Rather than doing more, what about letting go?

Are you feeling the tug to look ahead and plan self-development and goals for the new year?  How much if it feels like adding more?

What if this year, instead of only adding more goals, ambitions, and responsibilities, you shifted your focus to shedding?

Shedding isn’t about letting go of  our responsibilities; it’s about letting go of what no longer serves us. It’s about recognising that leadership isn’t just about doing and taking on more—it’s about focusing on what matters most, unburdened by the weight of unnecessary baggage.

What would it feel like to let go of self-doubt, limiting thoughts or beliefs, negative internal self-talk, caring what others think or comparison to others.

 What would you let go of?

Shedding Habits That Stifle Growth

Think about your daily routines. Are there habits that keep you busy but not productive? Perhaps it’s the habit of micromanaging, checking emails incessantly, or saying “yes” to too many things. Imagine what you could do if you shed habits that sap your time and energy, replacing them with ones that allow you to lead with focus and intention.

Shedding the Need for Perfection

Perfectionism is a silent thief. It creates pressure points, slows down decision-making, and generates unnecessary stress for both ourselves and our teams. If perfectionism is something you carry, consider what would happen if you let it go (even just some of the time).  Find moments to embrace “good enough” when it serves the bigger picture, and trust your people to bring their best to the table.

Holding onto Outdated Expectations?

Sometimes, the expectations we hold—of ourselves, our teams, or our organisations—are outdated, generated from a different need, or vision. Take a hard look at your expectations. Are they still relevant? Or are they holding you back from pivoting, innovating, or evolving? Give yourself permission to release what no longer aligns.

Shedding Your Comfort Zone

As leaders, we’re often drawn to what feels safe and certain. But growth—both personal and organisational—lives in discomfort. If you’ve been avoiding hard conversations, bold decisions, or the vulnerability that comes with authentic leadership, let go of the fear of failure or sitting in discomfort. Growth happens there.

Feel Like You’re Doing It All?

Leadership can sometimes feel like carrying the world on your shoulders. But you’re not meant to do it all. Shed the belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Delegate. Collaborate. Trust your team to rise to the challenge and focus your energy where it’s most impactful.

What are you telling yourself?

What stories are you telling yourself about what’s possible? Perhaps it’s time to shed the belief that you’re “not ready” for a certain challenge, or that your team “isn’t capable” of tackling new opportunities. Challenge these narratives and rewrite them in a way that fuels possibility.

Shedding isn’t easy. It requires introspection, courage, and often, a leap into the unknown. But as you let go of what no longer serves you, you create space—space for new opportunities, new growth, and new energy to lead with clarity and purpose.

So, take a moment. Reflect. Imagine how it will feel. 

What will you let go of?

A thought, a habit, a behaviour, or an expectation? Whatever it is, trust that in shedding, you’re not losing, giving up or accepting less; you’re gaining the freedom to lead in a way that’s lighter, bolder, and more impactful.

Here’s to creating space for the things that serve us.