Letting Go of Your Toxic Past

Let’s talk about letting go of your toxic past. In 1992, I stood backstage at the Sands Hotel in Atlantic City. I was preparing for my SHOWTIME comedy special scheduled for the next night. At the time, it felt like just another moment, but in hindsight, it was pivotal. Woody Harrelson, the host, approached me and asked how I wanted to be introduced. I thought for a moment, then grinned and replied, “Woody, tell them you’re about to introduce someone who was voted ‘Least Likely to Succeed’ in his senior class in high school. Now, here I am at the Sands Hotel in Atlantic City, filming a SHOWTIME special!” Woody chuckled and said, “Now, that’s a cool introduction!”

Although this interaction seems amusing now, it came from a deeper experience. Yes, I was on that infamous list of “Least Likely to Succeed.” While the names weren’t published in the yearbook and everyone treated it as a joke, the damage was done. I carried that toxic label into adulthood. Like many of us, I allowed that label to shape the trajectory of my life for far too long.

Letting Go of Your Toxic Past and the Power of Labels: How They Shape Our Identity

At the time, I didn’t realize how much that “Least Likely to Succeed” label influenced my actions and mindset. It wasn’t just one label; it was a combination of labels. These were imposed by peers, teachers, and others—that became a toxic framework for my self-identity. It’s hard to shake off something so deeply ingrained. For years, I believed I wasn’t good enough, smart enough, or worthy enough.

What I failed to recognize was that this toxic past—these labels—shaped my ability to move forward. I lived under the constant shadow of fear and self-doubt, which kept me from pursuing opportunities and taking risks. My philosophy became, “If you don’t try, you can’t fail.” This was a shield protecting me from the sting of rejection or failure. But that meant I missed out on many opportunities for growth and success.

The truth is, many of us experience negative labeling throughout our lives. Whether from our parents, teachers, peers, or society, these labels stick long after they’re first assigned. They begin to shape our worldview and create limiting beliefs about who we are and what we’re capable of achieving.

Breaking Free from the Chains: Letting Go of Your Toxic Past

The good news is that it’s never too late to change your narrative. As I began to understand the power of these labels, I realized that the past doesn’t have to define me. It took years for me to comprehend that it didn’t matter whether something happened 20 minutes ago or 20 years ago. The past no longer had any relevance to my ability to find peace, happiness, or success in the present moment.

The truth is, we all carry emotional baggage from our past experiences—whether it’s anger, guilt, fear, or regret. But when we hold on to this toxic past, it clouds our judgment, limits our growth, and creates barriers to the abundance and peace that we all deserve. We allow these old wounds to dictate our present reality, to tell us who we are and who we are allowed to become.

This toxic cycle often starts in childhood. Perhaps you experienced emotional, physical, or even sexual abuse. Maybe you were neglected or grew up in an unstable home environment. Perhaps you witnessed your parents’ divorce or were told that you would never amount to anything. These experiences can create deep emotional scars. Scars that continue to influence the way we see ourselves and the world around us. And when we hold on to these past traumas, we become trapped in a narrative that limits our potential.

Letting Go of Your Toxic Past: The Path to Personal Freedom

I’m here to tell you that it’s possible to let go of the past, and when you do, you free yourself from the shackles of self-limiting beliefs. Holding on to emotional baggage from the past only keeps you stuck in a loop of negativity. It’s easy to let your past struggles become the reason for your unhappiness, but doing so only prevents you from experiencing the peace and success you deserve.

Letting go of the toxic past doesn’t mean forgetting it or pretending it didn’t happen. It means choosing not to let it control your present or dictate your future. It means recognizing that you have the power to create a new story—one that is not defined by past mistakes, failures, or traumas.

This process of letting go requires us to break free from the crippling beliefs that we’re not worthy or capable of achieving our dreams. It means challenging the narrative that we’re defined by our past struggles, and instead, embracing the belief that we can overcome them. When we let go of old wounds and grievances, we open ourselves up to new opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

The Danger of Holding on to Past Pain

Far too many people walk around carrying the weight of their past on their shoulders, not realizing that it’s holding them back from the life they truly desire. Emotional baggage from past experiences—whether it’s abuse, rejection, failure, or grief—becomes a mental and emotional overload that hinders progress. The past becomes a barrier to growth and enlightenment, preventing us from embracing new insights or seeing life through a fresh lens.

This kind of mental and emotional clutter creates a toxic environment inside our minds, one that is filled with negative self-talk, fear, and shame. It feeds into a vicious cycle of insecurity, keeping us from stepping out of our comfort zones and living up to our full potential. The more we hold on to the past, the more we reinforce the belief that we’re not good enough, smart enough, or deserving of success.

If you want to live a happy, successful life, you must be willing to release the past. Holding on to past wounds and grievances only hampers your journey. Instead of letting your past struggles dictate your future, choose to break free from the chains of your past now.

Moving Forward: Embracing Your Power to Change

The path to personal freedom begins with a decision to change your mindset. It starts with realizing that the past is just that—the past. It doesn’t have to dictate who you are today or who you will become.

To begin the process of letting go, start by acknowledging the pain and struggles of your past. Recognize that they were a part of your journey, but they don’t define you. Then, work on reframing the narrative. Instead of viewing your past as a source of shame or regret, see it as a series of lessons that have helped shape who you are today.

It’s also important to practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself as you navigate through this process of healing. Let go of the harsh self-criticism and replace it with words of encouragement and support. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, and seek out resources that help you cultivate a positive mindset and emotional well-being.

In time, you’ll start to see that the past no longer holds power over you. As you let go of toxic thoughts, limiting beliefs, and emotional wounds, you’ll create space for new opportunities and experiences that align with your true potential.

The Importance of Moving On

If you’ve been carrying around the weight of your toxic past, it’s time to let go and move forward. Whether you’ve experienced trauma, rejection, failure, or simply a series of missed opportunities, your past doesn’t have to dictate your future. You have the power to rewrite your story, to release the pain, and to create the life you deserve.

Remember, it doesn’t matter whether something happened twenty minutes ago or twenty years ago. The past is irrelevant to your ability to find peace and success in the present moment. Choose to let go of your toxic past, embrace the lessons it has taught you, and step confidently into the future that awaits you.

In the end, it’s not the struggles we face that define us—it’s how we choose to overcome them. Your past doesn’t have to be your prison. You have the power to break free and live a life of peace, happiness, and success. So let go of your toxic past, and embrace the beautiful future that is waiting for you.

By focusing on letting go of your toxic past, you free yourself from the limitations of self-doubt, fear, and regret. When you break free from the chains of the past, you open yourself up to a world of possibility. Take that first step today—let go of your toxic past and embrace the bright future that lies ahead!

Steve Rizzo is the Mindset Adjuster. A personal development expert, motivational business speaker, former comedian, and best-selling author, Steve transforms mindsets wherever he goes. A Hall of Fame Speaker Inductee—an honor shared by fewer than 200 speakers worldwide since 1977—he’s dedicated to helping you unlock your happiest self.