5 Surprising Things You Must Let Go Of To Succeed In 2025

When we think about success, we often focus on what we should be doing—what’s missing from our habits, actions, and routines.

But real success isn’t about cramming more onto your to-do list. It’s about letting go of what doesn’t serve you to create space for what truly propels you forward.

Think of it like decluttering your home. If your space is overflowing with things you no longer use, there’s no room for anything new. 

The same goes for your mindset, habits, and even relationships.

Research shows that physical and MENTAL clutter can cause cortisol spikes (the stress hormone), which make it harder for you to focus, sleep, and perform at your best. 

So, filling your days with so much activity doesn’t just feel overwhelming; it’s actively working against you.

If you’re ready to clear the path to success, forget about doing more and instead focus on letting go. Here are five surprising things you need to release to thrive in 2025.

1. Holding Onto Past Mistakes

We’ve all regretted something before, whether it was a mistake, a bad decision, or an awkward moment.

While we wish we could go back and change it, the truth is we can’t, and dwelling on it only holds us back.

What we should do instead is practice self-compassion. 

Research shows that people who forgive themselves bounce back faster and have greater mental and emotional wellbeing. Self-compassion is also linked to higher levels of productivity and success.

You see, the faster you release your regrets, the quicker you can step into your potential.

So, how do you let go of your past mistakes?

While it’s not something you can do overnight, one thing I found super helpful is this:

Write down the mistake you’re still holding onto. Then, write down the lesson it taught you.

Every time your mind starts dwelling on that mistake, shift your focus to the lesson instead. 

Over time, you’ll start to see that mistake as a crucial stepping stone to becoming a better version of yourself.

2. Unrealistic Expectations of Others

How many times have you felt frustrated because someone didn’t meet your expectations? 

Maybe a friend didn’t show up when you needed them; your partner didn’t say the right thing or a coworker didn’t handle a task the way you would have. 

Frustration is an exhausting emotion to deal with. But it’s also incredibly damaging to your wellbeing, relationships, and success. Research has found that letting go of unrealistic expectations leads to greater happiness and stronger, more fulfilling connections. 

In other words, the less energy you spend trying to control others, the more peace you’ll have.

Instead of trying to control what other people do, focus on your responses. 

Next time you find yourself frustrated with someone, ask yourself: Is this something I can let go of? More often than not, the answer is yes – and when you do, you’ll feel an instant weight lifted off your shoulders!

3. The Need for Constant Approval

\When your self-worth is tied to other people’s validation, you play it safe, choosing what’s acceptable over what’s authentic. It stops you from owning your strengths, showing up with confidence, and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that studies show people who base their self-worth on external validation are more likely to experience anxiety and depression.

Letting go of the need for constant approval is no easy task, though – it’s literally built into our biology.

So, my advice?

Start small. Do one thing today without worrying about what anyone else thinks, such as picking a restaurant without asking for opinions or posting something online without overanalyzing.

Over time, you’ll build trust in your judgment and reclaim your power. When you’re no longer waiting for permission, you can finally move forward – on your terms.

4. Toxic Productivity

We’ve all heard the slogans – Hustle harder, sleep when you’re dead, rise and grind. 

We live in a culture that glorifies being busy. But in reality, being busy doesn’t always mean being productive, and it definitely doesn’t mean being happy!

In fact, toxic productivity often does more harm than good. A recent study found that people who overwork are 70% more likely to have high blood pressure, which is among the leading causes of heart disease and strokes.

Let that sink in… Pushing yourself to the limit isn’t a sign of ambition; it’s a fast track to burnout, illness, and, yes, potentially even an early death.

So here’s a radical idea: schedule downtime. Block it off in your calendar like an important meeting and treat it as non-negotiable. 

Real success isn’t about working yourself into the ground; it’s about creating a life where you have the energy, clarity, and mental space to actually enjoy it.

5. Comparison to Others

In today’s social media-driven world, it’s almost impossible not to fall into the comparison trap. 

You know how it goes – You’re casually scrolling, and then suddenly, it seems like everyone has it all figured out except you. Someone just bought their dream home. Another landed a six-figure promotion. And there you are, wondering why you don’t measure up.

But look, there’s a reason why they say that comparison is the thief of joy. Studies show that people who frequently compare themselves to others on social media report higher levels of loneliness, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. 

When you’re constantly measuring your progress against someone else’s highlight reel, you’re setting yourself up to feel like you’re always falling behind.

The solution?

Limit your time on social media, mute accounts that trigger comparison, and follow people who genuinely inspire you. 

Most importantly, remind yourself that you’re running your own race. Success isn’t about keeping up with someone else, it’s about becoming the best version of you.

Final Thoughts

To learn more about how to let go of these five success-hindering things, watch the full video on YouTube:

If you resonate with this episode, I’d love to hear from you. Which of these 5 things are you guilty of holding onto? Let me know in the comments!

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