There are many occasions when we find ourselves in a bad place. We want to get out of such situations but are not always sure. The past keeps tugging while the future seems distant and unknown. I have been through this many times. My learning: we need to close doors before we can open new ones. This concept is crucial in personal growth and self-discovery, as it encourages us to let go of our failed past (and in some cases a stagnant present) and embrace new future opportunities.
I started thinking about this when I was in a meeting some time ago to discuss how best to monetise AMP in email. We had been trying to charge businesses a premium over ordinary emails. It was proving hard to persuade brands to pay extra and was also slowing down our goal of ensuring widespread AMP adoption. It was then that I asked myself a question: what if we did not charge extra for AMP emails? What if we closed that door? What new ones could I open? It was only then that I started thinking about “productised AMP.” We could monetise products around AMP rather than AMP itself. I needed to discard one option to open the possibility of alternatives.
Holding onto past experiences, relationships, and circumstances can be detrimental to our well-being. It prevents us from moving forward and achieving our full potential. By closing doors, we allow ourselves the freedom to grow and explore new paths in life. Letting go of what no longer serves us is a sign of strength and maturity, not weakness.
A year or so ago, I met with a friend, who found new doors opening after closing an old one. He had had a long career in a corporate role for several years, but deep down, he felt unfulfilled and stagnant in his career. He knew that something needed to change, but the fear of the unknown held him back. After confirming that he was financially well-off and thus could take some risks, I suggested that he quit his current job (the equivalent of closing the door). I then recommended going out and meeting people to consider new options. “Attend conferences, start writing, talk to anyone you know who is willing to give you 30-60 minutes of time.” My friend took the leap, resigned from his position, and began searching for new opportunities.
When we met again after a few months, my friend had embarked on this new journey, and was filled with excitement. He had started attending networking events, enrolling in online courses, and connecting with people. New doors were beginning to open. Business ideas were forming. He had even come across a person who he thought could be a possible co-founder for a new venture. Cut to the present. My friend is an entrepreneur and just getting his product to market. I have never seen him happier! He knows the odds of success are still low, but the joy of being free and the designer of his destiny is what he loves. And it had all begun with the resignation letter that he had held on to for many months and even perhaps years because the comfort of the known and fear of the unknown prevented him from closing a door and opening a new one. By making the jump, embracing the unknown, and staying true to himself, he was able to find a new path that was more aligned with his dreams and aspirations.
