On Breaking Beliefs, I recently sat down with Darren Root, Growth Strategist at Rightworks, for a conversation that touched on something many of us face: the challenge of letting go to grow. Darren's journey from working in his father's firm to building his own thriving practice delivers valuable insights about making intentional choices in our careers.

The Courage to Choose Your Path

Sometimes, the hardest decisions come when we're following what seems like a preset path. For Darren, this meant joining his father's accounting firm after a brief stint at Deloitte. While the firm grew quickly under their partnership, Darren found himself pulled in a different direction, particularly around technology and innovation.

"Dad was super happy with those black binders and didn't want to give them up," Darren shared, reflecting on their different approaches to embracing change. I often see this generational divide around technology in my work with firms. The challenge isn't just about adopting new tools—it's about being open to new ways of thinking and working.

The Weight of Family Expectations

Darren's experience offers valuable wisdom for anyone working in a family business. The decision to split from his father's practice wasn't just about business—it was about navigating complex family dynamics. He emphasizes the importance of open communication before making such transitions, noting that holiday dinners still need to happen even after business partnerships end.

Breaking Free from the "Always Available" Trap

One of Darren's most profound insights came from reading The E-Myth. He realized he had built a practice that entirely depended on him—something many professionals pride themselves on initially. "I took great pride and joy that every time the phone rang, I knew they would buzz me because everybody wanted to talk to me," he reflected.

But this constant availability came at a cost. With three young children and a growing practice, something had to give. The real change began when Darren realized he could create something that didn't solely rely on him.

Here's where it gets interesting and, honestly, where many of us struggle. Letting go of being the go-to person goes beyond systems and processes. It's about managing our ego and identity. As Darren discovered through reading The Untethered Soul, our ego often drives us to maintain control even when it's holding us back from growth.

Creating Space for Others

What really struck me was Darren's evolution in watching others enter his field. After selling Rootworks to Rightworks, he saw many team members and former clients start similar businesses. Instead of feeling threatened, he found it "super gratifying" to see others carry forward and build upon his work.

Perhaps most surprisingly, Darren shared that he's an introvert—something many wouldn't guess from his public speaking and industry leadership. This revelation highlights an important truth: you don't have to change who you are to make an impact. Instead, build systems and teams that complement your natural style.

The Power of Intentional Choices

The thread running through Darren's story is intentionality. Whether choosing to split from a family business, letting go of constant control, or making space for others to grow, success comes from making conscious choices rather than simply following established patterns.

Your Turn to Choose

Darren's story reminded me that transformation often begins with a single intentional choice. Maybe it's deciding to delegate more, having that difficult conversation you've been avoiding, or simply pausing to question whether your current path aligns with your values.

Remember, being intentional doesn't mean having all the answers. As Darren puts it, "Take a moment and make sure you're choosing the things that you want your life to be." Sometimes the most powerful choice is simply creating space, for new ideas, for others to grow, and for your own next chapter to unfold.

Ready to explore how intentional choices could transform your professional journey? Visit BusinessBalanceBliss.com for resources on creating meaningful change in your work and life.