The Business Breakthroughs I Found in Letting Go of My “Forever” Car

Why letting go of “good enough” in life and business can open doors to unexpected growth.

The biggest lessons come from the simplest moments. Letting go of something familiar is never easy, especially when it’s something you once thought you’d never part with.

For me, that “something” was my trusty little car. My car was my “forever” vehicle, or so I thought, until it came time to trade it for something more practical. Trading it in felt surprisingly emotional. I found myself attached to the memories and comfort it represented, more than I expected for a piece of machinery.

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Currently, I’m in the thick of it—feeling far more sentimental than I ever thought a car purchase could make me. It was time to trade in my fun, reliable Venue for something with a bit more comfort and luxury, a car that would fit the next chapter of my journey.

The Venue had been the perfect match at the time. It was roomy and gas-efficient despite its size—ideal for living in a rural area where even the smallest errands meant long drives. Its efficiency and compact design made it the perfect road companion for longer drives to see family, friends, and colleagues. But as my needs have evolved, so has my idea of what I need in a vehicle. It was time to adjust, even if letting go felt unexpectedly bittersweet.

It’s more than just a car; it’s been with me through some of the most pivotal shifts in my life. And as I stand here, keys in hand, ready to let it go, I can’t help but realize how much this moment feels like the choices we face in business. Sometimes, we reach a point where what served us well begins to hold us back—where we have to decide if we’re ready to upgrade, scale, or let go of what no longer fits.

As I looked back on all the journeys this car has taken with me, I couldn’t help but feel that same weight I often experience in business: the tug between familiarity and the unknown, between what’s comfortable and what’s next.

Letting go wasn’t about moving onto a new vehicle. For me, a car is the thing that gets you from point A to point B. But in the process, I forgot about the little things — life changes it helped me navigate, the memories of road trips and the easiness of maneuvering into tight spaces.

And as I worked through it, I couldn’t help but see parallels to the way we make decisions in our businesses—holding on to routines, systems, or even clients that we’ve outgrown simply because they’re familiar.

Here’s what this unexpected transition taught me, along with steps to help you apply these insights in your journey.

1. Let Go of “Good Enough” to Make Room for “Better”

I’d been driving that car for three years, convinced it was “good enough.” It got me where I needed to go, but it also came with its quirks. How often do we do the same thing in business? We cling to “good enough” processes, tools, or routines because they’re familiar and safe. But if we’re honest, these “good enough” solutions typically hold us back from exploring new, unfamiliar ideas.

Try This: Think about one area in your business where you’ve been settling for “good enough.” Is it a clunky software tool that frustrates you? An outdated website that doesn’t quite reflect your brand? Pick one thing and challenge yourself to let it go. Explore alternatives, test new options, and see what elevates your business. Often, upgrading isn’t about flash—it’s about finding what truly supports your goals and deciding that’s right for right now.

2. Embrace the Passenger Seat and Gain a New Perspective

For about a month, while waiting for my new car to arrive, we have become a one-car truck family. This means I will often find myself in the passenger seat. When not navigating from the “driver’s seat”, I will be able to look more at the surroundings and what is passing me by. Reminding me about the value of stepping back in my business decisions too.

Try This: Choose one area in your business where you can “take the passenger seat.” Maybe it’s delegating client calls to a team member, or asking someone else to review a project before launch. By letting someone else take the wheel, you might notice new efficiencies or approaches. Taking that step back doesn’t mean you’re losing control—it often gives you a clearer view of where you need to go.

3. Build Partnerships Aligned with Your Values

The most unexpected part of this car-buying experience was the level of support I felt from BMW, making each step feel personalized and intentional. It wasn’t about selling me a car; it was about creating a partnership where both needs were met. And I realized, in business, the relationships we build with clients, partners, and even vendors should feel the same way.

Try This: Reflect on your current client relationships. Ask yourself:

• Do these relationships reflect my values and support my growth?

• Are they based on mutual understanding, or are they more transactional?

Take a step to nurture relationships that align with your vision and values. Send a personalized note to a client, acknowledge a partner’s hard work, or revisit a vendor agreement to ensure it still serves both sides well. When you build with alignment, these relationships become a foundation for sustainable growth.

4. Shift Your Focus from “More” to “Better”

Upgrading to a new car wasn’t about getting more—it was about getting what felt right for me. In business, it’s easy to chase “more” as a marker of success. But sometimes, true growth comes from focusing on quality, not quantity. More clients, more projects, or more products won’t necessarily bring you closer to your goals. Instead, aligning your work with what matters can lead to real growth.

Try This: Take a look at your offerings, client list, or processes, and ask yourself, “What can I refine rather than expand?” Consider streamlining services, improving customer experience, or simplifying your workflow. This isn’t about scaling down; it’s about enhancing what you’re already bringing to the table. Small shifts in focus can help you find the balance between efficiency and satisfaction.

5. Trust That Letting Go Opens the Door to Growth

Finally, letting go of my “forever” car felt a bit freeing and exciting. It reminded me that growth and change require us to release what no longer serves us. Whether it’s an outdated product, a resistant client, or even a habit that drains you, letting go is often the first step toward something better.

Try This: Pick one aspect of your business that feels like a security blanket. It could be a product that no longer aligns with your mission, an outdated process, or even a reluctant “yes” you gave to a client. Letting it go isn’t just an action—it’s an intention to open space for something new. Often, these changes create room for growth you didn’t realize was possible.

A Final Thought

Letting go of my car taught me that we don’t have to cling to what’s comfortable to prove it once served us well. In business and life, it’s about making room for what aligns, what energizes, and what supports our vision.

Ask yourself, “What’s one thing I’m holding on to that’s holding me back?” Then, take a small step toward something that feels right for right now.