One of the precepts of Buddhism is letting go. By relinquishing both physical items and beliefs we get closer to freedom, openness, and possibility for our lives and our work. For example, if you hold on to the belief that marketing is hard to do, no fun, and often unsuccessful you cling to a state of mind that causes you stress and suffering. In that state of mind you are not free and your belief actually creates a barrier to owning a profitable business.
One practice in Buddhism is nekkhamma which simply means “letting go.” Here's how you can use the practice to help yourself become an even more confident marketer than you are right at this moment.
- Look at your calendar and find 5 minutes you can use to practice letting go.
- Close your eyes and ask yourself “what do I believe about making money?” Then open your eyes and write down what comes to your mind.
- Find one thing you wrote down that, if you let it go, would free your mind and make telling people about what you do easier for you.
- Commit to one marketing activity this week that you can approach while wholeheartedly letting go of that one belief. Schedule it.
- Later on, after the activity is over, reflect on it and see if your actions were easier and supported by having your mind decluttered of just that one belief.
If you take the path of practicing letting go of beliefs that clutter your mind, even if those beliefs are based on prior experience, you will find yourself marketing with much less dread, more confidence, and better results. Just like cleaning out your basement or your attic, cleaning out your mind opens up space for fresh perspective. That usually brings growth and sunlight into the cobwebbed corners of our minds, and makes us more confident in our marketing and in our lives.
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Thanks for sharing this information regarding the Buddhist practice of nekkhamma. I often talk to my clients about clearing out physical, informational, and mental clutter. Often times, mental clutter is the hardest to clear. I’d love to learn more about this practice.
You’re welcome, Tiffany. There are several easy readers about nekkhamma on the internet, or a local Buddhist center could also help.
Sue
Wow, thank you Sue. Earlier this week I had a friend reflect on my negativity toward my branding and marking efforts so how timely. I’m familiar with the Buddhism practice of letting go bur never thought to incorporate into my work habits. you always share such gems and reflections. Thank you Sue. I’ll take these steps this week.
You are very welcome, Debbie. I think a lot about my work as a place to practice my path.
Sue
Great ideas for contemplation and action Sue. I listened to an interview with Jesuit priest Father John Reilly this past week and he also encouraged letting go. Practice, practice, ahhhh
It does take practice! I admire you for trying it, Heidi.
Sue
Sue,
Thanks for the great advice.
Mitch
You’re welcome, Mitch!
Sue – It’s 6:30 am and I’m in my office prepping for the day and this post was the perfect dose of “chill out” that I needed to get focused and let the stress of how much I have to get done today go! Perfection 🙂
Thanks!
Jennifer Bourn, Bourn Creative
Awesome, Jennifer. I love getting feedback on how this works, thanks for sharing!
Sue
Awww…thanks, Linda.
Love this exercise–as always great advice from the Confident Marketer!
OK Mary Ellen let me know how it goes, that letting go thing. 🙂
Thanks for the positive tips Sue. I will try letting go this week!
Jeff, I didn’t realize you are a fly-fisherman – my hubby used to be. I so agree that you can get lots of developments by getting out of your day to day setting and letting go.
Sue
Kristina, let me know what you find!
Sue
One of the reasons I fly-fish Sue. When I’m in the stream, I let go of everything except that present experience. I’m usually amazed at what has developed while in the river. And as you point out, what has developed because I ‘let go.’
Thanks, Jeff
I can’t wait to try this exercise, Sue. What a great idea. Love it. Thanks so much for sharing.