Have you ever felt stuck, like you’re not reaching your full potential?

Sometimes, the biggest barriers to personal growth aren’t the challenges in front of us but the things we’re holding onto that no longer serve us.

Today, we’re diving into 7 such things you need to start letting go of if you want to grow as a person. Let’s get started!

1) The need for approval

It’s human nature to want to be liked and accepted. But when your sense of self-worth is tied to the approval of others, it can hold you back from exploring your true potential.

Trying to fit into everyone’s expectations is exhausting and unrealizable. It can lead you to compromise your values, and happiness.

Not only that, as noted by psychotherapist, Ilene Strauss Cohen, it can hold you back from seizing opportunities. She wrote in a Psychology Today post: 

 “Needing approval may lead you to reject potential opportunities because you’re too anxious and believe your performance has to be perfect.”

It’s crucial to understand that you can’t please everyone.

Instead, start focusing on self-acceptance. Embrace your individuality and learn to value your worth independently of others’ opinions.

2) The fear of change

This is a big one and something I’ve grappled with personally. 

Not so many years ago, I was terrified of change. Whether it was trying a new restaurant or moving to a different city, it would send my anxiety levels soaring.

But over time, I realized this fear was stunting my growth. It was keeping me stuck in the same routine, the same habits, the same life. So I made a conscious decision to embrace change instead of fearing it.

I started small – trying out a new coffee shop, taking a different route to work. Then, I took bigger leaps – like starting Hack Spirit.

And guess what? The world didn’t end. In fact, it opened up in ways I could never have imagined.

As famed psychologist Dr. Susan Jeffers said, “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Trust me, facing your fear of change can open up a world of growth opportunities.

3) The attachment to the past

Holding on to the past – whether it’s past mistakes, past relationships, or past failures – can be a major roadblock to personal growth.

It’s like trying to drive forward while constantly looking in the rearview mirror. You’re bound to crash!

I’ve seen many people, including myself, fall into this trap of living in the past. It’s easy to do, but it’s not helpful. It keeps you stuck, unable to move forward and grow.

In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore the Buddhist concept of impermanence, which teaches us that everything changes and nothing remains constant.

Applying this principle to your life means accepting that your past does not define your present or future. You have the power to change, to grow, and to create a new narrative for yourself.

It’s time to let go of your attachment to the past and start living in the present. As renowned psychologist Carl Jung said, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”

4) Perfection

Now, this might seem counter-intuitive. After all, shouldn’t we strive for perfection if we want to grow?

Well, no. Perfection is not only unattainable, it’s also a huge impediment to personal growth and, as noted by experts, is associated with depression and anxiety. 

Chasing after perfection can lead to procrastination, fear of failure, and excessive self-criticism. It can make you afraid to try new things or take risks because you’re worried you won’t do it perfectly.

Instead of striving for perfection, aim for progress. Recognize that mistakes and failures are a part of growth. They are opportunities to learn and improve.

5) Comparing yourself to others

Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy” and he couldn’t have been more right. 

It’s easy to look at someone else’s life, especially in this era of social media, and feel like you’re falling behind.

But it’s important to understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and comparison only distracts you from your own path.

Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own progress. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small they may seem. Use others’ achievements as inspiration, not a yardstick against which to measure your worth.

6) Avoidance of discomfort

What are you afraid of? Really think about it.

Because the truth is, whatever it is, you need to face it. As author Roy T. Bennett wisely said, “Change begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

I know this firsthand. I used to be the kind of person who avoided anything that felt too hard or uncomfortable.

I’d shy away from tough conversations, challenging tasks, and situations that forced me to stretch beyond what I already knew.

It felt safer, but deep down, I knew I wasn’t growing.

It was only when I started leaning into discomfort—whether it was tackling difficult goals or confronting fears head-on—that I began to see real progress. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

Trust me, avoiding discomfort might feel like the easier path, but it’s not the one that leads to growth. The challenges you face today are the building blocks of the stronger, wiser person you’ll become tomorrow. 

7) Toxic relationships

Sometimes, the people we surround ourselves with can be the biggest obstacles to our growth. 

Toxic relationships—whether they’re with friends, family, or colleagues—drain your energy, undermine your confidence, and keep you stuck in negativity.

I know it’s not easy to let go of these connections, especially when there’s history or obligation involved. But the truth is, you can’t grow when you’re constantly weighed down by people who don’t support or respect you.

As Jim Rohn once noted, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” 

Surrounding yourself with positive, uplifting individuals can transform your mindset and help you reach your potential.

Growth thrives in the right environment. Choose yours wisely.

Final thoughts: It’s all about self-awareness

Personal growth is not a destination, but a continuous journey of self-discovery and transformation. It requires the courage to confront our fears, challenge our habits, and let go of the things holding us back.

These seven things we’ve discussed today are common barriers to growth that many of us grapple with. But remember, recognizing these barriers is the first step towards overcoming them.