Mind Matters
You can unlock your true potential by taking practical steps to overcome what is holding you back, advises therapeutic coach Lynn Scholes
Do you feel stuck, like the wheels are spinning but you’re not moving forward? It’s a frustrating place to be and it can affect both your mental and physical well-being. Feeling stuck often leads to a sense of helplessness and negativity. To truly be happy and fulfilled, you need to align with your own values and desires, rather than conforming to what others expect of you. So, let’s dive into three essential steps to help you break free and embrace your true potential.
IDENTIFY WHAT NO LONGER SERVES YOU
This process can be simple in theory but challenging in practice.
Physical clutter: Look around your home and identify items that no longer serve a purpose.
Emotional baggage: This refers to unresolved feelings, grudges or limiting beliefs that weigh you down.
Unfulfilling relationships: Evaluate your relationships and identify those that are toxic or draining. This could include friends, family members or colleagues who consistently bring negativity into your life.
UNDERSTAND WHY LETTING GO IS DIFFICULT
Letting go is more than just deciding to move on – it’s a deeply emotional process. Often, it feels safer to hold on to what we know, even if it’s not serving us well. Our brains are wired to seek comfort and familiarity, leading us to cling to ‘the devil we know’ rather than facing the uncertainty of change.
Common excuses that keep us stuck include:
• Fear of future regret
• Belief that things might improve with time
To overcome these barriers, you need to challenge your thoughts and embrace the possibility of change. Start by reframing the situation as an opportunity for growth rather than loss. Ask yourself how your life could improve if you let go of these burdens. Visualise the positive changes and how they could enhance your well-being.
Close your eyes and imagine your life without the thing or person you’re struggling to let go of. Visualise the space it creates, the weight lifted off your shoulders and the new opportunities that arise. Use this visualisation to remind yourself of the benefits of moving forward.
PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR LETTING GO
Physical clutter:
• Tackle one area at a time. This makes the process less overwhelming and helps you make steady progress.
• Label three boxes as keep, donate and throw. As you sort through items, decide which box each item belongs in. If you haven’t used an item in the past year, question whether you need it.
Relationships:
• Write down the names of people who drain your energy or make you feel bad. Reflect on what specifically makes these relationships unfulfilling.
• Limit the time you spend with these individuals or avoid certain conversations that lead to negativity. Determine if you need to gradually distance yourself or make a clean break.
• If needed, consult a counsellor to navigate complex dynamics and gain perspective.
Emotional baggage:
• Write down any beliefs that hold you back, such as ‘I’m not good enough’ or ‘I’ll never succeed’. Challenge these beliefs by asking if they are based on fact or external programming.
• Replace limiting beliefs with positive affirmations. For example, ‘I am capable of growth’. Regularly practice affirmations and visualisations that align with your desired life.
Letting go is not about losing something but about gaining freedom to embrace new possibilities. Be kind to yourself along the way and celebrate your progress as you move towards a brighter future.
Lynn Scholes is a writer, therapeutic coach, trainer and speaker working with individuals and companies.
To find out more contact Lynn on 07753 579745 or go to: focus101.co.uk
