Lessons learned from a gooey pit of clay

Letting go can be challenging — whether it’s bad habits, unhealthy relationships or past mistakes. But it’s also often a prerequisite for meaningful change.

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In “The Art of Letting Go,” researchers from Stanford University and University of Florida explored the ability to put challenging life events in the rearview mirror. The study found that individuals who were able to let go of unattainable goals and pursue new ones reported greater personal growth — suggesting that the ability to adapt and shift your focus is crucial for resilience and well-being.

Reflection questions

1. What does “letting go” mean to you personally, and how has your understanding of it changed over time?
   
2. Can you think of something you held onto for too long — like an idea, a relationship, a role or an expectation? What impact did that have on your well-being?
   
3. What feelings or fears come up when you consider letting go of something familiar but no longer serving you?
   
4. How do you distinguish between letting go and giving up? What’s the difference in how each feels in your body or mind?
   
5. Can you share a time when letting go led to unexpected healing or growth? What shifted for you afterward?
   
6. What role does forgiveness — of yourself or others — play in your ability to let go and move forward?
   
7. What types of self-talk or internal narratives make it harder for you to release what’s weighing you down?
   
8. How do you support yourself emotionally during the process of letting go? Are there rituals, habits or people that help?
   
9. In what area of your life right now might letting go create space for something new or more aligned with who you are becoming?
   
10. If you fully embraced the idea that letting go is a form of self-care, how might that change your approach to challenges or transitions?

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Turn ideas into action with these suggested activities from our Resilience Toolbox.

More modules

Module 1. Making your own luck: Lessons learned from a coin flip

Module 2. Improving adaptability: Lessons learned from an absurd Christmas tree

Module 3. Embracing teamwork: Lessons learned from a rogue haybale

Module 4. Leveraging tools: Lessons learned from a poorly chosen sledgehammer

Module 5. Learning humility: Lessons learned from a very brief career as a valet

Module 6. Failing forward: Lessons learned from banshee babies and buttered butts

Module 7. Avoiding shortcuts: Lessons learned from a giant backpack

Module 8. Redefining success: Lessons learned from an idiotic bet

Module 9. Letting go: Lessons learned from a gooey pit of clay

Module 10. Taking responsibility: Lessons learned from trying to catch a train

Module 11. Getting creative: Lessons learned from the toboggan hill

Module 12. Fuelling motivation: Lessons learned from sleeping in a barn

Module 13. Handing over control: Lessons learned from riding in a shopping cart

Module 14. Practising gratitude: Lessons learned from a very special list

Module 15. Prioritizing self-care: Lessons learned from a surprise birthday celebration in the hospital

Module 16. Creating lasting change: Lessons learned from life’s awesome and absurd moments