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As business owners, we often wear many hats, juggling multiple responsibilities and commitments. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and overlook the subtle signs that something may not work in our favor. Today, I want to help you identify those red flags that indicate it might be time to let go of a project, relationship, or commitment for the sake of your mental and physical well-being.

Over the past six months, I did not recognize the signs. I was under tremendous stress and felt like a "necessary ending" meant I had failed.

Our inner dialogue often keeps us bound to bad habits and frustration. Today, let's talk about how to recognize the signs and how we can move forward.

Identifying the Signs: When It's Time to Let Go

Recognizing when to let go can be challenging but crucial for maintaining balance and well-being. Here are some common red flags to look out for:

Constant Stress and Anxiety: If a project or relationship is causing you constant stress and anxiety, it's a sign that it may not be beneficial to continue.

I was waking up at 2 a.m. with my brain busily trying to solve problems for a client. Did I need to remember something?

Physical Symptoms: Persistent headaches, fatigue, and other physical symptoms can be your body's way of telling you something is wrong. My stress was keeping my blood glucose levels high. Have you had yours checked recently?

Lack of Passion or Interest: If you no longer feel passionate or interested in a commitment, it may be time to reconsider its place in your life. I was so focused on my client's business that I failed to do the daily things that kept my business alive and afloat, like sending out my weekly newsletter.

Negative Impact on Relationships: When a commitment negatively affects your relationships, it might be time to let go. Poor Tim! By the time I finished up with work and cooked dinner, there wasn't much of "me" left. I was exhausted and CRANKY!

Diminished Returns: If your efforts are not yielding the expected results, it might be time to cut your losses. Unfortunately, the harder I worked, the more the client wanted. It was never enough.

A Story of Struggle and Triumph

It is not just me!

Meet Sarah, a talented designer who started her own small business. She was passionate about her work and dedicated to her clients. However, she took on a major project that soon became overwhelming. The client was demanding and constantly changed their requirements, causing Sarah immense stress.

Sarah ignored the red flags: sleepless nights, constant anxiety, and the toll it took on her relationships and health. She believed that persevering through the project was a testament to her dedication and strength.

However, the stress became unbearable, leading to burnout and severe health issues. Her business suffered as she took time off to recover, and she realized the cost of ignoring the signs.

I also ignored the signs. I was constantly frustrated and complaining (negative energy). Why was I committing so much time and energy to a no-win situation? I decided it was time for a change and took action to make a "necessary ending."

What is a Necessary Ending

I am currently reading Dr. Henry Cloud's book Necessary Endings. I wish I had read it years ago. He discusses the seasons of life (think of a farmer and how the seasons affect how the farmer works).

A "necessary ending," as defined by Dr. Henry Cloud in his book, refers to proactively and intentionally ending relationships, activities, or tasks that are no longer productive, beneficial, or aligned with one's goals and well-being. These endings are necessary for personal growth, progress, and greater success. Dr. Cloud emphasizes that recognizing and executing necessary endings is crucial for individuals and organizations to thrive, as it allows them to focus their time, energy, and resources on more promising and fulfilling opportunities.

As indicated earlier, I ALWAYS saw endings as bad. I told myself that I had failed in some way. I never saw them as a healthy season of life.

Take Action Today

If you see these red flags, take a step back and evaluate. Here are some steps you can take:

Reflect: Take time to reflect on what is causing you stress and anxiety.

Seek Support: Talk to a mentor, coach, or trusted friend about your concerns.

Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect your time and energy.

Make the Tough Call: Sometimes, the best decision is to let go for the greater good.

I am Here to Support You

Remember, letting go is not a sign of failure; it's a step towards a healthier, more balanced life.

If you need guidance or support, don't hesitate to reach out. I am a certified Full Focus Pro, and I can provide a free tool to assess your life domains and learn more about where you want to go. After your assessment, we can design a plan to align your goals with your Life Focus.

Wishing you balance and success,

Lisa Olinda

Olinda Services

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Please, feel free to unsubscribe if this newsletter no longer resonates with you. I promise I will not be offended. Remember, necessary endings.