Letting Go Isn’t Losing
How Releasing What’s Misaligned Creates Space for Growth
Have you ever held on to something simply because you’d already invested so much in it — a job, a relationship, a commitment — even after you knew, deep down, it wasn’t right anymore?
Letting go isn’t easy. It often feels like a loss at first. But what if the real cost lies in holding on too long?
Recently, I’ve had conversations with two women who reminded me how powerful it can be to release what no longer aligns — even when it’s uncomfortable, uncertain, or costly.
When Familiar Turns into Stagnant
A Coaching Client’s Breakthrough
One of my clients came to me because she was feeling unfulfilled in her work. She had been with the same company for over six years — a place where she had once thrived and built strong relationships. But lately, something felt off. She wasn’t excited to go to work anymore. She felt drained instead of energized.
During our coaching sessions, she realized she had been staying out of loyalty, habit, and a sense of safety — even though deep down, she was ready for more growth and challenge.
We explored what fulfillment meant to her now, how her values had evolved, and what she truly wanted in the next chapter of her career. Once she created that clarity, the decision became clear too: it was time to move on.
She accepted a new position — one that stretches her, values her leadership, and reignites her sense of purpose. When she told me about it, she said, “It feels good to feel alive at work again.”
Sometimes, we outgrow the containers that once fit us perfectly. Staying in them doesn’t make us safe — it makes us smaller.
When Letting Go Means Losing Money
Another friend recently faced a similar lesson from a different angle.
She had hired an interior designer almost a year ago, placing a large deposit. Months went by with little progress. When she finally received design selections, they were far beyond the budget she had approved and completely misaligned with what she’d envisioned.
After eight months of waiting, she had a hard decision to make: stay and hope it improved, or walk away — knowing she’d likely lose her deposit.
She chose to walk away.
She hired a new designer and, within days, had selections in hand and a plan she loved. “It was hard to swallow losing that deposit,” she said, “but the relief I feel tells me it was the right choice.”
Her decision cost her quite a bit of money — but it gave her back time, alignment, and peace of mind.
The Real Cost of Holding On
Whether it’s a job, a contract, or a personal relationship, the hardest things to release are often the ones that once felt right.
We attach meaning, identity, and emotion to them. We think, “I’ve already come this far — I can’t quit now.”
But when something no longer aligns with who we’re becoming, staying attached becomes a quiet drain — on our energy, creativity, confidence, and joy.
In my coaching practice, I often remind clients that decluttering isn’t just about physical stuff. It’s also about clearing emotional and mental clutter — the outdated commitments, beliefs, or identities that quietly weigh us down.
Letting go doesn’t mean failure. It means you’re listening — to your intuition, your values, and your future self.
The CLARITY Connection
In my CLARITY framework, a few key steps stand out here:
A — Assess and Let Go: Notice what feels heavy, stagnant, or off. Your body and energy often know before your mind catches up.
R — Reorganize and Refresh: Once you release what’s no longer aligned, create new systems, rhythms, or environments that support your growth and align with your values.
Y — Yes to Growth: Every ending opens the door to a new beginning. Trust that what you’re stepping toward will meet you where you are now — not where you were before.
A Reflection for You
Is there something in your life that’s no longer serving you — even if it once did?
It might be a commitment, a relationship, or even a version of success you’ve outgrown.
Ask yourself:
Does this still align with who I’m becoming?
What would open up if I stopped forcing this to work?
What am I afraid will happen if I let go — and what might actually be waiting for me if I do?
