Get Unstuck: How To Shift Out Of A Career Rut And Attract More Opportunities

By Shea Ki

Do you feel stuck in your career but not sure how to change things up?

​It is a common challenge I hear from friends and clients that I can also relate to. Not many of us were taught how to create a blue print for career happiness that fits our own unique skills, interests, and preferred work environments. Even though I learned a ton of useful tools through many career counseling courses in graduate school and as a hiring manager for many years, I still sometimes find myself feeling stuck and not sure of the best next career step to take. 

I decided a few years back to combine a few approaches to career development and infuse them with my holistic approach to coaching. In this blog post, I'll walk you through my own process (and give you a free, powerful printable!) that I do to reflect and change course as needed  to attract opportunities. My intention is that what I share here inspires you to take the same steps or to create your own process that sparks the career momentum that you desire. 

1. Take Mindful Inventory 

Often life at work unfolds so fast that we forget to take a pause and digest all that has happened. Mindfulness encourages us to take a look at our experiences without judgment. Taking a mindful inventory of what has been helpful to our professional growth and what hasn't served us well is a first step to getting unstuck.

It is key when doing any reflective activity to first tell your inner critic to go on silent mode. This is a time to be the calm observer of your past year at work. It will not help you move forward to focus only on the negative and what you did wrong. ​

Not sure how to start? Take a moment to download this printable. It invites you to find a quiet, comforting place where you won't be disturbed and take a few minutes to reflect on our career journey. Each time you feel your career isn't attracting the momentum you desire, use this printable to guide you on making a positive shift.

2. Soak In The Small And Big Wins

Gratitude matters in creating career momentum, yet it is often the most skipped step in the process.

Ever since I started doing these actions on a regular basis, I find myself feeling stuck less often:

1. I started a daily gratitude journal years ago that I know has made a big difference in helping me recover faster and stronger from career stress and setbacks.
2. Every week, I also spend time writing cards or emails of appreciation to new people I have met in my local and online community who have helped make my work days feel good. ​
3. Every quarter, I enjoy taking time to thank clients, colleagues, and others who have sent me referrals. Receiving an appropriate referral is the highest compliment to my work. It gets me grinning from ear to ear because I love helping others shine in the hot seat.

And at least every month, I'll honor myself with a bath surrounded by my favorite crystals. I dedicate the self-care time to soaking in the fulfilling moments and letting go of any negative energy from experiences or outcomes that I didn't like. I fill it with lovely essential oils and Himalayan sea salts. I light a special, jasmine scented candle that reminds me that my inner flame burns brighter when I keep choosing to do work that I love.

What big and small wins can you list on this printable? When  can you put into your schedule you an hour (at least!) to celebrate them soon? 

3. Share The Good News

What is the fastest way to let the universe know you are ready for more career momentum? As the work of Abraham-Hicks remind us, send clear signals that you are grateful for all that has already happened and start feeling excited about what is next is to come.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Tell at least one friend and a family member who has your back something GOOD about your career. ​
• Publish some of your career highlights on Linked In.
• Set up a meeting with your current boss, mentor, or career coach that devotes time to speaking out loud your accomplishments and where you want to head towards next. 
• Use the last page in this printable that offers ways to express genuine gratitude 

Also, don't be shy on social media to share your achievements from time to time. Of course you don't want to over do it, either. I keep my posts on Instagram and LinkedIn as focused on interview tips and as helpful as I can. About 10-15% of the time I also use these platforms as a place to build up my own courage muscles. I am not one to shout out loudly about my successes, but I am coming to understand that the universe delivers more of what you share that delights you. 

Who has your back and is supportive when hearing about your career highlights and challenges? When do you plan to send them an email, text, or meet them up for coffee offline or online?

4. Get Your Body Moving-RIGHT NOW!

If you were looking for a sign of how to get unstuck and open up yourself to more opportunity, HERE IT IS!

​Maybe you pitched your idea for a better way to do things and it didn't get the support you envisioned. Perhaps you launched a business service or product that didn't get the momentum you were hoping for. Or maybe you showed up to several interviews and never heard back from companies with the news you wanted. 

I used to think of failures as something to fear and be deeply disappointed about them. I let myself get stuck in frustration and negative thoughts such as "that was a waste of my time", "maybe I shouldn't even try again," and "it must come easier for others than for me."

​Although I've had many milestones and client successes to celebrate in my interviewing coaching business this year, I've also experienced my share of things that didn't work, take off, or expand my impact. 

These three movement techniques have helped me shift the energy that happens when small disappointments, big mistakes, or epic failures happen professionally. For me, the quickest way to move stuck energy or releasing negativity that doesn't serve you is to go do something about it with movement. It helps to surprise yourself by trying something new to release the block that is outside of your normal day to day habits.

​I challenge you to choose one of these videos RIGHT NOW and get moving! I'm excited to hear about how it goes and what new energy you find. 

Dance Away Fear of Failure With Qoya

About a year ago I discovered qoya, a dancing art form that combines music with movement, intention, and so much more. All it takes is about 20 minutes to gain it's amazing benefits. There are several free videos by its founder, Rochelle Schieck, for you to try and see which ones resonate. Below is one of my favorites. I especially find it useful to do a few hours before I have a big meeting or interview about my coaching business.

Let Career Confidence Flow With Yoga 

We often hear the stress relieving and health benefits of yoga, but did you know time on your mat can boost your career confidence as well? This is one of my favorite sessions by Adrienne Mishler on her outstanding YouTube channel.

Squeeze Out Self-Doubt With PMR

Perhaps your body has more limitations on what you can shake and move around. If so, there is a more gentle approach called Progressive Muscle Relaxation. It will allow for you to release the tension and other negativity that is not helping you get to that brighter future at work you desire. 

Your turn: What helps you to release negativity about your career journey or recover from professional mistakes and setbacks?

Most of all, believe in yourself.

Shea Ki is an Interview Coach for spiritually minded women. She regularly sends her subscribers resources that will align your mindset, body language, and energy with your message of professional value.

Shea is also a contributor of practical and intuitive interview tips at several online publications, forums, and groups that want to see more women shine in the hot seat. ​