Let Go
Dr. Matthew Arau • Leadership TipsOctober 2023 • October 15, 2023
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Let Go
Autumn is here and with that, the leaves on the trees change colors from green to oranges, reds, and yellows, and as the wind whistles through the trees, the leaves let go of the branches and fall gracefully to the ground. For the trees to re-bloom, the trees must shed what they don’t need in the winter to flourish in the spring. What do you need to let go of now to blossom in the future?
As teachers and leaders, we often carry extra baggage that has been accumulated over the years. This baggage holds us back from realizing our true self and who we are meant to be. So much of what we hold onto are limiting beliefs, negative self-talk, shame, a desire to fit in or conform, and insecurities. Just like the tree lets go of the leaves when they are no longer serving them, you can decide to let go of your baggage today and notice how liberated and free you feel. When you are your authentic self, you will feel happier and your students and those you lead will be inspired to reach for their own full potential.
Here are five leadership tips for you and your students to let go of what is no longer needed.
1. Become aware of and question your limiting beliefs and recognize you are capable of so much more. Reflect on a moment in your life when you pushed through a challenge or a struggle and learned a new skill or achieved a goal despite resistance. This is proof that when you set your mind to something you can overcome mental obstacles you set in front of yourself.
2. Catch yourself in the act of negative self-talk, and reframe your language to use kinder, growth mindset language. Instead of beating yourself down, cheer yourself up with affirmations such as, “You’ve got this.”
3. Let go of shame by finding the space in your heart to forgive yourself and others and recognize that unkind things that have been said to you in the past reflect the person who said those things and not of you.
4. Let go of trying to conform and fit in by recognizing that you are special and unique, and the world needs your light to shine brightly to give permission to others to shine their own light.
5. Rather than focusing on your insecurities, focus on what makes you proud and what elevates your confidence. A change of focus allows you to let go of insecurities and believe in your strengths.
When we let go of unnecessary baggage, just like the trees let go of their leaves, we create space for new possibilities and a vibrant energy for creativity, artistry, and joy.
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