7 Signs You’re Growing as a Person by Letting Go
True personal growth often means shedding old habits, beliefs, and worries that once felt so
important. If you’ve stopped caring about these things, it’s a sign you’re evolving into a more confident, self-aware version of yourself. Here are seven things people let go of as they mature and grow into their best selves.
1. Seeking Constant Approval from Others
A major sign of growth is letting go of the need for constant validation. When you’re growing,
you realize that your worth isn’t determined by others’ opinions. It’s freeing when you stop caring
about what others think and start valuing your own perspective. After all, no one else’s opinion
matters as much as your own when it comes to living your life authentically.
2. Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else
Comparison used to be a major motivator, but now it feels like a waste of energy. If you’ve
stopped caring about how you stack up next to others, it’s a huge indicator of growth. Instead,
you focus on your own journey, understanding that everyone’s path is different. Growth comes
from focusing on your progress, not from measuring yourself against others.
3. Trying to Control Everything
Life has a funny way of showing us that control is an illusion. When you start growing as a
person, you learn to accept what you can’t control. This doesn’t mean you stop caring about
your goals—it just means you stop stressing over the things you can’t change. Letting go of the
need to micromanage every detail brings a sense of peace and flexibility.
4. Holding Grudges
When you grow, you realize holding onto grudges is like carrying unnecessary baggage. If
you’ve stopped dwelling on past conflicts or grudges, it’s a sign you’re maturing emotionally.
Letting go of resentment doesn’t mean you excuse bad behavior; it means you’re choosing your
peace over negative emotions.
5. Needing to Be Right All the Time
The need to always be right can be exhausting—and let’s face it, it rarely leads to genuine
connection. Growth teaches us that understanding is more important than winning an argument.
If you’ve stopped caring about being right, it’s because you value mutual respect and learning
over having the final say.
6. Putting Up with Toxic Relationships
In the past, you might have tolerated unhealthy relationships for fear of being alone or out of
obligation. As you grow, you realize that your mental and emotional health come first. You stop
caring about maintaining toxic connections and start investing in relationships that uplift and
support you. It’s one of the most empowering changes growth can bring.
7. Fear of Failure
Growth means embracing failure as part of the journey rather than something to be feared. If
you’ve stopped caring so much about failing, it’s a clear sign of maturity. You understand that
failure is just feedback, a stepping stone to growth and improvement. Instead of fearing
mistakes, you welcome them as opportunities to learn and become stronger.
Final Thoughts
Letting go of these old habits and worries is a sure sign that you’re growing into a stronger,
wiser version of yourself. Are there any other things you’ve noticed yourself letting go of lately?
Embrace the process of growth, and remember to celebrate each step along the way.
For more inspiration on personal growth, check out our Health Section for related articles.
Parts of this article are based on Psychology Today, an article by Abigail Brenner M.D. All rights reserved.
