
Why We Hold On and How to Release
Letting go is easier said than done. One of the biggest reasons we hold on to things—whether it’s grudges, regrets, or toxic habits—is because they feel familiar. Often, these attachments serve as a part of our identity, even if they no longer serve us. Letting go means stepping into the unknown, and that can feel uncomfortable or even scary.
We also tend to hold on because it gives us a sense of control. Even if something is painful, there’s comfort in its predictability. For instance, holding on to resentment might feel like keeping a guard up, but in reality, it only drains your energy and keeps you stuck.
The first step to releasing is gaining perspective. Ask yourself: Why am I holding on to this? What is it costing me to keep this in my life? This process requires honesty and self-awareness. Sometimes, the things we hold on to feel like excuses to avoid growth or taking responsibility for our future.
Another powerful practice is to adopt a daily letting-go ritual. This can be as simple as journaling about something that frustrated you during the day or taking a deep breath and mentally releasing a worry. Small, consistent acts of letting go build the muscle needed for bigger releases over time.
Letting go is a process, not an event. By taking small steps, questioning your attachments, and creating daily practices, you can learn to release what no longer serves you and open the door to greater peace and clarity.
Shawn Bearman, CEO of INeedCoaching.com (a Community of Coaches)
Contact: shawn@ineedcoaching.com
Master Certified "Coach of Coaches"
Tags: #lettinggo #getunstuck #personaldevelopment #shawnbearman #lifehacks #communicationskills #nomoreholdingback