14/08/2024
What I Left Behind to Become Who I Am Today: A Journey of Growth
Life is a journey of continuous growth, and with every step forward, there’s often something we must leave behind. To become who I am today, I had to let go of certain habits, beliefs, and even people that were holding me back. And as I look toward the future, I realize there are still things I need to shed to become the person I aspire to be tomorrow. This journey goes beyond pageantry—it's about evolving into the best version of myself, every single day.
Letting Go of Self-Doubt
When I first embarked on my journey, self-doubt was my constant companion. It whispered in my ear that I wasn’t good enough, that I didn’t belong, that I couldn’t achieve my dreams. But as I progressed, I realized that self-doubt was nothing more than a heavy weight, dragging me down and preventing me from reaching my full potential. So, I left it behind. I chose to believe in myself, to trust my abilities, and to embrace the opportunities before me with confidence.
Saying Goodbye to Negative Influences
To grow, I had to distance myself from negative influences—people who didn’t support my dreams, environments that stifled my creativity, and mindsets that kept me stuck in the past. Leaving behind negativity wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I surrounded myself with positivity, with people who uplifted and encouraged me, and with a mindset focused on growth and possibility. This shift allowed me to thrive and flourish, and I became stronger for it.
Releasing the Need for Perfection
For a long time, I held onto the belief that I needed to be perfect in everything I did. But perfection is an illusion, a trap that keeps you from moving forward. I learned that it’s okay to make mistakes, to stumble, and to learn along the way. Letting go of the need for perfection freed me to take risks, to explore new paths, and to grow from my experiences. I left perfectionism behind, and in doing so, I found a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy.
Moving Beyond Comfort Zones
Comfort zones are safe and familiar, but they’re also limiting. To become who I am today, I had to step out of my comfort zone, to challenge myself, and to embrace the unknown. It was scary at times, but it was also exhilarating. I discovered strengths I didn’t know I had, and I achieved things I once thought were impossible. Leaving behind the comfort of the familiar allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined.
Shedding the Fear of Judgment
Fear of judgment used to hold me back from expressing myself fully. I worried about what others would think, about fitting in, about meeting expectations. But as I grew, I realized that the only opinion that truly matters is my own. I let go of the fear of judgment, and I embraced authenticity. I learned to speak my truth, to stand tall in who I am, and to live my life unapologetically. Leaving behind the fear of judgment allowed me to embrace my true self.
What I Need to Leave Behind Today to Become Who I Want to Be Tomorrow
As I reflect on my journey, I recognize that growth is a continuous process. There are still things I need to leave behind to become the person I want to be tomorrow.
Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs
Limiting beliefs are those sneaky little thoughts that tell you what you can’t do, what you don’t deserve, or what’s impossible. To reach new heights, I need to challenge these beliefs and replace them with empowering ones. I need to believe in endless possibilities, in my ability to achieve greatness, and in the power of my dreams. It’s time to leave behind the “I can’t” and embrace the “I will.”
Releasing the Fear of Failure
Failure is often seen as something to be avoided at all costs, but in reality, it’s a stepping stone to success. To grow, I need to release the fear of failure and embrace it as a natural part of the journey. Failure isn’t a dead end; it’s a detour that leads to growth, learning, and ultimately, success. By leaving behind the fear of failure, I open myself up to new opportunities and experiences.
Moving Past Old Grudges and Resentments
Holding onto grudges and resentments only weighs you down. It keeps you stuck in the past and prevents you from moving forward. To become the person I want to be tomorrow, I need to let go of any lingering negative emotions, to forgive, and to move on. Letting go of the past creates space for new, positive experiences and relationships to enter my life.
Shedding the Need for External Validation
It’s easy to seek validation from others—to want to be liked, accepted, and praised. But true fulfillment comes from within. I need to leave behind the need for external validation and learn to trust and validate myself. By doing so, I’ll find a deeper sense of self-worth and confidence that isn’t dependent on the opinions of others.
Letting Go of the “Old Me”
To become the person I want to be tomorrow, I need to let go of the “old me”—the version of myself that’s comfortable, familiar, and safe. Growth requires shedding old identities and embracing new ones. It means stepping into the unknown, taking risks, and allowing myself to evolve. By leaving behind the “old me,” I make room for the person I am destined to become.
Remember
The journey of growth and transformation is one of leaving behind the old to embrace the new. It’s about recognizing what no longer serves you and having the courage to let it go. As I reflect on what I’ve left behind to become who I am today, I also look forward to what I need to release to become the person I want to be tomorrow. Beyond pageantry, this journey of continuous self-improvement and evolution is what makes life truly fulfilling. So, I encourage you to take inventory of what’s holding you back and to boldly step into the person you are meant to be.
Motivational Quote:
"To become something you've never been, you must be willing to do something you've never done." – Unknown
Derek Tokarzewski
Owner/Editor in Chief
World Class American Royalty Magazine
World Class Brand Publishing
Www.worldclassbrandpublishing.com
