How to Reclaim Control of Your Career (even if you feel stuck right now)

Jan 07, 2025

A person looking determined, mapping out steps to regain control of their career while feeling stuck.

What does it take to build a career that truly take contron of you career and find one that excites and fulfills you?
If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure of your next step, or like your career is something that just happens to you rather than something you design, you’re not alone. The 12 Days of Career Goals conference brought together 21 of the top minds in career development to answer one vital question:

What is the Meaning of Career Control?
Understanding the Cost of Staying Stuck
The First Step to Gaining Control of Your Career Journey
Identifying and Leveraging Your Strengths
Growing Confidence Through Action
Strategic Networking and Visibility
Thriving in a Changing Job Landscape
FAQs About Taking Control of Your Career

How can you take control of your career?

Over 12 days, these experts shared game-changing strategies to help professionals reclaim their confidence, spark clarity, and start building a career they’re excited to wake up to every morning. From learning how to break free from “stuckness” to building resilience in a fast-changing job market, the lessons were clear:

Your career is in your hands.

Let’s dive into six transformational insights that will help you own your career journey, no matter where you’re starting.

What is The Meaning of Career Control?

Here’s a powerful truth: career control is about choice. It’s deciding how your work fits into your life, rather than feeling like life just happens to you. It’s about saying, “I get to shape my path,” instead of waiting for opportunities to fall into your lap.

But let’s face it—taking control often comes with an unwelcome companion: fear. Fear of change. Fear of failure. Fear of stepping into the unknown. These fears can keep us stuck, convincing us that staying in a job we’ve outgrown is safer than exploring what’s next.

Erica Rivera urged us to ask the tough questions about what staying in an unfulfilling role is truly costing us—our mental health, happiness, and long-term growth. Meanwhile, Jonathan Fields reminded us of the joy and energy that come when our work aligns with purpose.

Experts like Theresa White and Diana YK Chan mapped out a clear path to clarity, breaking it down into actionable steps that transform vague career aspirations into achievable goals. Meanwhile, Eliana Goldstein and Katy Culver emphasized the power of owning your story and reframing setbacks as opportunities for reinvention.

Whether it was embracing strategic networking, leveraging visibility, or cultivating a winning mindset, the event drove home one undeniable truth:

Success isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. It’s built through self-awareness, consistent small actions, and an unwavering commitment to growth.

1. Understanding the Cost of Staying Stuck in Your Career

At the 12 Days of Career Goals, Erica Rivera, Careerologist & Author, posed a question so simple yet so profound it’s hard to ignore: “What is it costing you to stay where you are?”

Take a moment to really think about it. Staying stuck isn’t just about feeling annoyed by your job or dreading Monday mornings. It’s the invisible toll—the way your mental health is chipped away by stress or stagnation. It’s the erosion of your happiness when every day feels the same, leaving you uninspired. And perhaps most painfully, it’s the stalling of your personal growth, watching opportunities for progress slip away as you cling to what feels safe.

This realization can be the wake-up call you need to step outside your comfort zone and take the reins of your career.

Jonathan Fields, Founder of Spark Endeavors and Creator of Sparketypes, added another layer to this by introducing the idea of being “sparked” in your work. When your job aligns with drivers like meaning, flow, purpose, and engagement, it stops being something that drains you and starts being a source of joy and energy. Imagine waking up excited for your day—not dreading it.

But here’s the catch: finding that spark doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind. Jonathan reminded us that stability matters. This isn’t about abandoning your practical needs or making reckless moves. Instead, it’s about small, intentional changes that move you closer to the career you truly want.

Experiment with a project that excites you.
Volunteer for a task outside your comfort zone.
Explore a new idea or skill that sparks your curiosity.

These steps might seem small, but they build momentum. They keep you secure while nudging you closer to fulfillment.

Ultimately, owning your career pivot isn’t about a dramatic reinvention. It’s about having the courage to evolve, one thoughtful step at a time.

