The Power of Outgrowing People 

 There is a unique power in outgrowing people—a power that is often difficult to recognize at the moment.  

As women, many of us are raised to nurture, to hold on tightly to our relationships, and to keep everyone around us happy. The idea of moving on from friendships, communities, or even professional spaces can feel selfish or wrong. We are taught to hold things together, to compromise, and to “make it work.”  

But what if the most profound growth happens when we embrace the idea of letting go? 

Outgrowing people is not about cutting ties with a vengeance or turning our backs on those we once loved. It is about acknowledging that we have evolved, and sometimes, the people and places in our lives have not evolved with us. When we outgrow others, we are making space for new, more aligned relationships that better support the women we are becoming. The journey is not easy, and it is often filled with hard conversations, painful realizations, and moments of guilt. 

Let’s be honest: outgrowing people can feel incredibly uncomfortable. We often feel guilty, especially when the person we are outgrowing has not done anything “wrong.” It is common to question whether we are being too picky or judgmental or to feel that we owe it to the other person to keep things the way they are. After all, these are people who have been there for us during important moments in our lives.  

Looking at the bright side, here is the incredible thing about outgrowing people: when we release what no longer aligns with our growth, we make space for relationships that do. The process of letting go is not just about saying goodbye to the old, it is about welcoming in the new.  

For women, in particular, this can be incredibly empowering. By creating space for new, aligned connections, we are reinforcing our worth and showing ourselves that we deserve relationships that uplift, inspire, and challenge us to keep growing.  

Part of this journey is having awareness and recognizing our boundaries. As we grow and evolve, a critical part of this process is learning to set boundaries that allow us to move forward with purpose, even if it means outgrowing people along the way. Outgrowing relationships is a natural and necessary part of personal development, and knowing how to navigate this shift requires a strong sense of inner awareness and the ability to protect your boundaries.  

This is exactly what RISE Mastermind is here to help you with. 

Running from October 5, 2024, to May 24, 2025, this exclusive 8-month (35-week) program will guide you through creating radical boundaries that do not just protect your time, but also create the emotional and mental space needed to let go of relationships that no longer align with your growth.  

If you are ready to stop feeling overwhelmed, break free from relationships that no longer fit, and create lasting, healthy boundaries that will change your life, RISE Mastermind is for you. 

Understanding the Signs of Outgrowing Relationships 

Recognizing when we have outgrown someone is not always straightforward. There is a subtle but persistent feeling that something is off. Conversations that used to flow effortlessly now feel forced or stagnant. The same inside jokes and routines that once bonded, now seem irrelevant. We find ourselves holding back in discussions, unable to connect in the same way we once did. If this resonates with you, it might be a sign that you have outgrown a relationship. 

For women, this realization can feel even more complex. We are often the glue in our social circles, the ones who organize gatherings, send check-in texts, and keep friendships alive. There is a certain pressure to maintain harmony, to stay loyal, even when we have evolved beyond what those relationships can offer. But holding on to these connections can keep us stuck. 

Outgrowing does not mean that the relationship was wrong or bad. In fact, many of the people we outgrow have served us in beautiful ways during specific seasons of our lives. They have been our confidants, our cheerleaders, and sometimes even our mirrors. But as we evolve, our needs and desires shift, and the dynamics of our relationships need to shift too. 

5 Steps to Embrace Change and Create Space for What’s Next 

Outgrowing people is a natural part of our journey as we evolve, realign our priorities, and make room for relationships that reflect who we are becoming. While it can feel uncomfortable, learning to embrace change and create space for what is next is key to personal growth. Here’s a guide to help us navigate this process with grace and confidence: 

1. Acknowledge the Shift 

As women, we often sense when something is not quite the same, long before we fully admit it to ourselves. We are intuitive by nature, and when we have outgrown someone, we can feel it in the subtle shifts—like when spending time with a friend who once lit up our world now leaves us feeling drained or disconnected.  

That nagging feeling that the conversations do not hit the same or that when something feels off is often a sign we are evolving, and our relationship may no longer serve who we are becoming. It is important to give ourselves permission to acknowledge this shift without judgment.  

Recognizing that we are no longer in sync with someone is not about right or wrong, it is about growth. By acknowledging this change, we open the door to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our needs. Trusting these intuitive feelings helps us move forward with clarity, instead of clinging to relationships out of habit or guilt. 

This step can be challenging to navigate, especially when you are faced with tough decisions and life transitions. Tune in to one of the episodes of my latest podcast, where I share practical tips and insights to help you through these challenging moments.

2. Reflect on What You Need Right Now 

Outgrowing people often comes from a deeper need within us, one that reflects how we are changing as individuals. As we grow, our priorities, desires, and values shift, and so too must the relationships that surround us. Take the time to reflect on what you need in your friendships at this stage of your life. Maybe you are craving more support in your career or personal growth, or perhaps you need friendships that are rooted in deeper, more meaningful connections. 

