Trusting the Process: The Power of Letting Others In

There’s something uniquely humbling about handing over a piece of yourself for someone else to refine. Whether it’s your manuscript, your career story, or a passion project, allowing another person to weigh in feels equal parts vulnerable and empowering.

I’m in that place now, with my manuscript officially in the hands of my editor. This book has lived in my head and heart for so long that it feels surreal to release it. But this moment, as nerve-wracking as it is, has reminded me of the transformative power of external guidance.

Having someone else step into your process—a trusted editor, career coach, or mentor—can be an act of growth in itself. It’s not just about improving the work; it’s about collaboration, perspective, and the trust that comes with letting someone see you fully.

In a lot of ways, this mirrors the importance of mentorship and coaching in our professional lives. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own view of things—our skills, our potential, or even our setbacks—that we don’t realize how much we’re missing. A fresh perspective can highlight strengths we’ve overlooked and open doors we didn’t even know were there.

As I navigate this phase of my book journey, I’m finding a deeper appreciation for the moments when vulnerability leads to clarity. Stepping back and letting someone else hold my work with care has shown me that growth often requires us to let go of perfection and embrace progress.

I shared more thoughts on this in my latest Substack article, where I explore what it means to trust the editors of our lives—the people who refine our stories and remind us of our worth. If this resonates with you, you can read the full piece here.

And if you’re interested in further reading, I recommend this article from Harvard Business Review: “The Right Way To Process Feedback.” It’s a great dive into the psychology of receiving and giving feedback (https://hbr.org/).

So, who are the editors in your life? Whether they’re guiding you through your career or helping you uncover your next big idea, these relationships are powerful reminders that we don’t have to do it all alone. Lean into those moments of collaboration—they’ll take you further than you imagined.