The other day, I was scrolling through Facebook when a post from an old friend and former coach stopped me in my tracks. He was talking about the process of letting parts of ourselves "die" to become who we're meant to be. It hit me hard because, honestly, it's exactly what I've been wrestling with lately.

I've realized that I'm feeling stuck—not because I lack ambition or ideas, but because my current habits and thought patterns are holding me back. It's like I'm holding on to an old version of myself that doesn't fit where I want to go.

Have you ever felt that way?

Maybe you have a big goal that requires you to step out of your comfort zone. Perhaps it demands you to be more outspoken, more vulnerable, more disciplined, or more daring than you've ever been. You can see what you need to do, you know how you should act, but somehow, you just can't get yourself to do it.

You're not alone. I'm right there with you.

The Challenge of Letting Go

To allow our new selves to emerge and thrive, we need to recognize and release the parts of our old selves that no longer serve us. My friend's post reminded me that if I want to achieve my dreams, I have to let my current self "die"—or more accurately, let go of the habits, behaviors, and beliefs that are keeping me stuck.

But how do we actually do that?

Understanding the Old Self

1. Identify Limiting Beliefs
   Start by pinpointing the beliefs that are holding you back. Maybe it's thoughts like "I don't have enough time" or "I'm not skilled enough." Acknowledge these beliefs without judgment. Writing them down can be a powerful first step. (Check this past post if you want to go deeper on how to deal with your limiting beliefs)

2. Reflect on Past Experiences
   Consider the experiences that have shaped your current identity. What challenges have you faced? What lessons have you learned? Understanding this helps you see why you might be resistant to change.

Challenging the Old Identity

1. Question Your Narrative
   Actively challenge the stories you tell yourself. If you believe that pursuing your goals will take away from your family time, look for examples of people who have found a balance. Ask yourself, "Is this belief absolutely true?"

2. Seek Evidence to the Contrary
   Find role models or mentors who embody the qualities you want to develop. Seeing others who've walked the path can inspire and motivate you. If they can do it, maybe you can too.

Embracing Change

1. Set Clear Intentions
   Define what you want to achieve and the kind of person you need to become to get there. Be specific. Write down your goals and the qualities you wish to embody.

2. Create a Vision
   Visualize your future self. What does she look like? How does she feel? What habits does she have? This vision becomes your guiding light.

Implementing New Practices

1. Adopt New Habits
   Start integrating practices that align with your new identity. This could include mindfulness, goal-setting, or engaging in activities that challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone. If your goal is to lose weight, how would you start embodying the healthier you? 

2. Find Support
   Share your goals with someone you trust. Having support and accountability can make a huge difference. Who can you share your plans with?

Reinforcing the New Self

1. Celebrate Small Wins
   Every step forward is progress. Give yourself credit for the small victories—they add up! Remember how good it feels when you behave in this new way.

2. Reflect Regularly
   Take time to reflect on your journey. What's working? What needs adjusting? Regular reflection keeps you aligned with your goals.

Embracing the Process

1. Accept Discomfort
   Change isn't always comfortable. Embrace the discomfort as a sign that you're growing. It's okay to feel uneasy—it's part of the transformation.

2. Be Patient
   Transformation doesn't happen overnight. Be patient with yourself and recognize that setbacks are part of the journey. Change takes time.

What Can You Let Go Of?

Now that you have the process, what can you let go of? What parts of your old self might you need to let go of to make room for growth? Here are some ideas:

• Limiting Beliefs

• Toxic Relationships 

• Unproductive Habits

• Fear of Failure

• Overcommitment

• Clutter and Distraction

• Rushing and Busyness 

• Resistance to Change

Letting go of these can open up space for your new self to thrive. This transformation, this dead of your old self allows you to embrace a new way of being that aligns with your highest potential. 

By challenging limiting beliefs, setting clear intentions, and engaging in supportive practices, you can successfully navigate this transformative process. Remember, the journey is ongoing, and each step you take brings you closer to the empowered self you aspire to be.

For me, I'm working on letting go of the fear of what others might say about my actions. I’ve always been a people pleaser and I deeply dislike conflict, but I realized that these traits are stopping me from becoming my Best New Self. 

Now is your turn. What's the first thing you're going to let go of? What old habit or belief is holding you back from becoming the person you want to be?

I'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you found this helpful, please share it with someone who might need to hear this. I really appreciate it.

And if there's a topic you'd like me to cover in a future post, let me know. I love hearing from you.

Take care,

Sofia