Holding Onto the Wrong Things? It’s Costing You More Than You Think

We all do it—hold onto things, people, and habits that no longer serve us. Maybe it’s a closet full of clothes from a past version of yourself, a friendship that feels more like an obligation than a joy, or even a scarcity mindset that keeps you playing small. But here’s the truth: holding onto the wrong things is costing you more than you think.

It isn't selfish to let go (and I know the SINK community hears that often every time they choose themselves). Rather, it is intentional to be able to create the life you want. So, It’s time to clean house—literally and metaphorically—so you can create space for what actually aligns with your future, not your past. Here’s why letting go is your next power move:

Clutter Is Robbing You of Mental Clarity

Ever feel overwhelmed but can’t pinpoint why? Your physical environment plays a huge role in your mental state. A cluttered space often leads to a cluttered mind. When your environment is packed with things you don’t use, need, or even like, it’s harder to focus, harder to make decisions, and easier to feel overwhelmed. That stagnant energy keeps you tethered to old stories, old versions of yourself, and old excuses. Holding onto old clothes, paperwork, or sentimental items out of guilt keeps you tethered to the past instead of moving forward.

Here's a tip: start small. Focus on one area at a time—whether it's your closet, a junk drawer, or even your email inbox. Break it down into manageable chunks, so you don’t feel paralyzed by the task. As you tackle each space, ask yourself, “Does this item bring me joy, ease, or confidence?” If it doesn’t, let it go. Be ruthless with items you’re keeping for the “someday” scenario—if you haven’t used or thought about it in a year, it’s just taking up space. When you clear out what no longer serves you, you create room for new energy to flow. Remember, clearing space isn’t about loss; it’s about making room for what truly fits your life now.

Toxic Relationships Drain More Than Just Your Energy

The same goes for emotional and relational clutter. Holding onto friendships or relationships out of obligation drains your energy, keeps you in patterns of guilt, and blocks you from surrounding yourself with people who actually uplift, inspire, and challenge you in meaningful ways.

Keeping people in your life out of habit, guilt, or fear of being alone is draining your energy, confidence, and even your opportunities. Every relationship should add something to your life—whether that’s joy, support, or inspiration. If it’s just draining you, it’s time to clean house.

Start by doing a relationship audit. (I literally have don this and have let two relationships go with love and lemme tell ya:

I feel LIGHT AF). Think about the people you spend the most time with. Do they uplift you, inspire you, and make you feel like a better version of yourself? Or do you find yourself constantly feeling drained, undervalued, or stuck in a cycle of negativity? Pay attention to how you feel after spending time with people. If you leave a conversation or gathering feeling worse about yourself, that’s a clear sign it’s time to reevaluate. Setting boundaries is key—if someone isn’t contributing positively to your life, it’s okay to distance yourself or even cut ties. You don’t owe anyone unlimited access to your time and energy, and the more you prioritize yourself, the more your energy will flow toward people who genuinely add value.

Holding Onto “Stuff” Keeps You Stuck in a Scarcity Mindset

Have you ever kept something because you “might need it someday” or because you feel guilty about how much you spent on it? That’s scarcity talking. This is the broke ass mentality that I have been raised on: there isn't enough, living in clutter and fear. The more we hold onto things out of fear, the more we reinforce the belief that we won’t be able to replace them when the time comes.

To fix this, start by asking yourself: “Is this item an investment in my future, or is it just a weight?” If you haven’t used it in the last year or it no longer serves your current lifestyle, it’s time to let it go. Instead of holding on to things because of fear of not having enough, focus on abundance. Trust that if you need something in the future, you’ll be able to find it or afford it when the time comes. Letting go of the fear around scarcity is powerful. When you release items you no longer need, you’re also releasing the belief that there’s not enough to go around. Take control of your life and trust that letting go will create space for better things to come in.

Emotional Baggage Is Keeping You from Leveling Up

That regret, that grudge, that old story you keep telling yourself about why you can’t have the life you want? It’s time to drop it. Carrying emotional baggage keeps you from stepping fully into the future you’re meant for.

One of the biggest things you can do is be honest with yourself and start asking some hard questions and introspections: start by identifying the stories you tell yourself. Write down your beliefs and examine where they came from—are they rooted in truth, or are they outdated narratives that no longer serve you? Once you identify these limiting beliefs, challenge them. Remind yourself that you don’t have to stay stuck in old patterns or identities. Practice letting go through journaling, therapy, or other tools that help you release emotional weight. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting; it simply means freeing yourself from carrying the emotional burden of the past. Make room for new narratives that empower you to embrace the life you’re creating now.

Letting Go Creates Space for What Actually Aligns

Here’s the best part: when you clear out the old, you make space for the new. Whether that’s a new adventure (like Morocco!), a more fulfilling relationship, or financial freedom, you can’t step into your next level while dragging dead weight from the past.

I say this all the time: get clear on your vision. What do you want more of in your life? More travel, deeper connections, creative expression, financial freedom? Once you have a vision, ask yourself if the things, people, and habits you’re holding onto align with that vision. If they don’t, let them go. Trust that as you clear space, something better is waiting to fill it. When you start intentionally curating your life, you make room for new opportunities to flow in, and that’s when life really starts to shift.

The Power of Curating Your Life as a Single, Child-Free Person

Let’s be real: one of the most powerful aspects of being single and child-free is that we have mastered the art of choosing ourselves. We don’t just live on autopilot, ticking off life’s default milestones. We have built the skill set to constantly curate our lives, choosing what (and who) truly aligns with us.

This isn’t about being selfish. It’s about being intentional. We get to design lives that reflect who we are, what we value, and what excites us. We don’t have to hold onto outdated identities, cluttered spaces, or relationships that drain us. We have the freedom to evolve, pivot, and make room for bigger things.

And if there’s ever been a time to lean into that power, it’s now. So what’s one thing you’re letting go of today? Drop it in the comments. I’d love to hear.

Listen to this week’s episode of The Empowered Millennials Podcast, where I break down how to cut ties with what no longer serves you—and why it's the best decision you’ll ever make. Listen here!

And if you’re serious about stepping into a life of adventure, get on the Morocco 2026 waitlist now! Spots will go fast. Join the waitlist here!

Holding Onto the Wrong Things? It’s Costing You More Than You Think