Is It Alright for You to Let Go of This Completely and To Be Aware of It?

One thing I often find myself telling my clients is how crucial it is to release emotions like fear, anxiety, stress, and guilt. But there's an important first step in this process—being okay with letting go. That is why I am asking the above question so often.

You’d think it would be an easy decision to release something that’s bothering you, right? Surprisingly, it’s not always that straightforward. When I ask clients, “Are you ready to let go of this?” I sometimes get hesitant responses like, “I think so,” or “I’m not sure.” It might seem odd to question whether we truly want to release these negative feelings, but there’s a reason for this hesitation.

Here’s what you need to understand about the subconscious mind, which is where these emotions come from. Its primary goal is survival—it’s hardwired to keep us safe. In addition to the well-known “fight, flight, or freeze” response, the subconscious mind learns from past experiences or what we've been told. It builds up perceptions of what’s dangerous—whether those dangers are real or imagined. When it senses a potential threat, it sends out warnings in the form of fear, anxiety, or guilt to protect you.

That’s why part of you might actually believe these emotions are keeping you safe. So, when it comes time to release them, hesitation kicks in because your subconscious thinks they’re serving a protective purpose.

In my experience, fear is the hardest emotion to let go of. We’ve all faced fear in different forms, but everyday fears—fear of public speaking, fear of failure, fear of discussing our weaknesses, or even fear of success—can really hold us back. Letting go of fear feels challenging because you might think that without the fear, you’ll expose yourself to whatever you’re afraid of. It’s a bit of a paradox.

A simple shift in perspective often helps my clients move past this. By reframing how you see the fear, you can start to feel comfortable with the idea of letting go. When you get to the point where you say “Yes, I’m ready to let go,” you increase your chances of actually doing it.

But before you can release anything, the first and most important step is acknowledging that the issue exists. Admit it to yourself—and if necessary, to others. It’s a powerful, cathartic experience. Often, the hardest part is admitting to someone else that you’re struggling, especially if you’re in a leadership role. But the best leaders are the ones who can recognize and openly address their own challenges.

So, take a moment to reflect on your daily life. Where are the challenges showing up? Admit to yourself that they exist and that you might need help. Whether you turn to books, videos, or professional support like therapy, it’s important to seek and accept the help you need.

Sometimes we hold on to our issues because we feel there’s no way out. But I firmly believe there’s always hope—and sometimes, having hope is all we need to start the process of letting go.

If you want to hear more about how you can let go of the things bothering you, contact us here.

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Kevin Martin, founder of Positive Effects Coaching and Hypnosis. Mindset Coach & Hypnotherapist. Author of Living Your Dream Life Simply by Changing Your Perceptions.