Cut Back, Grow Forward

Cut Back, Grow Forward

In leadership, it’s easy to default to more.
More doing. More meetings. More yeses.
Staying busy, staying visible, staying ahead.

But what if real growth comes from letting go?

Simon Breakspear calls it the Pruning Principle—
We grow not by adding, but by consciously choosing less.

Letting go isn’t always easy.
It means saying no to things that once mattered.
It means facing the fear that without the busyness… we might not be enough.

But here’s what I’m learning:
When I cut back—on draining meetings, unhelpful habits, or heavy expectations—

• I find more clarity

• More energy

• More space to show up for what truly matters
  

And maybe most importantly—I’m more present.

Not perfect. Not always.
But enough to remember:
This isn’t about doing less for the sake of it.
It’s about creating room for the right things to grow.

Lately, I’ve been asking:
🔹 What am I holding that no longer serves?
🔹 What’s quietly asking to be nurtured?
🔹 What might flourish if I made more space?

Leadership moves in seasons.
Maybe this one’s about pruning—gently, bravely, with care.

And maybe that’s exactly what’s needed right now.

What are you letting go of, to grow forward?
Let’s keep learning together.

Go well this week,
MA :-)