Burning Bridges
Embracing the Courage to Move Forward
Welcome to OutsmartChaos, the newsletter. We’re glad you’re here. In this newsletter, you will find:
The Power of Perspective
Reframing Chaos
Creative Breakthroughs
Self-Reflection Questions
It’s critical to leave the past behind us to move forward effectively. Too often, we carry much of our past and leave avenues to retreat backward into the comfort of the known. This seems safe, but it isn’t. Leaving these paths to which retreat can give us permission to step back, even when moving forward is the best course of action.
You need to burn some bridges to move forward.
The Bridge of the Known Pain
Even with the best upbringing, there is still deep pain that causes “triggers” or “pinches” that hit when we are faced with things that remind us of past pain. These “pinches” cause us to revert to how we felt in the past and keep us there.
The Bridge of Regret
Speaking of things of the past, there are things that we wish we did or did not do. Thinking we can rewind our lives and “try again”, we hold these memories close and constantly remind ourselves of what we should have done.
The Bridge of Grudges
If it’s not us, it’s someone else. In the past, some people hurt you. Walking away from that pain can be challenging even if they've apologized and repented.
Burning the Bridges
The chaos in life happens for us, not to us. We get to choose how to respond. The response today is to burn bridges.
Burn lots of bridges.
These regrets, known pain, and grudges keep us held back. Like a runner with parachutes, there’s not way to run at full speed until they are released.
Parachutes are great if you are falling. Not so great if you are trying to gain speed.
Set it on Fire
Sometimes, the best way to let go is to light a fire.
Write your regret, pain, or grudge on a paper. Be as verbose as you need to. The more paper you have, the better.
Then, set the paper on fire.
Allow yourself to release the pain and the grudge and move on. Whenever you find yourself pinched again, remind yourself you’ve moved on. Forward progress only.
Self Reflection Questions
What situations have caused me pain in the past? Have I moved on from them?
What things am I reminded of every time I step toward courage? what are the parachutes holding me back?
Have I forgiven others or myself for past hurts?
What bridges do I need to burn to move forward faster?
At Outsmart Chaos, we believe that in the Face of Chaos, Confident Courage lights the Path to Opportunity. We’re dedicated to helping you find your way to the most significant opportunities in your life, career, and leadership.
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I like the image of a parachute as we run. Great reminder of how our past can hold us back.