How to Know When to Let Go with 5 Simple Tips

You have to know when to let go and when to make it work, or you will spin your wheels and waste your resources on something so broke you can’t fix it.

There are days when you have to throw those salmon patties in the garbage and move on.

Letting go is one of the bravest choices you can make.

Not because you’re giving up. Not because you’re weak. Not even because you failed.

Letting go is often a purposeful pruning—a decision to stop carrying what no longer fits so you can be open to receive what God has promised.

You make will be brave enough to release the thing you’ve been holding onto the tightest.

We hold on because we’ve invested in it. Because it worked before. Because THEY said it was right. Because it’s scary to not know what comes next.

But you can’t receive your what now while clinging to your what was.

Letting Go Isn’t Failure

We confuse letting go with failure. But sometimes letting go is wisdom.

The first time I made salmon patties was almost the last. I didn’t like salmon. I didn’t know salmon came in cans. And I definitely didn’t know anyone who made salmon patties.

But my father-in-law made them and the kids loved them, so I gave in to their request.

After all, how hard could it be if my father-in-law could make them?

Well, it turns out that when you don’t know what you’re doing, it can be harder than you think. I knew they were bad and I didn’t even eat the ones my father-in-law made (did I mention that I didn’t like salmon back then).

I tossed the first batch in a bowl for the cat, and she turned up her nose and walked out of the kitchen.

Ouch!

I didn’t even attempt to fix it. I just threw it all away. I saved a second chance for another day.

Letting go isn’t quitting. Letting go isn’t giving up. Letting go is saying: “I’m choosing to make room for something better.”

#QuoteoftheDay

5 Ways to Know It’s Time to Let Go

Letting go is rarely easy. But knowing when to let go? That’s where the real challenge lies.

Here are five signs it might be time to release what was so you can receive what is to come.

1. When Peace Has Gone

If peace has packed its bags and peeled out of the parking lot, pay attention.

Scripture tells us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15). If you’re trying to force something to work and peace has left the building, that may be your cue to let it go.

God’s peace doesn’t always make sense, because it surpasses understanding. When peace is gone or never showed up, it’s time to let it go.

2. When THEY Dictate the Terms

Are you doing this because you feel called… or because someone else said you should?

(remember – don’t let them should on you, right Laura)

If your choices are based on obligation or the expectations of someone else, let it go.

God wrote your purpose. Don’t let THEM hold the pen.

Letting go of what THEY said is sometimes the first step in walking boldly in what God designed.

3. When It Pulls You Away From Purpose

Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.

We’re all gifted in more than one way. But if an opportunity or commitment pulls you away from the purpose God placed in your heart, it may not be for right now. Is it your heartseed? Do you LOVE love it?

The wrong good thing at the wrong time becomes a distraction, not a unique design.

4. When There Is No Fruit

Jesus said we know a tree by its fruit (Matthew 7:16). And pruning is part of the process.

In gardening, you pinch buds so the energy goes into the remaining fruit. The same is true in purpose.

When something is no longer bearing fruit—or when it’s keeping you from nourishing what is—it may be time to let it go.

5. When Emotions Are Driving

Excitement can make us say yes too fast. Fear can make us stay too long. Guilt can make us serve past our capacity.

If your only reasons for staying are emotional ones it’s probably time to reevaluate.

The Spirit God gives us is one of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Emotions aren’t bad, but they shouldn’t be driving the car.

Let Go To Grow

I get it. Letting go is hard. But you can’t grab your purpose with fists full of the past.

You can’t hold what God is pouring out if your hands are clinging to what you were never meant to carry into this next season.

It’s not failure. It’s faith.

And it might just be the bravest thing you’ll do this year.

So take a breath. Listen for peace. And ask the Master Gardener: Is it time to prune?

Because the truth is: Letting go is how we make room to grow.

What Are You Letting Go Of Today?

Share in the comments, or journal your release moment. And if you need support, encouragement, or just someone to help you unclench your hands from what was, the Hope & Courage Reset is ready for you.

DM me “LET GO” to get the link, or visit https://mailchi.mp/kathrynlang/hope-reset to sign up.

You’ve got this. Now go grow.

Listen to today’s Growing Hope with Kathryn Lang podcast by clicking the play button below (if you are on the website) 👇 or visiting GrowingHopeRadio.com

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