The Authentic Life Newsletter: Learn, Grow, Go

Welcome back to another edition of The Authentic Life where we continue to explore what it truly means to live authentically. Today, I want to dive into a concept that has been a cornerstone of my journey,both personally and professionally: Learn, Grow, Go. It’s a framework I’ve leaned into, especially as I reflect on how we engage with the world around us and make decisions that impact our growth and well-being.

In my professional life, I’m diligent about living by these three pillars. However, I’ve realized I don’t always extend that same practice in my personal life, and I know I’m not alone in this.

Learn. Grow. Go.

Let’s break it down:

1. Learn: Learning is a gift. We have opportunities to absorb knowledge from the people we meet, the places we go, and the situations we find ourselves in. Whether it’s a difficult conversation at work, a new relationship, or even a book that challenges our thinking, everything is a lesson. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that every experience brings value, even if it’s not immediately apparent. So, take the time to really learn from what’s in front of you.
2. Grow: Growth is the natural progression of learning. We grow when we take what we’ve learned and apply it to become better versions of ourselves. Personally, I’ve grown the most when I’ve been able to reflect on my experiences and make adjustments. Growth is not always comfortable, but it’s always necessary. The process of transformation is ongoing, and we need to embrace that if we want to thrive.
3. Go: This is the hardest part: walking away. I call it "The Gift of Goodbye," and it’s a gift we often struggle to give ourselves. Whether it’s leaving a relationship, a job, or even a mindset, we tend to hold on far too long. Why? Fear of change? Comfort in the known? I’ve been there, holding on to spaces that no longer served me, and it took courage to say, “It’s time to go.” But here’s the truth: if you’re no longer learning, growing, or seeing value add on both sides it’s probably time to move on. That doesn’t always mean making a sudden exit. Sometimes, it’s a strategic decision that takes time and planning. The important part is recognizing when it’s time to say goodbye.

The Gift of Goodbye

We tend to struggle most with this last step, don’t we? Whether it’s out of loyalty, fear, or just not knowing what’s next, we stay in jobs, relationships, or situations that no longer serve us. Trust me, I get it. But here’s the thing: when we hold on to something that no longer aligns with who we are becoming, we limit our ability to fully step into the next phase of our journey. Saying goodbye isn’t always immediate, and that’s okay. It’s about recognizing that it’s time to go and planning your exit with intention. I’ve learned this the hard way, and I want to encourage you to lean into the discomfort of goodbye.

Book Recommendations for the Journey:

• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson – This book is a great resource if you need to reframe how you value certain experiences and relationships. Sometimes we give too much of ourselves to things that no longer serve us.
• Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller – If you’re struggling with relationships, this is a must-read to understand attachment styles and how they influence the way we connect (or disconnect) with others.
• Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab – I talk a lot about boundaries, and this book offers practical tools for setting healthy ones—because sometimes, the first step in learning to go is setting boundaries.

Learn, Grow, Go in Action:

In my own life, there have been numerous times when I’ve had to remind myself of this framework. Most recently, I found myself at a crossroads with a professional relationship. It was no longer fulfilling, and I wasn’t growing. As much as I wanted to hold on for the sake of loyalty, I had to accept that it was time to go. And once I did, new opportunities flowed my way.

As you reflect on your own journey, I invite you to consider where you are in your “Learn, Grow, Go” process. Are you still learning? Are you growing? Or is it time to step into the next chapter?

Remember: Living authentically is about aligning your actions with your values. Sometimes that means learning new things, other times it’s growing in unexpected ways, and often, it’s knowing when to go.

Let’s keep learning, keep growing, and remember—there’s power in the gift of goodbye.

With authenticity,

Keisha