Want to Be Great? You Might Need to Let Go First!

October 27, 2024

There’s a powerful truth about growth: sometimes, becoming the best version of yourself isn’t about adding more, but about releasing what no longer serves you. We all have aspirations, but too often we let doubt, perfectionism, fear, excuses, and hesitation hold us back from stepping into greatness. Real growth begins when we make space for it. When we release what’s weighing us down, we gain the courage and energy to achieve our goals and move forward with purpose.


One Thought to Keep in Mind


Letting go isn’t about giving up; it’s about freeing yourself to be the person you’re truly meant to be. By letting go of what limits us, we open ourselves to new opportunities, fresh perspectives, and powerful transformations. Greatness isn’t about being perfect—it’s about embracing who you are today and taking bold steps toward the person you want to become.


Two Strategies to Help You Let Go and Move Toward Greatness


1. Challenge Your Inner Critic


Self-doubt and perfectionism often stem from an overly critical inner voice. This voice tells you to wait until you’re “ready” or until things are “perfect.” But the truth is, waiting for perfection only keeps you stagnant. Instead of allowing your inner critic to dictate your actions, practice challenging it. When doubt arises, ask yourself: Is this thought helping me grow, or is it holding me back? Replace the negative voice with positive affirmations that encourage you to take action, even if it’s imperfect.


Questions to Ask Yourself:

  • What would I do if I wasn’t worried about being perfect?
  • How can I reframe my doubts to see them as challenges I can overcome?

Each time you choose progress over perfection, you make a small but powerful step toward greatness. Remember, growth happens outside of your comfort zone—so let go of the need to have it all figured out, and take that first imperfect step forward.


2. Start a “Letting Go” Ritual


Sometimes the act of letting go requires a physical reminder. Create a simple ritual to help you release what’s holding you back. For example, write down your fears, doubts, or excuses on a piece of paper and then tear it up or throw it away. Symbolizing the release of these thoughts helps reinforce your decision to let go and move forward. This ritual doesn’t need to be elaborate—what matters is that it serves as a reminder to free yourself from what no longer serves you.


Examples of “Letting Go” Rituals:


  • Write down limiting beliefs and throw them away as a signal that they no longer define you.
  • Take a few deep breaths and visualize yourself releasing the things that have been weighing you down.
  • Set an intention to let go each morning, perhaps by repeating a mantra like, “I let go of what I cannot control and focus on what I can.”

By practicing a letting-go ritual, you create a habit of actively freeing yourself from negativity, giving you the mental space to focus on your goals and aspirations.


One Question to Reflect On


What’s one thing you know you need to let go of in order to reach your potential? Reflect on how this thing—whether it’s a fear, excuse, or belief—has held you back. Imagine what you could achieve if it no longer had power over you. Sometimes, visualizing the freedom on the other side of letting go is the first step to making it happen.


Action Step


Choose one thing you’re ready to let go of and take a step toward releasing it today. It could be as simple as challenging a negative thought, forgiving yourself for a past mistake, or releasing the need for a “perfect” outcome. Write down what you’re letting go of and why, and commit to moving forward without it. Notice how it feels to finally let go and take that energy with you into tomorrow.


Final Thoughts


To reach greatness, we don’t have to be flawless; we just have to be willing to let go of what holds us back. By releasing doubt, perfection, fear, excuses, and hesitation, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, inner strength, and the courage to pursue our dreams. Remember, greatness isn’t about clinging tightly to what you know—it’s about daring to let go, trusting in your potential, and taking bold steps toward the future you deserve. So let go, make space for growth, and embrace the greatness that’s waiting for you on the other side.


The time is NOW.


Until we meet again: Be a Leader. Be a Learner. Be Kind. 


Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. 


Ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Click Here to sign up for a complimentary 1-hour leadership consultation with me today! Let's work together to equip you with everything you need to achieve greatness! 



Check out our website at www.jointhebeteam.com for more tips, tools, and resources for leaders! 


