The Art of Letting Go

 

Frustrations melt away when we appreciate what we have. — Dr. Brett Steenbarger

So we convince ourselves that the best and most worthwhile personal wins are those in which we come out first, beat our competition, or attract applause from the audience.

In my practice of journaling daily wins, I've been forced many times to think about less obvious wins, because not every day will I compete and win, or perform and impress.

I'll share briefly another kind of win less talked about - the rare mental ability of swiftly letting go of defeat and failure as it occurs so that it does not affect your next conversation, presentation or performance.

As children, we are superstars at crying and sulking. We cry when denied what we want, we cry when mama leaves the house, we cry when dad runs faster in a race, so that he allows us to win, and we wipe our fake tears while laughing and enjoying our win of coming first.

Not so as an adult — the table turns. You've got to be a superstar in suppressing, not tears, but sulking. Frustrations, failure and embarrassing experiences almost always evoke the child in us who wants to sulk and scream, "it is unfair!" But you cannot do that as an adult. And you should not. Because you know better.

Practice the habit of appreciating what you have and the obvious advantages in your life. You could not afford college? Appreciate your matric and wake up earlier. You did not become a TV star? Appreciate your fluent English and the peace of mind that comes from being unknown.

We mistake publicity for success. I have one warning: famous people cannot make the mistakes you and I can make — because journalists and fans will pounce and feed on them.

And you missed a life-changing opportunity? Head to Orange Book once again, and maybe you'll understand the cycles and the circle of life. Everything comes and goes, and comes again in different colors.

"If you missed a life-changing opportunity, just get ready for the next one. It's coming faster than you think." — Orange Book 🍊

Cancelo Alvarez