The Art of Letting Go: Navigating Change in Your Business

Hey there, leading ladies! Let’s talk about something we’ve all been through but don’t always like to admit: letting go. This is especially tough when it’s something in your business. You know that moment when you realize you’re holding onto something way longer than you should? Maybe it’s a service that doesn’t light you up anymore, a client relationship that’s run its course, or a business strategy that’s just not cutting it. Whatever it is, letting go can be tough. But here’s the thing – it’s also a crucial part of growth and success.

Recognizing When It’s Time to Let Go

I recently chatted with a client who was going through this exact struggle. She’d been offering the same service for two decades, and it had been pretty lucrative. But the market was changing, and more importantly, she wasn’t feeling excited about the work anymore. It wasn’t giving her the same sense of excitement she had 20 years ago. She knew she wanted to shift focus, offer different services, and attract a new market. Exciting stuff, right?

Well, yes and no. Even though she knew it was time to move on, she found herself holding on for dear life to the very thing she was trying to get away from. It felt counterproductive and confusing. But you know what? It’s totally normal. When I asked her why she was holding on so tightly, her answer was simple: “Because for the last 20 years, that work was easy.”

And that’s the kicker! Letting go often means stepping out of our comfort zone, and that’s scary. It’s like our brains are wired to stick with what’s familiar, even if it’s not serving us anymore. But growth doesn’t happen in comfortable spaces. We grow when we step out of our comfort zones.

Signs It’s Time to Let Go

So, how do you know when it’s time to release something in your business? Here are a few signs to watch out for:

You’re not motivated to offer a particular service anymore.
You’re having a hard time selling a product or service.
You’re not attracting the right people or clients.
You’re feeling drained or unfulfilled by certain aspects of your work.
There’s constant conflict or inefficiency in your business operations.

If you’re nodding along to any of these, it might be time to take a hard look at your business and ask yourself some tough questions. Is this service still needed? Do you even enjoy doing it anymore? Are these the clients you really want to work with?

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Letting Go

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the emotional side of letting go. It’s not just about making a business decision; it’s about dealing with a whole bunch of feelings. Fear, self-doubt, grief – they all come along for the ride.

I’ll let you in on a little secret: last year, I launched a totally new service, and behind the scenes, I was having a mental and emotional breakdown. Total imposter syndrome. I was questioning if I could even provide the service. But here’s what I want you to know – those feelings are normal! They’re not a sign of failure; they’re a sign of growth.

So if you’re feeling scared, if your confidence is shaken, if you’re hesitant to take that next step – I see you. Those feelings are completely normal. It’s courageous to put yourself out there in new ways. And remember, you don’t have to be fearless. Just do it, scared.

Moving Forward: Strategies for Graceful Transitions

Okay, so you’ve recognized it’s time to let go. Now what? How do you release something gracefully without just ripping off the band-aid? Here’s what I’ve learned:

Document everything. Create systems and processes that you can rely on when things get rocky. If you’re an established business, start documenting and troubleshooting the problems you’re experiencing. This helps you look at your business with a critical eye, removing the emotion from the situation.
Have those difficult conversations. And remember, difficult conversations aren’t meant to create conflict – they’re meant to resolve it. Express your needs, listen to the other person’s perspective, and work together to find a solution that benefits everyone involved.
Always go back to your mission, vision, and values. I know, I know, you’re probably tired of hearing me talk about those. But they really are the foundation of your business. When your confidence is shaken, when you’re not sure what to do next, revisit these core principles. They’ll remind you of who you are, what you stand for, and what your business is meant to be and do.

Rebuilding Confidence and Seeking Support

Going through changes in your business can really rock your confidence. So, how do you build it back up?

Give yourself grace. Change is hard for anyone. It’s okay to feel grief, fear, or uncertainty. These are all normal emotions when you’re stepping out of your comfort zone.
Don’t try to go it alone. I’ve said this many times before: even coaches need coaches! I’ve been working with a coach nonstop for the last seven years. Everyone needs support. Surround yourself with people you admire, look for mentors, hire a coach, and attend events and workshops. The more you invest in your personal and professional development, the easier it becomes to keep an open mind and ask for help when you need it.

Remember, change isn’t failure. It’s inevitable. It’s the only constant in our lives and our businesses. We have to continue to change and evolve. So when you’re feeling rocked by change, go back to your core values and ask yourself: Am I showing up in my business in ways that light me up? Am I providing value to my clients? Am I aligned with my core values?

If you’re going through changes in your business right now, know that you’re not alone. It’s hard stuff, but you’ve got this. Keep pushing forward, stay true to your values, and don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it. You’re doing great, leading lady!

Join the Leading Lady Community

For more insights and strategies on navigating business changes, I invite you to join my community: