Letting Go of What No Longer Works: Embrace Change to Move Forward
Struggling with hanging onto things that no longer work?
We’ve all heard the saying: “Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.” So why do we keep trying to tweak the same old methods, convinced that one small change will make all the difference?
I’ve fallen into this trap more times than I care to admit. And you’ve probably done it, too—relying on routines or approaches that once brought success but now seem to only bring frustration.
Here’s what we usually do when we know something isn’t working:
You double down on what used to work, wondering why it suddenly isn’t.
You make small tweaks, thinking those tiny adjustments are the secret key.
Or maybe you ignore the problem altogether, hoping things will fix themselves.
But guess what? They won’t.
The Reality of Sticking with What Doesn’t Work
Let’s be real: if you’re clinging to outdated methods, here’s what happens instead:
You’re stuck in the same loop, doing the same things, waiting for a different outcome.
Your motivation plummets because you’re not getting anywhere, and it feels like your efforts are wasted.
Then comes the self-doubt: What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I make this work anymore?
How do I know this? I was trapped in that same cycle—repeating old habits and wondering why I wasn’t seeing new results.
My Wake-Up Call
As someone who works with tech, I’m familiar with trial and error. When you learn to write code, you rely on what’s tried and tested. You use proven methods because they worked—until they don’t.
And when they stop working, you do what we all do: you search your code, convinced you’ve missed a small detail, a misplaced semicolon, or an extra space.
But often, that’s not the issue. The problem is bigger—a shift in technology, an update that broke old methods. And here’s the kicker: you’re so focused on what used to work, you can’t see that the solution lies in doing something new.
Now, when I face challenges (whether in code or in life), I ask myself this essential question:
“What if the problem isn’t the method, but my fear of trying something new?”
That one shift in thinking changed everything for me.
Why Most Advice Doesn’t Work Anymore
Most of the advice we get—even from just a year ago—doesn’t hold up. Why? Because it’s based on what’s familiar. We hold on to the hope that what worked in the past will work again if we just keep pushing. But that’s not how progress works.
So, Here’s What I Do Now:
Let go: Just because something worked in the past doesn’t mean it will work now. Clinging to old methods only slows you down.
Try something entirely new: Even if it feels uncomfortable or wrong at first, growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.
Evaluate with open eyes: Keep checking in with yourself—Is this new approach working? If not, be willing to pivot and try again.
New Insights: Practical Steps for Real Change
Let’s dive a bit deeper. What do these steps actually look like in practice? Here’s a breakdown:
1. Recognize the Signs of Stagnation
Take stock of where you are right now. Are you repeating the same actions and expecting different results? Here are some signs you’re clinging to what no longer works:
You feel like you’re going through the motions without making real progress.
You’re frustrated but aren’t sure what’s wrong.
You notice others around you are advancing while you seem stuck.
Action: Write down your current routines and methods. Be honest—are they still effective, or are you just doing them because they’re familiar?
2. Take a Risk and Do Something Different
Innovation doesn’t come from comfort zones. Whether in business, relationships, or personal development, shaking things up is essential. But taking risks doesn’t have to mean throwing everything away—it can be as simple as:
Trying an entirely new workflow or approach.
Adopting a different perspective.
Learning from someone outside your usual circle.
Action: Identify one area where you’re stuck and commit to trying a new approach for a set period—whether it’s a week or a month. Give yourself permission to experiment without judgment.
3. Create a System for Regular Evaluation
Don’t just pivot once and call it a day. Create a system that allows you to regularly check in with yourself:
Are your new methods getting you closer to your goals?
Is this new path still serving you?
What adjustments do you need to make next?
Action: Schedule monthly check-ins with yourself or an accountability partner to review what’s working and what’s not. Adjust as needed and stay flexible.
Why Sticking to What No Longer Works Holds You Back
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Sticking to what no longer works doesn’t make you resilient—it makes you stagnant. I spent way too long trying to fit round pegs into square holes, forcing old habits into new situations. But when I finally opened my mind and let go, everything shifted.
Stop running on the hamster wheel, spinning endlessly.
Stop listening to that little voice telling you to just try harder.
Recognize when you’re wasting time and energy on changes that aren’t paying off.
What You Really Want
At the end of the day, what you want isn’t to keep pushing the same broken methods. What you really want is:
• To move forward with something new and exciting that gets you results.
• To break free from outdated strategies that aren’t serving you anymore.
• To feel like you’re in control, not just surviving the chaos.
It’s Time to Let Go
Let’s stop clinging to what no longer works. The future isn’t about repeating the same old moves—it’s about adapting, evolving, and being willing to try something new.
So here’s the challenge: What’s one thing you’ve been holding on to that no longer serves you?
Write it down. Acknowledge it. And then, plan to let it go. The old way is done… so why are you still holding on?
Let’s continue this conversation… What’s one habit, routine, or mindset you’ve realized isn’t serving you anymore? How are you planning to let go and embrace something new?