Stuck Where You Are
Letting Go of the Vine
Last night, I came across an old parable in a book I was reading, and it struck me as a powerful lesson for business owners.
The story goes like this: an individual wandered too close to the edge of a cliff, slipped, and began to fall. As they plummeted, they managed to grab hold of a vine, stopping themselves from certain death. Now, hanging halfway down the cliff, they looked up and cried out, “Is there anybody there?”
For a long time, there was silence. Then finally, a voice replied, “How can I help?”
“Save me!” the person shouted.
The voice calmly responded, “Let go. Just let go.”
After a pause, the person looked up again and called out, “Is there anybody else there?”
It made me smile, but it also made me think. How many business owners are in the same position – hanging onto the vine, too afraid to let go?
The fear of the unknown keeps so many people stuck. For some, it’s staying in a job they don’t enjoy because it feels safe, even though they dream of starting their own business. For others already in business, it’s holding back, never fully committing because the risk feels too great.
But here’s the truth: if you want to succeed in business, you have to let go of the vine. You can’t build something extraordinary while clinging to safety. You can’t grow if you’re only half in.
When you go all in, when you believe in yourself, your idea, and your ability to make it work, you dramatically increase your chances of success. Yes, it’s scary. Yes, it feels uncertain. But the greatest growth often comes on the other side of fear.
Doing things tentatively leads to slow progress and frustration. Going all in, on the other hand, creates momentum, clarity, and opportunity.
So if you find yourself hanging on to your own “vine”, whether it’s a secure job, an old way of running your business, or simply fear of change, ask yourself: what’s really stopping me from letting go?
Because the lesson from the parable is simple: sometimes, the only way forward is to trust, let go, and commit fully to the path ahead.
Still hanging on to the vine?
If fear or comfort is keeping you stuck where you are, it’s time to let go and take the next step toward real growth. Book a coaching session and start building the confidence and clarity to move forward with purpose.
