You know you should have the conversation with your boss. Put yourself forward for the promotion. Start exploring other roles. Become more visible. Stop saying yes to everything.

You think about it. You might even make a plan.

And then… nothing happens.

In this episode Sarah explores why knowing what you want to do doesn’t always translate into taking action. Sometimes what looks like procrastination is actually a way of protecting ourselves from uncertainty, rejection, discomfort or the possibility of becoming someone different.

We look at what your inaction might be protecting you from, the hidden cost of staying where you are, why waiting to feel ready can keep you stuck, and how your existing identity might make your next career move feel uncomfortable.

Most importantly, we get practical.

You don't need to have your whole career figured out. You don't need a five-year plan. And you don't need to make a huge, life-changing decision tomorrow.

Instead, you can take one small step that gives you more information.

Because action gives you information that thinking can't.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why career procrastination isn't always a motivation problem
• What your inaction might be protecting you from
• The hidden cost of staying in a role or situation that no longer works for you
• The trade-offs that come with career change and progression
• Why waiting until you feel ready can keep you stuck
• How preparation can sometimes become a form of avoidance
• The identity you may be protecting as you consider your next step
• How to make a big career action much smaller
• Why small actions generate useful information and build confidence
• The two questions to ask when you know what you want but aren't taking action

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck & Unstoppable

Introducing the podcast and who it's for.

01:27 – You know what to do, so why aren't you doing it?

Why knowing what you want doesn't automatically lead to action.

03:00 – What is your inaction protecting you from?

Looking beyond procrastination to the uncertainty, rejection and discomfort underneath it.

04:00 – Maybe you don't have an action problem

Why not taking action can sometimes feel like the safest and most rational choice.

06:00 – The hidden cost of staying stuck

What another year in the same situation could cost you in energy, confidence, time and opportunities.

07:00 – What will you have to give up?

Understanding the trade-offs that come with career progression and change.

09:00 – Are you waiting to feel ready?

Why there may never be a perfect moment when you suddenly feel ready to take the next step.

10:00 – Thoughtful or stuck?

When preparation and reflection become a way of avoiding action.

11:00 – What identity are you protecting?

How becoming more senior, visible or ambitious can require you to step beyond an identity that has served you well.

12:00 – Make the action smaller

Why you don't need to rewrite your whole CV, build the perfect business case or completely reinvent yourself.

14:00 – Let action give you information

How small experiments can help you discover what you really want and build confidence.

15:00 – Two questions to help you move forward

“If I knew I couldn't fail, what would I do?” followed by the more useful question: what's the smallest version of that action?

16:00 – Maybe you don't need certainty. Maybe you need permission.

Permission to explore, change your mind, want something different and take a step without knowing exactly where it will lead.

17:00 – Don't let your career reset disappear

Choose one small action and put it in your diary.

18:00 – Closing thoughts

A final reminder that your career is built through the small decisions and actions you take along the way.

Useful Links

Join The 7 Day Career Reset

Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Rate & Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: [email protected]