I asked myself one question, and it changed everything
Let me share something I don’t talk about much, but it might hit home for you.
Three years ago, I made a decision that seemed small at the time but turned out to be massive. I let go of something that wasn’t serving me, and honestly, I didn’t even realize how much it was holding me back until it was gone.
Here’s the kicker: it wasn’t something I was addicted to. It wasn’t even a big part of my life. But when I stepped back and asked myself, “Does this add to the life I want, or take away from it?” the answer was clear.
Why Letting Go is So Hard
Here’s the thing: we’re all creatures of habit. Even when something isn’t serving us, it’s easy to justify keeping it around.
We tell ourselves stories like:
“It’s not a big deal.”
“I deserve this—it helps me relax.”
“Everyone else does it.”
Sound familiar? These little stories are sneaky. They trick us into holding on to things that subtly chip away at our energy, focus, and potential.
For me, letting go was about recognizing that small habits can have a massive ripple effect.
The Question That Changed Everything
One day, I was sitting in the back of the car, looking out the window on a drive back from Columbus. I started thinking about my life: my amazing wife, my kids, my businesses, and all the things I care about.
And then this question hit me:
“Does this add to my life—or take away from it?”
That one question flipped the script. It forced me to be honest with myself. Was I doing this because it genuinely made my life better? Or because it was just… easy?
What Letting Go Taught Me
When I finally let go, here’s what I learned:
1. It’s Not About What You Lose—It’s About What You Gain
Letting go isn’t about deprivation. It’s about creating space for what matters.
When I let go, I gained more clarity, more energy, and more time to focus on what truly matters—my family, my businesses, and my goals.
Takeaway:
Ask yourself: What could you gain if you let go of something that’s not serving you?
2. The Stories We Tell Ourselves Are Just That—Stories
I used to think I needed this thing to relax, celebrate, or connect. But guess what? None of that was true.
When I stopped making excuses, I realized I didn’t need a crutch to enjoy life. The stories we tell ourselves are just smoke and mirrors.
Takeaway:
Challenge the stories you tell yourself. Are they real—or just excuses to stay comfortable?
3. You Have More Control Than You Think
Most of us give ourselves way too little credit. We think habits or routines control us, but the truth is, we’re in the driver’s seat.
When I decided to let go, I realized I was stronger than I thought. That’s a powerful feeling—and it spills over into every other area of your life.
Takeaway:
What’s one thing you can take back control of today?
4. Progress is Personal
Here’s the kicker: your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It’s not about following rules or meeting someone else’s standard. It’s about choosing what serves you.
For me, letting go was about becoming a better version of myself—not for anyone else, but for my family, my team, and most importantly, for me.
Takeaway:
What’s one thing you can change to become a better version of yourself?
Why It’s Worth It
When I let go of what wasn’t serving me, everything got better. My energy, my focus, my ability to be present—it all leveled up.
But the best part? I proved to myself that I could. And that’s the kind of momentum that keeps you moving forward.
Your Action Plan to Let Go
If you’re ready to let go of something that’s holding you back, here’s how to start:
Ask the Question: Does this add to my life—or take away from it? Be brutally honest.
Challenge the Stories: What excuses are you using to justify holding on?
Take One Small Step: You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Start with one change and build from there.
Focus on the Gains: Remember, letting go isn’t about loss—it’s about making room for what matters most.
Final Thought: What’s Holding You Back?
Here’s the truth: we all have something we could let go of to make room for a better version of ourselves.
It doesn’t have to be big or dramatic. But when you make that choice—when you take back control—you’ll be amazed at what you gain in return.