A career change asks you to let go of old titles, familiar routines, and long-held expectations. Like learning to swim in the lake, there’s no edge to grab on to.

But that doesn’t mean you’re lost.

It means you’re in motion.

And with every tiny step forward, you’re building something new—on your terms.

When I think of letting go, I think of a summer I stood on the shores of Lake Erie, the storms of change rumbling in my professional life. I had begun making moves that made no sense to anyone else, climbing off the ladder of future promotions to pursue something else entirely. 

In that season of uncertainty, I stood on the shoreline, gently skipping rocks across the water and letting them go, just as I was letting go of my old path. 

As I watched the ripples fade, I felt something bump against my toes. 

I looked down and saw the most beautiful piece of seaglass—smooth, cobalt blue, and almost heart-shaped. If you’ve spent any time on Lake Erie’s beaches, you know the joy of spotting sea glass tucked in the sand (especially the rare cobalt blue!), like nature’s little surprise gifts.

And this was the lesson in letting go that I learned that day.

The water will take the rocks wherever they’re meant to go, just as that same water will bring what is meant for me…to me. 

Just as you can’t cling to a dock and learn to swim, you can’t hold tightly and expect change to unfold. Letting go isn’t easy. But you can stay grounded—anchored in your values, your strengths, and your intention.

Here’s how to stay grounded while letting go—so you can welcome what’s next: something more aligned, more authentic, and meant just for you.

Grounding Activity #1: Declare A Daily Delight 

One way to stay rooted each day is by declaring a daily delight.

“Daily delights” are the simple pleasures we enjoy throughout our day. Noticing and appreciating these things is an excellent way to stay grounded.

For inspiration, here are some of my favorite daily delights.

1. The Little Things: Pay attention to the details around you, like a beautiful flower or a burst of laughter. One of the daily delights I noted this year was buying a $2 bundle of daffodils from Trader Joe’s. During an especially cold winter, those blooms brought me so much joy as we awaited the transition into spring!

2. Community: Thanks to the community of co-authors in Brave Women at Work, I was able to write my chapter, and the experience was so liberating! I had been holding on to that story for a long time, and the act of writing and letting it go was incredibly restorative. 

3. Connection: Engage in meaningful conversations or connect with loved ones. My dear friend and colleague, Sarah, and I share a love of snail mail, and we’ve been having fun sending each other cards and small gifts. It’s a fabulous way to cultivate connections and community, which is essential for letting go.

Consider declaring your daily delights by scheduling or writing down one tiny thing to look forward to each day.

Grounding Activity #2: Make The Most Of Your Mornings

Mornings make great anchors for the rest of your day. 

A good morning routine can mean the difference between a good day and a great day. If you’re entering a time of immense upheaval and change, a grounded morning routine will be more essential than ever. 

I recall how, during my corporate days, I often felt overwhelmed before even getting out of bed, thinking I just needed to survive the day. However, I discovered that by changing my mornings, I could transform my life. So I did. (Take a peek at what my morning routine looks like.)

But your morning routine doesn’t have to look like mine! Your most impactful morning routine can look any number of ways; it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It just needs to be carefully crafted to keep you grounded in this season of life. 

Most importantly, your morning routine should make you feel good in body, mind, + spirit. If you’re accomplishing that, you’re making the most of your mornings.  

Grounding Activity #3: Microrituals

A microritual is a small, intentional act you repeat regularly to bring a sense of structure, meaning, or calm to your day.

They’re not about perfection—they’re about presence. And when you’re in the midst of letting go, microrituals can serve as gentle anchors, offering stability as you move through uncertainty.

1. Structured

Effective microrituals are the ones you return to consistently—small actions that become part of your rhythm. The beauty is in their simplicity. Whether it’s taking three deep breaths before a meeting, lighting a candle before you start your workday, or pausing for a mindful walk after lunch, these tiny acts help you feel steady and present.

And each time you follow through, no matter how small it seems, take a moment to acknowledge it. That quiet consistency is what builds resilience and creates space for clarity to emerge.

Pro tip: Don’t try to start doing everything all at once! Stick with one or two microrituals, ideally spaced out throughout your day.

2. Meaningful

Try to choose microrituals that align with your values and the vision you have for your future self. Your microrituals should support and reflect your heart-based career planning.

For example, if you value creativity and envision a future where you’re doing more purpose-driven work, your microritual might be spending 5 quiet minutes sketching, writing, or reflecting on a prompt each morning. It’s not about productivity—it’s about reconnecting with what lights you up.

When your microrituals are rooted in meaning, they become more than just habits—they become gentle reminders of who you are becoming.

3. Calming

One purpose of your microrituals is to instill a sense of calm. Try journaling for a perspective shift. As you approach challenges each day, try answering just one question: “What is this experience teaching me?” 

It is a question I have used over the years to transform the challenges in my life into growth opportunities. Alternatively, you could establish a microritual habit for yourself that includes a three-breath reset, a 5-minute meditation, or moments spent outdoors.

25 More Ways To Ground Yourself With Only 5 Minutes A Day

There is some age-old writing advice that goes like this: “It’s a lot like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights—but you can make the whole trip that way.”

When I let go of my corporate life, I stayed grounded by reminding myself that I was “being lost in the right direction.” I had no idea where I was going, but I knew it was the right direction, so I took it one small step at a time—and you know what?!

I made the whole trip that way. 

When you follow your heart into the unknown, you’re not going toward something you can necessarily “see,” but you’re going in the right direction. If you’d like more help getting there, I’d like to offer you 25 more steps you can take in only 5 minutes a day.

5 Minutes to Flourish

You’ve Got To Nourish To Flourish!

ACCESS THE DOWNLOAD HERE

Want More Career Wisdom? Keep Reading

+ Redesigning Work on Your Terms with Jamie Jacobs Founder of Gig Talent
+ Feeling Stifled? How To Turn Any Career Into A Creative Career
+ Burnout-Proofing Your Career: The Slow, Intentional Path to Success

Connect with Me

For more insider stories, quick tips, and #CareerTalk, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram @flourish.careers.

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