The Power Of Subtraction – Shedding For Greater Well-Being & Personal Growth
- Brainz Magazine
- Jan 11, 2024
- 5 min read
Written by: Maria-Stella Contera, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As we enter a new year, for many of us, we begin our quest for self-improvement and well-being, and the spotlight often shines on what we need to add to our lives. Yet, there exists an equally crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect—what we need to subtract from it! Imagine your life as a vessel, filled with aspirations and routines. Sometimes, this vessel becomes cluttered with habits that subtly drain our vitality and mental resilience.
This article delves into the transformative power of shedding. It explores how eliminating subtle energy drainers isn’t merely about decluttering our routines but about reclaiming space for personal growth and renewal. Join me in uncovering the profound impact that subtraction, rather than addition, can have on our energy, resilience, and overall well-being.
In the whirlwind of personal growth and self-improvement, we often fixate on adding new habits, new behaviors, or adding to our routines or busy schedules to improve our lives. Yet, an equally powerful approach often lies in subtraction—detaching from what is silently sapping our energy, growth and well-being. The pursuit of well-being isn’t merely about accumulation; it’s also about discerning what to get rid of to make space for greater energy and personal growth.
Picture this: your life as a vessel, brimming with aspirations, responsibilities, and routines. Sometimes, the vessel becomes cluttered with habits that weigh it down, leaving little room for growth. These habits may not always be glaringly negative but rather subtly draining, quietly robbing us of our energy, vitality and mental clarity.
Subtraction is like decluttering a room. As you remove unnecessary items, the space opens up, creating an environment conducive to productivity and creativity. Creating a transformative journey often involves recognizing and eliminating what’s hindering our progress. Here, I discuss the crucial trifecta to mastering the art of subtraction.
1. Self-awareness and well-being
The first step towards shedding these habits is self-awareness. Self-awareness is the reflective mirror that allows us to understand our emotions, thoughts, and actions in a deeper, more conscious manner. It involves keen introspection, enabling us to recognize our strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, fostering a deeper understanding of our true selves. Identifying the subtle energy drainers requires introspection and an honest evaluation of our routines and behaviours. These draining habits can often manifest in various forms—excessive screen time, procrastination, negative self-talk, or even overcommitting to obligations.
Consider the habitual scroll through social media that often starts with innocent intentions but evolves into hours lost in the digital abyss. The constant flood of information, comparison, and sometimes negativity can leave us feeling depleted rather than rejuvenated.
Recognizing what drains us might involve acknowledging toxic relationships, overwhelming workloads, or activities that no longer align with our values. This awareness is not an easy task; it demands courage and honesty within yourself and often it requires us to confront uncomfortable truths. We might realize that certain relationships, while familiar, continuously sap our emotional reserves. It could mean acknowledging that the career path we're on, though lucrative, doesn't resonate with our core values, leaving us unfulfilled. These realizations can be unsettling, challenging the status quo we've grown accustomed to.
So, courage becomes our ally. It's the bravery to confront these uncomfortable realities and the strength to admit that subtraction is necessary for our well-being.
2. Letting go
The next crucial step is letting go. Letting go is not synonymous with giving up; rather, it's an act of self-compassion and empowerment. It involves releasing attachments to things that no longer serve our personal growth or well-being, freeing yourself from things that weigh you down.
This process might involve decluttering physical spaces, but more importantly, it's about making room in your mind and heart too. It might mean setting boundaries in relationships, minimising additional commitments, or renouncing habits that hinder our progress. Letting go is not easy because it means leaving your comfort zone, but it feels amazing once you do it. Because when you make space by letting go, you create room for exciting new experiences and better things that match who you truly are and make your life more about what really matters to you.
Taking action becomes a crucial ally when it comes to letting go. It’s the driving engine that propels us forward and allows us to step into new possibilities. It's the link between thinking and actually making it happen, allowing us to uncover our full potential and proactive mindset which is essential for personal growth.
3. Consistent and committed
Once you've ditched what was dragging you down, it's essential to stick to it and making sure you don't let what you subtracted back in after you've cleaned it up. It might mean reminding yourself why you made those subtractions in the first place or finding new habits that support your well-being. It's like making a pact with yourself to prioritise what's good for you and what’s not. It's not always easy. The path of subtraction might be bumpy at times. Each time you stumble, though, it's a chance to remind yourself why you started this journey. Instead of seeing it as a setback, view it as a chance to reinforce your determination to grow and improve. It's worth it to keep feeling better and happier in the long run.
So, let’s not overlook the power of subtraction, the rewards extend far beyond new found energy, personal growth and well-being. It cultivates a mindset of intentional living, where each choice aligns with your overarching goals and values. It's not just about what we start doing; it's also about what we stop doing to make room for a happier, more meaningful life.
Ready to break free from draining habits and revitalize your life? Our personal coaching service at Work & Be Well is here to guide you on this transformative journey. Schedule a session and discover the power of holistic wellness in breaking through these energy-draining habits. With Work & be Well’s personalized support and expert guidance, let's improve your well-being, restore balance and fulfillment in your life, and subtract what’s holding you back.
Contact us today!
“Don’t just be, be well” – Maria-Stella
Maria-Stella Contera, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Maria-Stella is a passionate advocate for women's health and well-being, who embarked on a transformative journey from corporate burnout to becoming a beacon of empowerment and education. With a profound understanding of the challenges women face in maintaining their wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle whilst juggling multiple responsibilities, Maria-Stella offers a unique and proven strategy for the prevention and management of burnout. Maria-Stella's resolute mission is clear: to empower and educate women to be in control of their health and wellbeing so they live life at their healthiest and personal best. She does this without adding extra pressures into their busy life and without feeling guilty.
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