When You Let Go, You Grow: A Business Truth

Ever heard this ancient wisdom? “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” A Chinese philosopher wrote that over 2,500 years ago, but let me tell you – it’s more relevant for today’s business owners than ever.

Let’s talk about letting go.

It’s something I work on constantly with my coaching clients, and it’s fascinating to watch the transformations that happen when business owners finally release what’s holding them back.

Think about it.

How many business owners do you know who are stuck doing the work instead of marketing the work? Or those who have such an unhealthy relationship with money that they can’t price their services properly? I see it all the time – capable people held back by patterns they can’t seem to break.

The Hard Truth About Change

Here’s a story that might resonate.

Recently, I was working with a business owner – successful on paper, over a decade of experience, solid reputation in their industry.

But when we started digging into what was really holding their business back, they began blaming childhood experiences and past circumstances for their current challenges.

I had to be direct.

While problems in business are rarely simple, solutions often are.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not trivializing anyone’s challenges.

Most problems are layered and complex, like a tangled ball of string. But sometimes, the solution is as straightforward as picking up the scissors and cutting through it all.

Breaking the Paralysis

You know what I’ve noticed? Many small businesses suffer from what I call “action paralysis.” They get stuck because:

• They won’t have honest conversations about what’s not working
• They’re afraid to make decisions in case they’re wrong
• They keep doing what they’ve always done, hoping for different results
• They’re too comfortable with their discomfort

In my coaching practice, I take a different approach. We call things as they are. We get stuff done. Sure, this directness might occasionally ruffle feathers, but here’s what I’ve learned – the speed and efficiency of candid communication, combined with swift action, brings results every time.

The Cost of Not Letting Go

Let me share another story.

I worked with a client who was holding onto a beautiful, award-winning website.

Sounds great, right? Except it wasn’t generating any leads.

They knew it wasn’t working, but they couldn’t let go because it looked so professional.

Sometimes you need someone to tell you the hard truth.

In this case, I had to be blunt: “Here’s why this isn’t working, and here’s why you’re foolish to keep it.” Harsh? Maybe.

But guess what? They knew I was right, and they were just waiting for permission to make the change.

Your Turn to Let Go

Here’s what I’ve learned from years of coaching business owners: ambiguity wastes time.

And none of us can afford to waste time in business.

Playing it safe, being vague, avoiding difficult decisions – it might feel comfortable, but it never leads to growth.

I’ll bet you anything that right now, you’re holding onto something in your business that’s acting as dead weight:

• Maybe it’s a process that “we’ve always done this way”
• Perhaps it’s a team member who’s not performing
• It could be a service that’s no longer profitable
• Or maybe it’s just an outdated belief about what’s possible

Deep down, you know what it is. You probably thought of it while reading this.

Time for Action

Here’s my challenge to you: make this the month you let go. Cut loose what’s holding you back. Because only when you release what you are can you become what you might be.

Ready to have an honest conversation about what’s holding your business back? Let’s talk. Sometimes all it takes is one candid discussion to spark the changes that transform your business.

Remember, growth and comfort rarely share the same space. What are you ready to let go of?