So, let me ask you this: What’s your next step?

2. The First Step to Gaining Control of Your Career Journey

Before making any career shift, you need to take a closer look at yourself. Jonathan Fields highlighted this as the essential first step: self-discovery. His Sparketype® assessment is a powerful tool that helps uncover what truly excites and energizes you in your work. Because here’s the truth: without understanding what drives you, it’s nearly impossible to build a career that feels meaningful.

Theresa White, a Career Clarity Expert and 5x Certified Career Coach, took it further, emphasizing that clarity is the foundation of career success. Think of it this way: if you don’t know where you’re going, how can you create a plan to get there? She encourages starting with a clear vision of your ideal career—because that clarity enables intentional, focused action.

But how do you achieve clarity? Theresa outlines six career puzzle pieces:

Strengths: Your natural patterns of success.
Skills: The ones you love to use.
Interests: What sparks your curiosity.
Your Spark: Work that brings meaning and flow.
Values: Your non-negotiables and authentic principles.
Ideal Working Conditions: The environment where you thrive.

When these pieces come together, they create a vivid picture of your ideal role, allowing you to act with confidence and purpose.

Diana YK Chan, a Personal Branding Expert and LinkedIn Learning Instructor, summed it up perfectly: clarity doesn’t just define your career—it fuels your confidence. And confidence? That’s what opens doors. When you deeply understand your strengths, values, and unique contributions, you can communicate them powerfully—whether on LinkedIn, your resume, or in conversations.

And that’s how it starts: clarity builds confidence, and confidence creates opportunities.

3. Identifying and Leveraging Your Strengths

Thriving in your career isn’t about mastering every skill—it’s about focusing on the ones you love. Eliana Goldstein, Founder & Career Coach at Eliana Goldstein Coaching, explained that the skills that energize you are the ones that will lead you to both success and fulfillment. When you prioritize what excites you, you’re far more likely to pivot into a role where you not only excel but also find true satisfaction.

But what happens when setbacks, like a layoff, knock the wind out of your confidence? Eliana shared a practical strategy: separate fact from story.

Fact: You were part of a company restructuring.
Story: Instead of, “I wasn’t good enough,” reframe it to, “This is my opportunity to realign with work I love.”

This mindset shift is empowering. It transforms a career disruption into a chance to reimagine your path, seeing transitions as opportunities rather than endings.

Katy Culver, Career Coach & Mindset Mentor, took it further by championing the art of selective storytelling. She explained that whether you’re a generalist or navigating a career pivot, you have the power to craft your narrative. Focus on the parts of your story that align with your target role and let those shine. This approach makes it crystal clear to hiring managers why you’re the perfect fit—without overwhelming them with irrelevant details.

Victoria Michaels, Executive Career Coach, tied it all together with a crucial reminder: communicate your value with precision. Make sure your LinkedIn and resume reflect the story you want hiring managers to believe. When your digital presence and personal narrative align, you create a cohesive, compelling case for why you belong in your dream role.

Together, these strategies turn your career journey into a narrative of strength, clarity, and purpose—one that’s uniquely yours.

4. How Growing Confidence Through Action Helps You Gain Control of Your Career

Confidence isn’t a destination you arrive at; it’s a journey you build, step by step. Dr. Jasmine Escalera, Reinvention Coach, shattered the myth that confident people never feel fear or uncertainty. In reality, confidence and doubt can coexist—and the true power of confidence lies in taking action despite the discomfort. Confidence isn’t the absence of doubt—it’s the choice to act anyway.

For those navigating a career pivot, both Erica Rivera and Eliana Goldstein emphasized starting small. Begin with a self-audit to identify what excites and energizes you. Then, take deliberate actions like networking, learning a new skill, or researching industries that align with your goals. These small wins—whether it’s a productive conversation or successfully completing a course—create momentum that pushes you forward and reinforces your belief in yourself.

