001 - You Feel Stuck: Why Holding On Hurts More Than Letting Go

How many times have you found yourself holding on to something you know deep down isn’t serving you anymore?

Maybe it’s that job that feels like it’s draining the life out of you, where you’ve hit a wall and there’s no room to grow.

Maybe it’s a relationship that once brought you joy but has lost its spark, passion, and purpose.

I’ve been there and I know what it feels like to be trapped in a place where there’s no way out and no direction forward. It’s like watching your dreams and goals slowly fade away, buried under the weight of staying in the same old place.

That’s why I created the "Path to Purpose: 8 Steps to Transformation" series.

This article series is based on research that helped me find the courage to break free from the thought process that kept me stuck in various areas of my life. I know firsthand how difficult that first step can be. It’s terrifying, but here’s what I’ve learned, being stuck isn’t the end of your story. It’s life’s way of tapping you on the shoulder and nudging you to let go of what’s holding you back. Let’s roll up our sleeves and figure this out together. You’ll be surprised at what’s waiting for you once you choose to transform and start living in your purpose.

Before we move forward, take a moment to check out the diagram below. It maps out the steps in the series, each building on the one before, guiding you toward that breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.

Now that you’ve seen the roadmap, let’s begin by focusing on getting unstuck.

When Survival Means Sacrifice

In this first article, we’re going to explore one of the hardest truths I’ve come to understand. Sometimes, the only way forward is to let go of the things you thought you couldn’t live without. It’s painful, but if you’re committed to living a life of meaning, it’s something you’ll need to face.

Aaron Ralston’s story takes this idea to another level, showing us just how far we might need to go to break free. Remember, Aaron was hiking alone in the remote canyons of Utah when a massive boulder came crashing down, trapping his arm against the canyon wall.

Can you imagine the wave of panic he must have felt, realizing he was completely stuck, miles away from any help, with no clear way out? For days, he tried everything, chipping at the rock and using every ounce of strength to free himself, but nothing worked. The reality sank in. He was out of food, out of water, and if he didn’t take drastic action, he wouldn’t make it out alive. Ultimately, with nothing but a dull pocketknife, he had to make a choice most of us can barely imagine. Aaron had to cut off his own arm to stay alive.

Ralston’s situation may seem extreme, but it makes you stop and think.

How many times have you felt completely trapped by something in your own life?

It might not be a literal boulder, but fear, doubt, or the comfort of staying where you are can weigh just as heavily, keeping you stuck in place. Aaron had to make the hardest decision of his life, and it wasn’t just about survival. The pain Ralston faced wasn’t just physical; it cut deeper emotionally. Imagine what it took to pull out a dull pocketknife and sever a part of himself, something he once thought he needed to make it through life. Yet, in that moment, letting it go was the only way to save his life.

That kind of pain is something most of us will never endure physically, but emotionally, it’s a challenge we all have to face sooner or later.

Finding Freedom in Letting Go

The deeper truth is that Ralston didn’t just survive by cutting off his arm. He made space for a future he never could have imagined. He became a father and often reflects that, without making that painful choice, he never would have experienced the joy of his son or inspired millions as a motivational speaker, sharing his powerful story with people around the world.

We all face similar moments, where holding on to what’s familiar feels safer than letting go, even though it’s holding us back. It might be letting go of unhealthy habits, like certain foods, to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Yes, it requires sacrifice, but it opens the door to a longer, healthier life, where you can enjoy more time with your family. Maybe it’s stepping away from a job that feels secure but unfulfilling to start a business doing what you love to do. The long hours and sacrifices may seem hard, but in the end, you’re building something that is driven by purpose.

Letting go is hard, but it’s necessary if we want to create something meaningful. You will open the door to something great, and the ripple effects of your courage and mindset shift will shape a future beyond what you imagined.

Cutting the Ties to Experience Increase

Releasing the things that hold us back often feels like losing an important piece of ourselves. That’s why so many of us cling to what’s familiar, even when it no longer serves us. Staying stagnant isn’t safe at all. It’s the place where dreams go to die.

That fear of failure holds your goals hostage and every day we stay stuck, we lose a little more of the energy and ambition that empowered us to do extraordinary things in our lives. Just like Aaron Ralston’s situation, the longer we hold on, the higher the price we pay. When we finally let go of what’s been holding us back, we open ourselves up to possibilities that have been waiting for us all along.

I’ve had to make those cuts in my own life, and I won’t lie to you. It’s painful. But the pain of staying stuck is far greater than the pain of letting go. Finding the strength to let go is what allows you to step into the life you’ve been meant to live, reigniting your dreams and uncovering the potential that’s been hidden by staying in one place for way too long.

I’m excited for what’s next, so keep an eye out for the upcoming articles in this series, where we’ll explore the next step in your transformation.

Before you go, take a moment to visit the Transformation Hub on the E.L. Harrison Digital Coaching xPerience website

It’s filled with tools and resources, all designed to help you tackle life’s challenges with confidence. I’d love to hear about the things you’re letting go of and any other thoughts you may have, so join the conversation in the comments and use the hashtag #LettingGo.

See you Soon!