How many times have you felt like youre hitting your head against the wall and not making any headway? Maybe its in a relationship (personal or professional), maybe its in a dead end job, or maybe its with a client that sucks the energy out of you. When do you know when its time to let go?
I read an interesting article last week in Harvard Business Review by Tony Schwartz called The Art of Letting Go, that addresses this question. Although he is referring to client relationships, the same question is an important one to ask about our jobs and our relationships as well.
I think that we are basically optimistic. We tend to believe that the situation will get better if we try harder, if we stay longer, if we persist, but at what cost? Relationships and jobs and company cultures that rob of us our energy, passion, and ambition have a toxic impact on our lives. We need to address these situations head on if we are to be successful.
Tony poses some great questions in his article to help you make decisions about letting go.
1. Do I have a feeling in my gut that this dog just won’t hunt? (Translation: what is your gut telling you?)
2. How important will this seem to me in six months?
3. How important will this seem to me in two years?
4. Is there a more enjoyable and productive way I could be investing my time and energy right now?
If the answer to 1 and 4 are “yes,” or the answers to 2 and 3 are “not much,” it’s time to let go.
Its tough in todays business environment to move your business and career forward and it takes all your energy and focus. Are there people and situations in your life that distract you and deplete you of your positivity and energy?
What do you think? Is it time for you to let go of something that is sabotaging your success?
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