Sheena Yap Chan, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, introduced another crucial piece of the puzzle: healing. Confidence often requires confronting and reframing limiting beliefs. She shared her personal story of feeling “too different” for success, tracing those doubts back to failing kindergarten for coloring outside the lines. That childhood experience planted seeds of self-doubt that lingered for years. By addressing these unresolved beliefs, Sheena learned to see her uniqueness as a strength and built the foundation for true confidence.

The takeaway is clear: confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s built through action, reflection, and growth. With every small step, you gain momentum. With every limiting belief you reframe, you build self-acceptance.

Step by step, as you heal, grow, and take intentional action, confidence becomes the key to owning your career journey.

5. Strategic Networking and Visibility

“Throw out your resume and network like your life depends on it.” That’s the bold advice from Victoria Michaels, and it couldn’t be more true. Why? Because real opportunities don’t live on job boards—they live in relationships.

Victoria urged professionals to reach out intentionally, suggesting a simple yet powerful strategy: connect with 10 people for every role you apply for. But this isn’t about spamming LinkedIn with connection requests—it’s about authenticity. Genuine relationships open doors that even the most polished resume cannot. A warm referral or an advocate in the room carries far more weight than words on paper ever will.

But networking is only the starting point. Tiffany Uman, CEO & Career Coach, emphasized a hard truth: hard work alone isn’t enough to guarantee career growth. Visibility is equally important. If people don’t know about your contributions, how can they champion your success? Building a network of advocates who will vouch for you when you’re not in the room is critical. Tiffany encouraged stepping into the spotlight—whether by presenting your ideas in meetings, volunteering for high-profile projects, or taking on leadership roles in team initiatives.

Melody Wilding, Author of Managing Up, explained the final piece of the puzzle: mastering the art of managing up. This isn’t about brown-nosing or flattery. It’s about building trust and influencing decision-makers by understanding their needs, offering solutions, and fostering collaboration. Even if you don’t hold positional power, you can still lead through relationships and strategic alignment.

When you combine authentic networking, visible contributions, and managing up, you create a trifecta for career success. In today’s workplace, being excellent at what you do isn’t enough—you need to ensure the right people see it.

Remember: It’s not just about working hard. It’s about being visible, being connected, and being intentional. That’s how you stand out and create opportunities in your career through strategic networking.

6. Take Control of Your Career by Adapting and Thriving in a Changing Landscape

Adaptability isn’t just a “nice-to-have” skill anymore—it’s a must-have. According to Andrew Seaman, LinkedIn Editor-at-Large for Jobs and Career Development, adaptability is the foundation of career success in 2025. Employers are laser-focused on hiring candidates who can thrive in times of change, and the best way to showcase this ability is through your stories.

Have you transitioned to a new software system during a team restructure? Stepped up to lead during a crisis? Taken on unexpected cross-functional responsibilities? These experiences don’t just show you survived change—they highlight that you thrived under pressure.

But thriving in a fast-changing landscape isn’t just about technical skills. Victoria Michaels and Katy Culver both emphasize the importance of a strong mindset. Victoria encourages daily affirmations and intentional habits to “get your brain in the game.” Katy pushes us to adopt radical responsibility—to stop asking, “Is this possible for me?” and start asking, “How can I make this happen?” This mental shift transforms doubt into action and hesitation into progress.

And when doubt does creep in? Dr. Jasmine Escalera and Sheena Yap Chan suggest turning to a powerful tool: your “badass list.” What’s a badass list? It’s a collection of personal wins—big or small—that remind you of your strength and resilience. Whether it’s acing a project, learning a new skill, or overcoming a tough challenge, tracking these victories provides tangible proof that you’re capable of handling hard things.

Adaptability starts with action. It’s about owning your mindset, taking responsibility, and celebrating every win along the way. Combine these elements, and you’ll create the confidence and momentum to not just survive, but thrive, in an ever-changing professional landscape.

