One Small Step to Get Unstuck: How to Move Forward When You’re in the Middle of a Major Life Shift

So you made the leap.

You left your job, started your coaching business, or finally acted on that nudge that’s been whispering, “This ain't it.”

At first, it felt empowering—liberating, even.

And then… came the fog.

Not quite burnout.

Not exactly regret.

But definitely stuck.

You’re in motion but not moving. Inspired but also kind of paralyzed. Every next step feels like it needs a five-part strategy or a total brand overhaul.

So instead, you hesitate.

If this sounds like you, let me offer a reframe: You’re not broken. You’re in a transition.

And what you need isn’t a total reinvention. You just need one small step to get unstuck.

Why Stuckness Isn’t a Problem—It’s a Pattern

That stuck feeling? It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.

It means you’re in between identities. You’ve left behind the certainty of your previous role or title, but you haven’t fully landed in what’s next. That’s uncomfortable, especially for high-achieving women used to being excellent at everything they do.

The truth is, your brain craves clarity—but your nervous system craves safety. When everything around you is changing, it’s completely normal to freeze up. And trying to push through it with hustle, productivity, or perfectionism only makes the stuckness stick around longer.

What works instead?

A gentle pivot.

A decision.

A single, clear action.

From Foggy to Forward: A Real-Life Example

In a recent episode of Thriver’s Ed, I spoke with Wendy Alexander, a career coach who helps midlife women navigate the often messy process of change.

Wendy shared her story of rising through the ranks of a male-dominated corporate world—managing hundreds of millions of dollars—only to hit a wall when severe menopause symptoms changed everything.

What followed wasn’t a dramatic overnight reinvention. It was slow. Intentional. She journaled. Reflected. Reached out. Reconnected with what had always brought her joy.

What she learned, and what I’ve seen over and over again with my own clients, is that big clarity doesn’t come from big moves. 

It comes from small, aligned steps taken consistently.

Feeling Stuck in Your Coaching Business? Here’s What That Might Look Like

If you’ve recently started your coaching business and you’re stuck, it might show up like:

• Not knowing what to post or share, so you don’t share anything
  

• Wondering if your story is “good enough” to build a brand around
  

• Avoiding people you used to work with because you're unsure how to describe what you're doing now
  

• Feeling a strange mix of freedom and fear when you think about the future
  

• Waiting to feel “clear” before you make a move
  

Let me gently remind you: you can’t think your way into clarity. You act your way there. So what’s one small step you can take today to get unstuck?

Five Small Steps to Get Unstuck

Here are five options—choose whichever one speaks to where you are right now. You don’t need to do all five at once—just pick your next best step.

1. Talk to an Expert

Whether it’s a doctor, therapist, coach, or mentor—support matters.You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Even a single conversation can reframe your entire next chapter.

Not sure where to start? Book a free call with me here

2. Mine Your Story

What have you overcome? What lights you up?There are clues in your lived experience. The story you’re sitting on is the story someone else is waiting to hear. Start connecting those dots.

A journaling prompt for you:

“Where have I felt most alive—and what did that teach me about what I want now?”

3. Update Your LinkedIn Profile

Even if it’s just your headline. Let the world know you’ve shifted. Claim this version of yourself—even if you’re still figuring it out. A clear headline can open doors you don’t even see yet.

4. Reach Out to One Person

An old colleague. A mentor. A peer who gets it. Don’t overthink it—just start a conversation. You’re not bothering them. You’re creating connection. Even a short message like, “Hey, I’d love to catch up sometime” can be the spark that reminds you you’re not in this alone.

5. Pick One Small Step—and Then Go Take It

Not ten. One.

• Book a coffee chat

  
  

• Draft a story post
  

• Brainstorm client wins
  

• Revisit a past idea
  

Small steps done consistently build momentum. And momentum builds clarity.

You Don’t Need a Whole Strategy—Just a Starting Point

This season of your life isn’t about grinding or hustling. It’s about alignment, story, and softness.

One small step might not look flashy. It might not even feel productive at first. But it’s the beginning of momentum.

You’re not stuck because you’re broken. You’re stuck because you’re evolving. And evolution takes space, softness, and time.

Let this post be your permission slip to go slow—but go.

Want More Support?

If you found this helpful, I’d love to send more guidance straight to your inbox—honest, thoughtful insights for women building coaching businesses with heart and intention.

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