The Unsexy Side of Alignment: Firing Clients, Friends, and Partnerships That No Longer Fit
We talk about growth and ‘leveling up’ in aspirational terms. But the truth is, the path to ‘alignment’ is just as much about saying no as it is about saying yes. I know we’ve all felt this, like this really annoying but sinking feeling when a collab, a friend, or a client just doesn’t feel right anymore.
It’s not very obvious from the start, it’s the quiet discomfort of knowing the fit isn’t there, even if you’ve invested a lot of time and effort. But this is what alignment in practice is like. It’s about making space for what truly resonates, and that sometimes means sending connections that no longer serve you or even the other person.
I wanna take you behind the scenes of this by sharing a silly reality TV case of letting go. You’d think Love Island’s Whitney Adebayo and Lochan Nowacki would've both stayed together, a fun, exciting collaboration!
But come on, it’s just two people with a shared path, aligning quickly in that whirlwind reality TV often creates.
As months passed and the spotlight faded, so too did their sense of alignment. This is normal. The ‘why’ is rooted in a shift that many of us can relate to: the quiet discomfort when priorities evolve and values diverge.
What feels right in the moment doesn’t always feel right for the future. The ‘how’ then played out openly, by unfollowing each other on social media, deleting shared posts, and consciously making space for new beginnings. It wasn’t an overnight decision, but a gradual recognition that saying ‘no’ to a state of mind that no longer fits is always the kindest thing we can do for ourselves and for others.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is walk away and trust that what’s truly meant for you will have room to find its way in. This applies strongly to our careers too. Maybe it's a role that no longer excites you, a team with a bunch of people that leave you drained, or a client that feels more like an obligation than an opportunity. The signs aren’t always glaring, or frantically waving a red flag. They often surface quietly, maybe a sense of resistance when checking emails, a drop in motivation, or a gut feeling that you’re forcing someone who just isn’t there anymore. It’s okay to acknowledge that things can evolve, it sucks but you will be fine.
What helped me most were my three Rs. No, not those “go green” Rs. Mine are Recognize, Reframe, and Release. First, recognize the chapter; honor what this person, project, or collaboration brought into your life. Be grateful for its lessons, even if it’s time to move on. Next, reframe the conversation: whatever’s on your mind, know it shouldn’t have to be long or messy. Take your time, be honest, and keep it clear and respectful. This simple act gives both of you permission to step into new spaces. And finally, as I would say, release with grace.
Give yourself permission to grieve. Letting go doesn’t diminish anything you’ve both shared, it just makes room for what better aligns with who you’re becoming. So embrace the unsexy side of alignment, grab a tub of ice cream and your favourite cheesy movie, because sometimes growth looks less like a power move and more like a sad night of self-care and sugar.
Give yourself permission to feel all the feelings, and know that by letting go, you’re making way.
