Letting Go of Yesterday
I keep a powerful quote on my desk that reads, “Let go of yesterday so you can go to tomorrow.” Think about that and let it sink in…
Before my company, Leadership Quest really began to thrive, I realized the past (yesterdays headlines) was holding me back. There were a few key things I needed to let go of:
- Petty grievances
- Past failures and regrets
- Poor self-talk
I’d like you to take a few minutes to think about one thing you need to “let go of” from yesterday. Acknowledge the importance of your past, honor people, honor moments, and recognize past contributions. It’s also important to reflect on hurts, hang-ups, or habits that hold you back, too.
Your tomorrow will only be as powerful as your ability to let go of yesterday.
Years ago, I led a management retreat where we gathered for an evening bonfire where I told the team to come prepared for our most important exercise of the day. As we gathered around the fire in lawn chairs, I remember standing up, holding a single piece of kindling wood and a marker sharing, “You have to be willing to let go of yesterday so you can go to tomorrow as a team.” I asked everyone to write one word on the piece of kindling wood that represented what they needed to let go of. We then, one by one, rose and tossed the kindling wood into the fire together. It was a moving and powerful moment!
Some members had tears in their eyes as they tossed around “their yesterday” and let it burn away. How about you? Can you courageously let go of yesterday? Someone? Something?
I believe your tomorrow can surprise you with goodness, success, and fulfillment. Let it go so you can grow!
Here’s to a powerful tomorrow!
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
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“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.
A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
