Letting go isn’t failure

Letting go isn’t failure.

You don’t have to do or be everything to be successful.

By letting go of things that aren’t working you can forge your path to your success more simply.

Those things to let go of might be :

  • things that helped you in the past but don’t any more
  • things you think you need to have because ‘everyone else does’
  • or things that boost your ego, but don’t actually do anything to help you get to where you want to go (in fact they’re more of a distraction)
  • anything that is not serving you

As business owners, we often get caught up in comparison and unrealistic standards. But here’s the truth: releasing what no longer aligns with YOUR path is a courageous step towards defining your OWN success.

Shedding self-doubt, unproductive habits, and needless comparisons brings you closer to embracing your own version of success. 

And your success is about thriving on your terms, not society’s.

It takes immense strength to recognise that something is no longer serving you or delivering what you need.  

Letting go of that isn’t giving up; it’s not failure.

In case you didn’t hear me: letting go isn’t failure. 

It is making room for what truly matters. 

So how do you let go of what’s not serving you?

Let’s start with some common things that business owners like you and me often deal with. 

The Weight of Self-Doubt

As business owners, it’s common to experience moments of self-doubt. In fact we often may wonder: 

  • Am I doing enough?
  • What am I actually achieving?
  • Are we heading in the right direction?
  • Where should we go from here?
  • What should I do?
  • And a plethora of other questions.

Remember though, it’s natural to question yourself. Read more on this here.

Comparisons are Toxic

Comparing yourself to others can be a vicious and destructive habit. 

We all tend to compare ourselves to others. And it can be hard to remember that we are not them – and they are not us. Also, with social media showing us a constant barrage of success stories, it can make you feel like you’re falling short – well short. 

But… one of the best things you can do is to remember, whether it’s looking at what your competitors are doing, or your family, your friends, your peers, those influencers; you’re seeing everyone’s highlight reel, not the real life they are dealing with. 

Comparisons can be toxic, so it’s even more important to remember that the success of others doesn’t diminish your worth or potential.

Let me repeat that…

the success of others doesn’t diminish your worth or potential

So, instead of focusing on what everyone else is doing, focus on you and your business. What does success look like for you? Look at how far you have come since starting. I bet it’s farther than you ever thought. And what does your path forward look like?  

Celebrate your own achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Focus on your strengths, what makes you different, and what your success is (and will be) rather than dwelling on comparisons.

Define Success for Yourself

Success is personal – even if it’s business success. It’s a journey about thriving on your terms, not walking a path that society lays out for you. 

So, it’s time to recognise that you have the power to define success in a way that resonates with you. It’s about identifying what truly matters in YOUR life and YOUR business.

And that comes back to knowing your purpose.  

Our purpose is what guides us to understand what our version of success looks like. So, to define our own version of success we need to understand that success begins with purpose. And purpose begins within. 

Seek out mentors or people who can help you clarify your purpose and guide you toward achieving it.

The Courage to Let Go

It takes immense strength to recognise when something is no longer serving you or delivering what you need. And to let it go. 

Letting go is brave.

And letting go of unproductive habits, self-doubt, and unnecessary comparisons isn’t giving up; it’s making room for what truly matters. 

It’s embracing change and evolution in both your business and personal life. 

So be brave. And if it seems too much, seek support from others who have faced similar challenges. They’ve been through the journey and can provide insights on how to let go of what no longer serves you. Or, at the very least, offer listening ears and/or a shoulder to lean on. 

It’s Your Success

Ultimately, your success is about finding clarity and fulfilment on your path. 

It’s not about measuring up to someone else’s standards but about achieving what genuinely matters to you. Trust yourself to let go of all those unnecessary things – they are not serving you. 

Remember that you have the power to define your own success. Release the doubts, let go of unproductive comparisons, and embrace your path. 

It’s time to thrive on YOUR terms because every step towards losing those things that don’t serve you is a step towards YOUR success.

 

Picture of Mell Millgate

Mell Millgate

Speaker | Entrepreneur | Small Business Advocate and Mentor| Marketer and Strategist