This summer I had more conversations than ever before with executives who used the word “stuck” when they described themselves.

There are always a variety of reasons for feeling this way, but here’s something I’ve noticed in my 30+ years in the business of helping executives find work they love, you’re only as stuck as you think you are.

Sure, you’re crazy busy with your family and your job. I get it. We all are. But if you are unhappy in your job… make the time. Put it on your schedule – like you do all the other important things in your life.

Easy? No. But you do harder things all the time, don’t you?

Everything you do during your scheduled “Getting Myself Unstuck Times” needs to be documented. Write down your goals, your plan to get there, and track your progress toward meeting your goal, just like you would with your business. We all know it only matters if it gets tracked and measured.

Once you have your goals and a plan for obtaining them written down, share it.

That’s the hard part. Making it real.

Share with your spouse, good friend, better yet, with a career coach. You have to share it so that you have someone “holding you accountable.” Schedule regular check-ins with that person to review your progress toward your goal. All they really have to do is listen; you’ll do the work by being prepared for that meeting. And if you are not… you’ll know. It’ll be clear as you must explain your lack of progress toward your goal since the last meeting. Make a promise to yourself to get “unstuck” by getting on your own schedule and making accountability for your desire to become unstuck a priority.

If you’re feeling kind of stuck these days, reach out to me. I was recently talking with executives in these situations:

  • A VP of Sales who is going through a restructuring and doesn’t see a future where she is
  • A CFO whose company was acquired and is now looking for his Next Great Next
  • Sr. Strategic Operations leader who has hit a ceiling in terms of compensation and growth

I wouldn’t want you to feel stuck, of course, but I would love to connect with you, find out your story and what you are looking to do.

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