Whatever it is, getting clear on what you need right now is essential. We have to be honest with ourselves and ask those uncomfortable questions. Reflecting on this gives us a clearer perspective on which relationships are aligned with our growth and which ones are no longer serving our journey. And remember, it is okay to outgrow people. It does not diminish the past, but it does pave the way for a more intentional future. 

I know you have a million things on your plate, between work, family, and everything else, finding even a moment to reflect can feel impossible. However, carving out time to reflect and realign is crucial for your growth and well-being. Check out my Time Management Course, designed specifically for women like us who need practical tools to take control of our schedules. If you are feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start, this is what you need.

3. Prepare for Honest Conversations 

For many of us women, the thought of having an open and honest conversation with someone we have outgrown can feel daunting. We worry about hurting feelings, stirring up drama, or being labeled as confrontational. However, having these conversations with honesty and kindness is essential for both parties involved.  

When we recognize that a friendship or relationship no longer fits our lives, preparing for an honest conversation allows us to create a sense of closure and clarity. These conversations can be tough, but they also offer a chance for both people to grow and move on without resentment or confusion.  

Being assertive in our communication also reflects how well we protect our boundaries. When we outgrow people, it is essential to have the courage to engage in honest conversations about our evolving needs and relationships. If you need guidance on how to communicate your needs assertively, handle difficult conversations with grace, and protect your emotional space effectively, my book, Brave Boundaries is here to help. 

4. Release the Guilt and Embrace Self-Care

This one hit home for most of us. We are often conditioned to feel guilty when we put ourselves first, especially when it comes to relationships. We may feel responsible for someone else’s happiness or worry that by moving on, we are abandoning them. But outgrowing someone is an act of self-care and self-awareness. When we recognize that a relationship no longer serves our growth, it is essential to release the guilt that comes with letting go.  

Let’s remind ourselves that prioritizing our personal well-being is not something to feel guilty about.  

Holding on to relationships out of guilt only keeps us stuck, preventing both parties from evolving. Embrace this period as a time to nurture yourself, reflect on what you need, and pour your effort into self-care. Whether it is journaling, meditating, or simply taking time to recharge, focusing on your emotional health allows you to move through this transition with grace. Remember, we are not responsible for how someone else processes our growth. It is okay to release what no longer serves us. 

Speaking of self-care, begin it by putting yourself first. If you have been feeling the weight of everyone else’s expectations and know deep down it is time for a major life reset, REVIVE Retreat is what you need. 

REVIVE is a luxury, high-touch event designed specifically for women physicians who are ready for a fresh start. It is for those of us who work so hard for others but feel the pull to finally prioritize ourselves. Starting in January 2025, this retreat will be your chance to begin the year focusing on YOU. It is for the woman who knows it is time to set radical boundaries, level up, and stop feeling guilty about choosing herself. 

If you have been feeling the urge to release the guilt and fully embrace self-care, this is your invitation. Ready to make real change? Start 2025 with radical transformation, save your SPOT today. 

5. Create Space for New Connections 

Once we have outgrown certain people and moved on from those relationships, it is time to open ourselves up to what is next. Creating space for new connections means being intentional about what we allow into our lives. As we evolve, we attract people who are more aligned with who we are becoming, and this is something to celebrate. While it might feel unfamiliar or even lonely at first, trust that this is a necessary part of growth.  

During this time, be open to meeting new people in places and spaces that reflect your current interests and values, whether that is through work, hobbies, or mutual friends. Cultivating relationships that align with our present and future selves will bring a sense of fulfillment that those old, unaligned connections could not. Remember, quality over quantity is key—focus on building relationships that uplift you, challenge you, and support your continued growth.  

By creating space for new, aligned connections, we are honoring our journey and inviting in the relationships that are meant to carry us forward. 

Outgrowing people often paves the way for new and enriching connections. If you are seeking a community of like-minded women who are also embracing growth and positive change, come join us at The Table. 

At The Table, we understand the journey of moving beyond old relationships and making space for those who truly support our evolving selves. Our community is a vibrant network of women who are navigating the complexities of work, family, and personal development, all while striving for better work-life control. 

So, if you are ready to outgrow the old and welcome new, empowering connections, come be a part of our community.  

Your Next Chapter Awaits

As women, we are constantly evolving, learning, and redefining ourselves. And with that evolution comes the natural process of outgrowing certain relationships and environments. 

By acknowledging when it is time to move on, we are giving ourselves permission to step fully into who we are becoming. We are creating space for new connections, opportunities, and experiences that align with our current values and goals. And most importantly, we are showing ourselves that growth is a beautiful, necessary part of life—even when it means saying goodbye to what once was. 

So, the next time you find yourself feeling disconnected from a relationship or a place, remember that outgrowing is not a sign of failure. It is a sign of growth. And growth is exactly what we are here to do. Embrace it, lean into it, and trust that by letting go, you are making space for something even better to enter your life. 

In the end, outgrowing people is not about losing them—it is about finding yourself.