Launching Something New Requires the Courage to Let Go
Written by Danielle Jackson
My 13-year-old and I were chatting recently. I had been wrestling with doubt after deciding to retire and begin the next chapter of my career. I told him that I suddenly didn’t feel as smart — that it felt like starting middle school all over again, something he had done just a few years earlier. He looked at me and said, “The two hardest things in the world are saying goodbye and starting over.” His words landed like a bell. They reminded me that, if we’re fortunate, life hands us multiple blank pages. What determines whether those pages become a story we love is our mindset, vision, and support system — three elements that anchor any healthy, productive transition.
Mindset: Owning Your Opportunity
Some new chapters are voluntary; others are thrust upon us. Either way, we still control our approach. Ask yourself, “Given what is within my influence, what do I want to do next?” A shift from “What do I have to do?” to “What do I choose to do?” injects energy into the process. Clear your head with movement—a brisk walk, yoga, or strength training — and capture insights in a journal. Regular reflection will surface the values you want to steer by.
Vision: Naming Your North Star
Organizations have mission statements; so should we. Drafting a personal mission statement clarifies what you will say yes to and what you will say no to as you navigate change. Simon Sinek calls this your “Why.” Write it down, post it where you see it daily, and revisit it whenever the ground feels shaky. That single sheet of paper can re-center you faster than any external metric.
Support: Building a Three-Legged Stool
Mindset and vision wobble without community. An executive coach can guide you through the messy middle—helping you surface motivators, spot blind spots, and convert ideas into a practical action plan. Add peer mentors, accountability partners, or professional networks to round out your circle. Good support doesn’t just cheer you on; it challenges and refines you.
When we embrace new beginnings with a growth-oriented mindset, a clearly defined personal vision, and a well-rounded support system, we move from merely “getting through” change to actively shaping it. The courage to let go, then, is less about releasing the past and more about reaching forward—deliberately, confidently, and on your terms—toward the next chapter we’re meant to write.
