The Art Of Letting Go: How Releasing Control Can Unlock Your Potential

Hey Superdoc community

How often do you find yourself holding on too tightly—whether it’s to perfectionism, fear of failure, or the need to control everything? I’m no stranger to these challenges, and I’ve learned firsthand that one of the most powerful tools for growth is *letting go*.

It’s a concept that seems counterintuitive at first. After all, aren’t we told that hard work, control, and precision lead to success? While that’s partly true, I’ve come to realize that true growth happens when we release the things that are holding us back.

In this blog, I’ll share personal stories about the moments where letting go accelerated my growth as a doctor and a person. I hope by the end of this, you’ll find something valuable for your own journey too.

The Trap of Perfectionism

Perfectionism is something I’ve struggled with for years. As a doctor, I believed that for anything to be valid—whether it was a treatment plan, a procedure, or even a decision—it had to be flawless. And when it wasn’t perfect, I would hold back. I would procrastinate, waiting for that perfect moment or that perfect result.

But perfectionism is a trap. It prevents you from making progress.

Looking back, I can see how much this mindset held me back. Whether it was delaying exams or pushing off projects because they didn’t feel ready—this obsession with perfection kept me from moving forward. It was only when I learned to let go of the need for everything to be perfect that I started seeing real growth in both my personal and professional life.

Take a moment to reflect on this. Are there areas in your life where you’re waiting for everything to be ‘just right’? What would happen if you let go of that need for perfection and embraced progress instead?

Reframing Failure — My USMLE Story

Fear of failure is another limiting belief that I held on to tightly. It stopped me from appearing for the second step of the USMLE, an exam I had once dreamed of acing to fulfill my aspirations of studying in the US.Although I had a good score in Step 1 , the whole process overwhelmed me .

When the time came, fear took over. I convinced myself that I wasn’t ready and that failing would be too great a setback. But looking back, I realize that failure isn’t in the result—it’s in not showing up.

Now, I make it a point to write every exam and take every challenge as an opportunity to see where I stand, rather than obsessing over the result. It’s not about achieving perfection or avoiding failure; it’s about embracing the process and seeing how far I’ve come.

For students and doctors alike, failure is part of the journey. Letting go of the fear of failure frees you to grow beyond your limits. Ask yourself: What would happen if you embraced failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback?

The ‘I’ll Do It Later’ Mindset — A Missed Opportunity

Another limiting belief I had was thinking, *I’ll do it later.* During my residency, I had plenty of opportunities to learn essential skills like ultrasound and echo, but I kept telling myself it wasn’t the right time. I thought, ‘I’ll learn it when I need it.’

Well, when I became an intensivist, I realized just how essential those skills were. And although I’ve mastered them now, I can’t help but wonder how much smoother it would have been if I had taken the opportunity earlier.

The truth is, the mindset of ‘I’ll do it later’ is a dangerous one. It holds you back from being prepared and equipped when you need those skills the most.

Think about it—what opportunities have you passed on because you thought you had more time? Letting go of that belief opens the door to faster learning and greater growth.

Celebrating Small Wins — The Momentum that Drives You Forward

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that small wins matter. During my NEET exam prep, I found that focusing on small victories—waking up early, completing a chapter, or reaching a milestone in my revision—gave me the momentum I needed to keep going.

Similarly, in the ICU, recognizing a patient’s slight improvement—even something as small as reduced ventilator requirements—can be the shift that changes the entire trajectory of their recovery.

Small wins are your secret weapon for building emotional energy and motivation. Don’t wait for the big moments. Start celebrating the small ones, and let that momentum push you forward.

Letting Go for Doctors and Students — Focus on the Process, Not the Result

Now, let’s bring this closer to home for both doctors and students. We live in a high-pressure world where success often feels like the only goal. But what if I told you that the key to achieving that success lies in letting go of the outcome?

For doctors, letting go means accepting that we can’t control everything. It means focusing on what we *can* do for our patients and trusting the process. Sometimes, the best care we can provide isn’t about getting perfect results, but about giving our best effort, letting go of the fear of failure, and accepting the journey as it comes.

For students, letting go means releasing the pressure to get a perfect score or rank. It means trusting that your preparation will lead you to the right place, focusing on your growth as a doctor, not just as someone chasing a top rank.

Let go of what you can’t control, and you’ll find yourself growing faster than you ever thought possible.

Letting Go Is the Key to Accelerated Growth

Letting go is a powerful tool for growth. Whether it’s perfectionism, fear of failure, or waiting for the ‘right time’—these are all things that can hold us back. But once you let go, you create space for progress, for learning, and for building momentum toward your goals.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Reflect on what’s holding you back. What limiting beliefs or fears are preventing you from taking the next step in your personal or professional life? And what would happen if you let go?

Remember, letting go isn’t about giving up—it’s about releasing control of the things you can’t change and focusing on the things you can. When you do that, you create room for *accelerated growth*.

Take a moment to reflect on your own journey. What do you need to let go of? What are the small wins you can start celebrating today to build momentum? Share your thoughts and reflections below. I’d love to hear from you.

Stay balanced, stay focused, and keep moving forward.

Dr.Krishna Bharath , MD