provision.

-? ? ??A robust and growing experience: I have had the best of many worlds and my previous careers in Communications, Public Affairs and Sales are adding up and contributing to my growth and success as a Coach. It all adds up!

-? ? ??Confidence:?In my capabilities and potential for future growth. I have reference points; I can dig deep within and pull up lessons learnt.

-? ? ??Learning agility: I’m experiencing a shorter and faster pace in learning and application of the knowledge.

-? ? ??Discernment:?My walk with God and His leading makes hindsight and foresight two sides of a coin in my possession.

We are all at different points in our journeys. You are the best person to know where you are, what is and what needs to be.

“ I realize there is something incredibly honest about trees in winter, how they are experts at letting things go” – Jeffrey McDaniel

Adeyanju Olomola