The Law Of Detachment

One powerful, though often difficult, way to reduce stress comes down to a straightforward idea.

Detachment.

For years, I was attached to everything.

Business outcomes. 

Relationship success. 

How much money I made. 

What people thought of me.

I spent more energy worrying about results than focusing on what I could actually control.

It was exhausting.

This concept has deep roots in Taoism, Buddhism, and other spiritual traditions I’ve studied for over 20 years.

It encourages us to let go of our attachment to specific outcomes and external situations.

It’s about freeing ourselves from rigid expectations and the need to control everything.

At its core, detachment means concentrating on making good choices and taking deliberate actions in the present.

Without being overwhelmed by worry about what will happen.

Think about Connor McDavid and his Edmonton Oilers teammates as they aim to win the Stanley Cup.

McDavid has achieved significant individual success, earning many NHL awards, however still has not won the hardest trophy to win in sports. 

But if he and his teammates spend their energy worrying about the final score, they’re wasting valuable energy that could be used on the ice.

Consider your own life.

Are there areas where detaching from business results, relationship outcomes, or other expectations could help you stay present and give your best without being preoccupied with what might happen?

Many of us cling tightly to life and spend more time worrying about the future than living in the present.

Detachment isn’t about being apathetic or indifferent.

It encourages a balanced and rational approach to pursuing what we want.

It allows us to appreciate the process of growth and learning, regardless of the final outcome.

By practicing detachment, we free ourselves from unnecessary worries and anxieties about what’s to come.

We recognize that some things in life are beyond our control and that unpredictability is part of life.

This mindset builds greater resilience and inner peace as we navigate life’s challenges.

What are you ready to detach from?