Adapt. Grow. Thrive. That’s the formula for success in today’s world.

FAQs About How do you take control of your career?

How to remove career blockages?

Removing career blockages starts with identifying what’s holding you back. Is it a lack of clarity, confidence, or opportunity? Begin by taking a step back to assess your situation. Reflect on your goals, strengths, and the skills you need to develop to move forward. Then, take small, deliberate actions to overcome those barriers—whether that’s upskilling, networking, or reframing limiting beliefs.

Remember, not all blockages are external. Sometimes, self-doubt or fear of failure can be the biggest obstacles. Reframe setbacks as learning experiences and seek mentorship or coaching to gain perspective. Build momentum by celebrating small wins, and remember: every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

How to recover from a destroyed career?

Rebuilding your career after a major setback can feel overwhelming, but it’s possible—and often transformational. Start by reframing your story: your career isn’t destroyed; it’s ready for reinvention. Reflect on what went wrong and what you’ve learned. Use this clarity to realign with what truly excites and fulfills you.

Then, take action. Update your resume and LinkedIn to emphasize your strengths and accomplishments. Begin networking strategically to uncover hidden opportunities. Consider upskilling or pivoting into a new field if needed. Most importantly, focus on resilience. Building a “badass list” of your past wins, as experts suggest, can remind you of your capability and rebuild confidence. Your career isn’t over—it’s just entering its next chapter.

How do I get unstuck from my career?

Feeling stuck often comes from a lack of clarity or alignment. Start by asking yourself the tough questions: What is staying in this role costing me? and What do I truly want in my career? Once you gain clarity, take small, intentional steps toward change.

Experiment with new projects at work, build connections in fields that interest you, or take an online course to explore new skills. Remember, you don’t need to make a dramatic leap overnight. As the 12 Days of Career Goals experts emphasized, career shifts happen through consistent, small actions that build momentum.

Finally, invest in your mindset. Acknowledge your fears but don’t let them dictate your choices. Confidence grows through action, so focus on progress, not perfection, as you carve your path forward.

About Author

Theresa White, Career Clarity Expert, 5x Certified Career Coach, and the Founder of Career Bloom, is known for her expertise in guiding people to get unstuck and find the direction they need to move forward in their careers—fast. In a time when so many people are re-evaluating their work, Theresa offers actionable insights that empower clients to identify their true strengths and pursue work that genuinely aligns with their goals.

Theresa’s clients often call her sessions “epiphanies” and “transformational.” She brings immediate clarity to career goals, helping people unlock a deep understanding of what makes work fulfilling for them. Past participants consistently describe her approach as “spot on” and an “answer to questions they’d been asking for weeks.”

Theresa’s approach is empathetic yet practical, and she’s known for empowering clients with a clear direction in as little as 30 days, guaranteeing results.

Connect with Theresa on LinkedIn, listen to the Career Clarity Unlocked Podcast, or schedule your free 30-minute career clarity consultation.

Book your free 30-minute career clarity consultation now and start turning your career dreams into reality

Start Taking Control of Your Career Now

The 12 Days of Career Goals was more than just a conference—it was a masterclass in designing a fulfilling, purpose-driven career. Over 12 days, 21 career experts shared actionable strategies to spark clarity, build confidence, and navigate today’s ever-changing job landscape. From uncovering the true cost of staying stuck to mastering adaptability, networking, and visibility, these insights offered everything you need to take charge of your career journey.

Well, there you have it—some of the highlights from this transformative event. But there’s so much more to explore! To dive deeper into these powerful strategies and catch all the sessions, you can watch the replays here.

Your career is in your hands. With the right mindset, tools, and steps, the possibilities are endless. Let this be the beginning of your next chapter.

Free Resources

Don’t let these life-changing insights slip by. Ready to dive deeper and access all 12 replays? Register now for free and unlock exclusive strategies from the top minds in career development. It’s time to turn inspiration into action and take charge of your next chapter.

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