There was a moment in time—when I sat at my desk, surrounded by to-do lists and endless meetings, feeling completely stuck. I had the title. I had the paycheck. But deep down, I was restless. I craved purpose, alignment, and something that actually lit me up every day.
Sound familiar?
If you’re nodding your head, I want to share the real, raw truth about how I pivoted from stuck to unstoppable in my career—and how you can do the same. These aren’t recycled strategies. These are hard-earned insights from someone who’s been there and now stands on the other side, building a life and business that fuels her soul.
1. I Stopped Apologizing for Wanting More
First, I gave myself permission to outgrow the version of me who settled for “fine.” That meant shedding guilt about wanting a new chapter. If you feel like your ambition is “too much” or your dream feels “unrealistic,” let me tell you this: those thoughts are fear in disguise. I stopped apologizing, and I started dreaming again—with no limits.
Try this: Write out your wildest, most unfiltered dream job. Not the one you think is “safe”—the one that excites your spirit.
2. I Created a Pivot Blueprint
A pivot isn’t a leap of faith—it’s a strategic shift. I treated my transition like a project: I outlined my values, identified what was missing in my current career, researched new paths, and created a 90-day micro-goal map.
I asked myself:
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What skills am I underutilizing?
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What environment allows me to thrive?
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Who is already doing what I want—and how can I learn from them?
Pro tip: Use a journal (like the Smartly Empowered Dream Bigger Journal) to map this out weekly.
3. I Made My Network Work for Me
I didn’t try to pivot in isolation. I reached out to mentors, sent coffee chat invites, joined career-focused communities, and invested in relationships. One conversation opened a door I didn’t even know existed.
Don’t underestimate the power of strategic connection. When you show up with clarity and confidence, people are more than willing to help.
Challenge for you: Message three people this week whose careers you admire. Start the conversation.
4. I Built While Still in the Building
Here’s the thing: I didn’t quit my job overnight. I tested the waters. I freelanced. I created small wins. I built a bridge before jumping ship. That made the transition less scary and gave me proof that my pivot was working.
If you’re pivoting, think like a scientist. Test. Reflect. Adjust.
5. I Did the Inner Work
No pivot is sustainable if your mindset isn’t aligned. I had to rewire my thoughts around fear, worthiness, and success. I used affirmations, therapy, and journaling to stay rooted in my “why.”
One of the affirmations that carried me through was:
“I am capable of doing work that aligns with who I am becoming.”
If you’ve been ignoring the inner work—start there. The outer results will follow.
The Takeaway:
You don’t need to stay stuck. Your next chapter doesn’t have to be a mystery. You can design it—boldly, intentionally, and on your own terms.
If you're ready to take that first step, I invite you to explore the tools I created out of my own journey—especially the Dream Bigger Journal and Lead, Succeed, Thrive Planner. They were born from this exact season in my life.
You are not behind. You are not too late. And you are absolutely capable.
Let’s pivot—with power.
With belief in your brilliance,
Ceteria Golden
Founder, Smartly Empowered