Tip #4: Learn to Let Go

Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.”
-Lin Yutang

Learning to let go is one of life’s most difficult tasks. To let go often means giving up control and/or unrealistic expectations — allowing yourself to be imperfect. I recently wrote about letting go and related the process to a wedding reception. I said, “It’s like a wedding reception — even if everything goes wrong — at the end of the night… there are still two people madly in love. Nothing can take that away.”

Now, think about something within your life (e.g., a project, a daily ritual, perfectionism, a wedding) and evaluate the costs versus the benefits. Are the benefits worth the costs? If not, how can you take a step towards letting go? Often, the first (and most difficult) step is just realizing that you need to let go.

Take home message:

When learning to let go, remember: actions speak louder than words.

“I have learned to embrace my scars. One time when I was walking and had on jeans, a nurse said to me, ‘What are you dong? You have to show that leg off!’ She wanted me to be proud of my scars. People ask about them sometimes, but it just gives me a chance to share my experience and encourage others. I’m proud of these scars now!”
-Emily Corwin (featured in Perseverance)