Systematic Abandonment: Outgrowing Old Habits to Make Space for New

Emma noticed her calendar was so packed with recurring commitments—old committees, legacy chores, even outdated hobbies—she barely had time for the new art class she'd longed to try. The irony? She could hardly remember why she had agreed to some of these ongoing tasks in the first place. Sometimes it felt like quitting would let someone down, but if she didn't change, she'd always be too busy for the adventures she really cared about.

So one Sunday, she sat down with a cup of tea and made a list of everything she was still doing 'because I always have.' One by one, she asked the hard question: if I wasn't already doing this, would I start today? The answer was plain for some—like the book club she dreaded. Others, like a monthly mentoring call, still brought her joy, so she kept them. For the next month, she phased out what had lost its purpose.

What surprised Emma most was a sense of relief, not guilt. With less on her plate, she noticed more opportunities around her, and had the energy to say yes to things that sparked excitement. This process, echoed in modern productivity research, is known as systematic abandonment: only by letting go do we create room for genuine innovation and growth.

Set aside time this week, even just one evening, and look hard at your current habits and commitments. For each, ask yourself honestly—if this wasn’t part of your life already, does it earn a place now? Let yourself retire anything that’s run its course, and consciously make a little space for something more aligned with where you want to go. It may feel uncomfortable to let go at first, but you’ll find clarity and new energy on the other side. Try it, even with just one obsolete commitment.