Endings Open Doors—But How You Close Them Matters
Lately, I’ve been speaking a lot about choosing intentional endings. Whether in business, leadership, or life, the ability to end well is a critical skill in a world of constant change.
I’ve also talked about Radical Adaptability—not just reacting to change, but proactively shaping it.
On the surface, it might seem like the U.S. federal government is doing just that—boldly making cuts, clearing inefficiencies, and restructuring for the future.
Not so fast.
Because how we handle endings matters just as much as what we end. And when endings are rash, reactionary, or reckless, they create regret, chaos, and unintended consequences.
A Warning, Not a Playbook
In recent weeks, the U.S. government has carried out a wave of abrupt firings and agency cutbacks.
- The IRS is terminating employees during peak tax season, which could lead to delayed refunds and processing backlogs.
- The FAA has cut staff at a time when aviation safety concerns are rising, raising questions about how this will impact passenger security and flight operations.
- And at a recent event, Elon Musk literally took the stage with a chainsaw—a not-so-subtle metaphor for slashing government inefficiencies.
Now, I think most people agree: Bureaucracy can be inefficient. Change is necessary.
But a chainsaw isn’t exactly a tool for precision. It’s jagged, harsh, and—if you’re not careful—it leaves damage in its wake.
That’s a perfect metaphor for what happens when we cut too fast, without clarity, communication, or a transition plan. And it’s not just governments or companies that do this—people do it, too.
Lessons from the Great Resignation
During the Great Resignation, millions of people left their jobs in pursuit of something better.
For some, it worked out. For many, it didn’t.
Subsequent surveys revealed that up to 80% of those who left in pursuit of new opportunities later regretted it, experiencing unforeseen challenges in their new roles and realizing they had walked away from stability, connection, and opportunities they hadn’t fully considered.
They left reactively, not proactively. And when endings happen that way, regret often follows.
So what’s the alternative?
The 5 C’s Provide a Path to Ending Well
Every ending is a decision, and every decision is an opportunity. If you’re facing an ending in your life—a job, a relationship, a habit, or a project—my 5 C’s to Radical Adaptability offer a path to approach it with intention instead of impulse:
✅ Calm – Pause. Endings can be emotional, but emotions shouldn’t drive the decision. Take a breath. Step back. Give yourself the space to respond rather than react. Rash endings stem from stress, fear, or frustration—not from clarity.
✅ Clarity – Get clear on why you’re considering this ending. Are you running from discomfort, or stepping toward something better? Will this move create long-term rewards, or will it create more damage in the process?
✅ Courage – Would you rather stay comfortable and suffer the long-term consequences, or be courageous and take a step toward something better? True courage isn’t just acting boldly—it’s choosing the brave path, not the brash one. Musk’s chainsaw approach looks bold, but is it actually brave? Or is it a comfortable power move that avoids the discomfort of leading people through change with care?
✅ Confidence – Trust the process. Confidence isn’t about knowing exactly how everything will play out—it’s about believing that with the right foundation, the right outcome will follow. When we make endings with intention, we don’t have to second-guess. We trust that we did it the right way.
✅ Community – Endings affect people. That’s the part we often forget. Change can be painful, but leaders have a responsibility to minimize unnecessary harm. Sometimes a difficult decision will still cause pain. But as leaders—whether in business, life, or even personal relationships—we must ask: Are we cutting just to cut? Or are we leading with care?
Your Turn
Think of an area in your life where you’ve been considering an ending.
Ask yourself: Am I ending this with calm, clarity, courage, confidence, and connection?
What knee-jerk reaction can you end today in favor of a more intentional response?
- Ending the habit of making reactive decisions without reflection.
- Ending avoidance by finally making a decision you’ve put off.
- Ending an attachment to something that no longer serves you—but doing it the right way.
This Moment Matters
Your next move doesn’t have to be big—it just has to be intentional.
What’s one action you can take today that moves you toward an ending you won’t regret?
- If you’re thinking of quitting your job, schedule a conversation with a mentor before making a decision you can’t undo.
- If you need to restructure your team, create a transition plan before making cuts that leave damage behind.
- If you’re struggling in a relationship, get clear on what you really want before walking away.
Every moment is an opportunity to choose wisely.
Today, you get to decide:
Will this be an ending you regret?
Or an ending that opens the door to something better?