What Will You Let Go of to Make Room for Growth This Year?
obijames
As 2024 drew to a close, I immersed myself in a ritual that has become a cornerstone of my self-leadership practice: an annual spa night of reflection and visioning with a close friend and colleague. For me, it’s a deliberate pause to assess where I’ve been, recalibrate where I am, and envision where I want to go – grounding myself in purpose and intention.
We start by dismantling the Vision Board from the year before. Every clipping is carefully removed, a moment to reflect on what’s been achieved, what remains unfinished, and what still resonates deeply. Only after clearing the board can we create anew, leaving space for fresh ideas while thoughtfully re-adding dreams that still call to us.
This is not just a creative exercise; it’s a leadership discipline.
In my Let Go Leadership book, I emphasise that sustainable leadership requires a clear and compelling vision – not just for our teams or organisations, but for ourselves. Without this, letting go and sharing leadership becomes infinitely harder. We cling to our comfort zones, holding on to control, and in doing so, we block future leaders from stepping into their potential.
A compelling personal vision gives us the confidence to loosen our grip. It allows us to share power and create space for others to grow, ensuring leadership is not just a position we occupy but a legacy we pass on.
Ask yourself:
- What vision are you daring to create for yourself this year? Is it bold enough to stretch and inspire you?
- What comfort zones are holding you back? Are you ready to release them to make room for growth?
- How are you preparing future leaders? Are you sharing power and creating opportunities for others to thrive?
- What action will you take today? How will you ensure this isn’t just another year of “good intentions”?
As I share in Let Go Leadership, sustainable leadership is about future-proofing yourself as an inclusive leader by exploring ways to further let go and sustain shared leadership.
This ensures that you will not be tempted to fall back into old leadership behaviours that exclude others and create a dependency on you.
Sustainable leadership starts with a commitment to self-leadership. When we lead ourselves with purpose, we unlock the opportunity to empower others to rise, creating a culture of growth and possibility.
As you step into this new year, commit to leading with intention, purpose, and a vision that empowers those around you too. And if that’s a struggle, ask for help. You know where to find me.
Happy New Year!