share this

Related Articles

By Roy Bishop July 21, 2025
Hey Good People— Let me tell you what shook me awake last week. We were on vacation. A real one. Not a “half-working, still-checking-emails” kind of trip—but one where I stepped away for real. And as much as I wanted the rest, I wrestled with it. Would things fall apart while I was gone? Would I come back to a mess? Would people think I was slacking off? Those thoughts followed me right up until the moment I let them go. Because what I found in the stillness wasn’t weakness. It was wisdom. The Truth That Hit Me Hard I wasn’t falling behind. I was finally catching up—to myself, to my family, to what actually matters. Here’s What That Break Taught Me 1. Rest isn’t a reward—it’s required. We talk a lot about being driven. But when you’re always on, always solving, always showing up… you forget what clarity feels like. Rest gave me back creativity. Focus. Peace. It wasn’t time off. It was time on purpose. 2. Good leadership means you’re not the only one holding it all together. The fear of stepping away comes from the belief that everything relies on us. But true leadership? It’s building a team and culture that thrives whether you’re in the room or not. I didn’t just trust my team—I needed to trust them. And they showed me I could. 3. Moments > Minutes I didn’t track time. I tracked moments: Laughing with my kids. Listening to my wife. Sitting still—no agenda, no title, no hurry. And Then This Hit Me… I’ve been married almost 20 years. In less than 7, we’ll be empty nesters. And I sat with that. Really sat with it. Because for years, I’ve been building, grinding, leading. But those milestones reminded me—the most meaningful parts of life aren’t achievements… they’re moments. The kind that don’t show up on a resume. The kind that don’t trend. The kind you don’t get back. So Let Me Ask You… What are you rushing past right now? What are you chasing that might cost you more than it’s worth? And when you look back years from now—what do you want to remember: The meeting… or the moment? Leadership That Lasts Starts at Home This isn’t a message to work less. It’s a message to live more. To lead not just projects—but your presence. To stop confusing busyness with purpose. To start building a life that your loved ones are actually in, not just around. Try This: Take five minutes today. Write down: One person you’ve been too busy to fully see. One moment you keep saying “maybe later” to. One way you can be fully present this week. Now—do something about it. Final Word Your legacy isn’t built in the boardroom. It’s built at the dinner table. On the porch. In the quiet conversations when you’re fully there. Success means nothing if you miss what matters most. So take the break. Have the conversation. Be where your feet are. Until next time— Be a Leader. Be a Learner. Be Kind. —Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. is the founder of The Be Team—a movement rooted in the belief that leadership starts with mindset, not just metrics. Through coaching, training, and real-talk reflection, he helps leaders step up without burning out. Because titles fade—but presence and purpose leave a legacy.
By Roy Bishop May 4, 2025
Rest isn’t a break from leadership. It’s part of the many things that make it up. Recharge, realign, and reset. Tomorrow depends on what you give yourself today.  #jointhebeteam #SoulCheckSunday #TheBeTeam #RestToLead
By Roy Bishop May 3, 2025
Quiet Doesn’t Mean Weak 1 Truth · 2 Strategies · 1 Reflection Weekly Leadership Spark with Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. We live in a world that often rewards volume over value, noise over nuance. But leadership isn’t always about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about having the clarity to lead when no one’s watching and the courage to move even without applause. Quiet leadership isn’t a flaw. It’s a force. And once you learn to embrace that, you’ll stop shrinking and start standing in your strength. 1 Truth Quiet doesn’t mean weak. It means focused. It means grounded. It means leading with clarity, not noise. Some of the most powerful leaders don’t need a spotlight to make an impact—they lead from within, with quiet strength and confident purpose. 2 Strategies to Live It Out Reconnect with your Why. When you’re rooted in your purpose, you stop waiting for the “right” moment—you create it. Lead from within. You don’t need a title or a crowd to lead. Your daily habits, your energy, and your decisions define your leadership. 1 Reflection Question Where have you been shrinking, waiting, or hesitating to fully show up? Don’t wait for perfect. Show up today—as you are. That’s where growth begins. Bonus Action (Optional): Take 5 minutes. Write down 3 things you’ve been putting off because you didn’t feel ready. Choose one—and take the first step this week. Final Thoughts You don’t have to be loud to be powerful. You don’t have to be perfect to lead. You just have to show up with quiet strength and a willingness to grow. Until next time: Be a Leader. Be a Learner. Be Kind. Let’s keep leading together. — Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. Want more weekly leadership sparks like this? Join The Be Team today to continue to receive our weekly leadership sparks—quick, clear, and designed for busy leaders who want to grow with purpose. Who is Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr.? Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. is more than a leader—he’s a mentor, strategist, and visionary committed to helping others step into their full leadership potential. With a proven track record in education, leadership development, and systems transformation, Dr. Bishop empowers leaders to take imperfect action and lead from within. At the heart of his work is The Be Team—a movement that redefines leadership for every generation. Whether you’re a student, educator, executive, or emerging leader, The Be Team exists to help you grow from the inside out. Why The Be Team? Because leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about mindset, ownership, and courage. The Be Team is here to remind you: You already have what it takes. Now it’s time to lead like it.
More Posts
ALL ARTICLES

STAY UP TO DATE

the latest from the be team

Receive an alert anytime a new post drops

Contact Us

A white background with a few lines on it