You can’t Google this feeling… but I bet you’ve lived it. Let go of emotional baggage and feel lighter. Discover how releasing guilt, fear, and perfectionism can unlock a happier, freer version of you. I want to talk about something we all deal with: emotional baggage. Yep, that heavy stuff we drag around with us every day. It doesn’t matter who we are, whether we're creators, business owners, or just people trying to live a good life. We all carry it.
But here's the thing: there's a huge difference between holding on and letting go. And understanding that difference? Well, it could change everything.
1. Holding on to the past
You’ve probably heard this before, but it bears repeating: holding on to the past can keep you stuck. You know those memories, regrets, and experiences that just won’t let go? Those can weigh you down.
Maybe you’ve had a failure that you can’t forget.
Or perhaps there's a person who hurt you, and you're still holding on to that resentment.
Or it could be an old dream that didn’t pan out, and now you’re questioning your future because of it.
But holding on to all that? It’s like carrying an invisible backpack full of rocks.
Let go: The past has already happened. And while it’s important to learn from it, you don’t have to let it control your present. What happened doesn’t define who you are today. So, take that weight off your shoulders and let it go.
Research Insight: According to the American Psychological Association, unresolved emotional baggage can affect not just our mood but our decisions, relationships, and physical health. (APA Report)
Podcast Tie-in: Brené Brown’s Unlocking Us explores how we carry past identities that no longer serve us—and how shedding them helps us grow.
2. Fear of change
Change is terrifying. The unknown is scary, and sometimes we get comfortable in our routines, even if they’re not serving us.
Maybe you’ve stayed in a job, relationship, or place because it feels safe, even if it’s not where you want to be.
Or you’re holding on to old habits that keep you stuck in a cycle, unsure how to break free. Staying where you are, even when it’s uncomfortable, only keeps you from experiencing new growth.
Let go: Embrace the uncertainty. Change isn’t easy, but it’s necessary for growth. Step outside your comfort zone, leap, and let go of the fear that’s holding you back. Real Example: Jay Shetty, now a global storyteller, left a “safe” corporate job to follow a calling and built a $1B+ personal brand rooted in a growth mindset. (Jay’s story) SEO Keywords: fear of change, embracing uncertainty, personal growth, emotional healing.
3. The burden of perfectionism
We all want to do things right, right? But perfectionism can be paralyzing. It keeps you stuck, endlessly tweaking, rethinking, and second-guessing every little thing.
Maybe you’ve spent hours (or days) agonizing over one tiny detail.
Or you avoid starting something new because you’re too afraid it won’t be “perfect.”
Or you stress about how others will perceive your work or ideas.
The truth? Perfection is an illusion, and it’s exhausting to chase it.
Let go: Done is better than perfect. Instead of getting caught up in the little details, focus on progress. Allow yourself to be imperfect. The messier, the better. You’ll learn so much more along the way. Science Says: Perfectionism is directly linked to burnout and creative block. This Psychology Today article, "The Perfectionism Trap", explains how letting go of perfectionism improves focus, mental wellness, and even creativity.
4. Holding on to anger and resentment
We’ve all been wronged at some point. Maybe someone broke your trust, or you didn’t get the recognition you deserved. That stuff stings, doesn’t it?
The more you hold on to it, the more it festers inside you, clouding your peace and happiness.
Anger, resentment, and grudges only keep you stuck in a negative loop, draining your energy.
Let go: Forgiveness isn’t for the other person—it’s for you. Letting go of anger allows you to release the chains of negativity and move forward with a lighter heart. It’s freeing, and it gives you back your peace. TEDx Wisdom: Dr. Fred Luskin, in his talk Forgive for Good, reveals how letting go of resentment frees your brain to focus on healing. (Watch Talk)
5. The pressure to be everything for everyone
Oh, this one’s a doozy. We live in a world where we're expected to juggle everything—work, relationships, personal growth, and so much more. And we don’t want to disappoint anyone, right?
So, we hold on to every responsibility, every favor, and every commitment.
But at what cost?
We’re stretched thin.
We’re burning out.
And we’re losing sight of what we need.
Let go: You don’t have to do it all. Learn to say no. It’s not selfish; it’s self-care. Prioritize what truly matters, and let go of what drains your energy. Your well-being comes first. Burnout Data: 77% of professionals report burnout due to constant overcommitment, according to Deloitte’s 2023 survey. (Forbes with Deloitte survey) (source)
6. The weight of unrealistic expectations
Lastly, let’s talk about expectations—specifically, the ones we put on ourselves. You know, the idea that we should always be perfect, always be working, always be achieving.
Maybe you feel like you should already have your life figured out.
Or that you’re not where you "should" be by a certain age or milestone.
But who made those rules? Why are we constantly chasing someone else’s version of success?
Let go: The only timeline that matters is yours. Let go of those unrealistic expectations. Allow yourself to grow at your own pace, and focus on creating a life that makes you happy.
Creator Insight: Ali Abdaal says his growth exploded when he stopped chasing productivity hacks and embraced his own pace. His new book Feel-Good Productivity explores this shift. (Ali's site)
So, What Now?
Here’s the thing: holding on to all this emotional baggage doesn’t just affect our mental health; it impacts everything. From how we work, to how we love, to how we live. But you know what? You don’t have to carry it all. You have the power to let go and step into a life that feels lighter, freer, and more fulfilling.
What’s something you’re ready to let go of today?
Take a deep breath and let it go in your heart.
Take care of yourself, and remember:
We’re all figuring it out as we go.
From the other side of letting go, with love, always.
