Feeling stuck? How to move forward in your career and life

Where would you go next in your career or life? Are you wondering how to launch yourself into the career you really want? Do you have a dream or goal that you've been putting off? Are you at a crossroads, wondering whether to take that leap of faith and try something different? 

Or perhaps you're approaching retirement and thinking about how to make the next chapter of your life as fulfilling as possible.

It might surprise you that, in all of these situations, there are often similar factors holding people back.

Over more than 35 years of coaching, I have supported clients through each of these scenarios, and I've found there are two ways of looking at the journey.

1. Moving from A to B

Sometimes you are very clear about what 'B' looks like, but you need help identifying the steps to get there, along with the support, encouragement and accountability to keep moving forward.

More often, however, people aren't entirely sure what 'B' will look, sound or feel like.

• What would a career in a different industry really be like, beyond the highlights you see on social media?
• What would it actually feel like to pursue that long-held dream?
• What would changing careers, going for a promotion or starting a business mean for your life?
• What will retirement really look like, and how can you make sure it feels purposeful rather than simply filling time?

Once you have greater clarity about where you want to go, coaching helps you identify the practical steps to get there while supporting you through the obstacles and setbacks that naturally arise along the way.

2. Going within – transforming the internal blocks

In exploring these scenarios, I have yet to meet a client who didn't also need to look within themselves.

It may be the way they think, feel or behave that is preventing them from moving forward. After all, if we didn't have internal obstacles, many of us would simply get on with making the changes we want to make.

So, what might those inner blocks look like?

Your inner fearful child

This is the part of you that asks endless "What if?" questions.

If these fears are ignored, they can hold you back, create sleepless nights or undermine the confidence needed to take action.

Your inner critic

You probably know this voice well.

It's the one that says:

"You're not clever enough."

"You're not organised enough."

"You're not confident enough."

"You've left it too late."

Coaching helps you recognise these thoughts without allowing them to dictate your decisions.

Your limiting beliefs

Some limiting beliefs are obvious, while others remain hidden until they're explored.

Coaching can help you identify these beliefs, challenge them and replace them with more empowering ways of thinking that support your journey from A to B.

Your mood and motivation

When your inner critic and your fears are battling for attention, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, demoralised or stuck before you've even begun.

Learning how to manage your mindset, mood and motivation helps you continue moving forward, even when challenges arise.

"You can't step in the same river twice. Each time it is different, and so are you."

Next steps

Start journalling

I can't overstate how valuable it can be to tune into your thoughts through journalling. It helps you process your inner dialogue, recognise patterns and begin turning reflection into action. It's a habit I have maintained since my mid-twenties and still find incredibly valuable today.

Find an accountability partner

I believe in practising what I preach.

For the past couple of years, I've met with a friend who runs her own business every fortnight. We spend the first 15 minutes quietly reflecting on the previous two weeks—the successes, challenges and lessons learned. We then each have 15 minutes to talk through whatever we're currently working on before agreeing on our next actions.

It's a simple process, but one that's surprisingly powerful.

Consider working with a coach

Alongside my accountability partner, I have also worked with coaches throughout my own career.

Having someone to help you explore what's happening beneath the surface, challenge your thinking and keep you accountable can make a significant difference when you're working towards meaningful change.

Moving forward

Whether you're considering a career change, preparing for retirement or simply looking for greater fulfilment in your work and life, moving forward often requires more than just a plan. It also requires understanding yourself, challenging what's holding you back and taking consistent action.

The destination may change over time, but developing the confidence and self-awareness to move from where you are today to where you'd like to be will continue to serve you throughout your career and beyond.