There’s nothing quite like the nagging feeling that you were meant for more—more joy, more fulfillment, more confidence in your work and life. And yet, something holds you back. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You’ve checked all the right boxes—education, career success, a life that looks good on paper—but deep down, there’s an ache for something greater.
If that resonates, you’re not alone. High-achieving women, particularly in male-dominated industries, often wrestle with invisible barriers that keep them from stepping into their full power. Let’s talk about them. Because once you can see what’s keeping you stuck, you can finally break free.
Lacking the Courage to Try
Let’s get real: Fear is a sneaky thief. It disguises itself as “I need more experience” or “Now isn’t the right time.” But what it really means is, “I’m afraid of failing.” And I get it. I’ve been there—hesitating, overthinking, convincing myself that I needed just one more certification before I could take that next big leap.
But here’s the truth: Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s action in the face of it. High performers don’t wait until they feel ready. They move, even when the voice of doubt whispers, “What if you’re not good enough?”
So, ask yourself: What’s one small action you can take today? Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today. Because the only way to get unstuck is to start moving.
Trying to Please Everyone
Raise your hand if you’ve ever said yes to something you didn’t want to do because you didn’t want to disappoint someone. (My hand is up too 🙋🏽♀️)
Many of us were conditioned to be agreeable, accommodating, and likable. But the cost? Our own dreams get shoved to the bottom of the priority list.
The uncomfortable reality is: You will disappoint people. Not everyone will understand your choices. And that’s okay. True confidence comes from knowing your values and making decisions that align with them rather than living for the approval of others.
So the next time someone expects you to mold yourself to their expectations, pause. Ask yourself: If I say yes to them, am I saying no to myself?
Imitating the Desires of Others
Sometimes, we pursue goals that aren’t even ours. Maybe it’s the job title that sounds impressive. Or the idea that we should want to climb the corporate ladder because that’s what success looks like.
But have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Do I actually want this?
I’ve worked with so many incredible women who reach a certain level of success only to realise that the goals they’ve been chasing were never their own. The career, the role, the lifestyle—it was borrowed from someone else’s definition of success.
Take a moment to recalibrate. What do you want? Strip away the external noise, the expectations, the “shoulds.” What’s left? That’s where your true potential lives.
Chasing Status Without Questioning Why
It’s easy to get caught up in external validation—titles, accolades, recognition. And while there’s nothing wrong with ambition, the real question is: Is this pursuit bringing me joy?
I remember when I finally achieved a professional milestone that I’d worked years for, only to feel… empty. Because I had been chasing the achievement, not the fulfillment that was supposed to come with it.
The lesson? Achievements alone don’t create happiness. We need meaning too. So, instead of asking, “How can I get to the next level?” try asking, “What kind of impact do I want to make?” The shift is profound.
Playing Superhero and Trying to Do It All Alone
Many of us wear self-sufficiency like a badge of honour. “I’ve got it,” we say, piling on responsibilities, refusing to ask for help, believing that we should be able to handle everything ourselves.
But let’s be honest: No one succeeds in isolation. Every high performer has a network of support—mentors, coaches, colleagues who lift them up. If you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, it’s time to put some of it down.
Who can you lean on? Where can you delegate? Where do you need to ask for help? (And yes, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.)
Dividing Attention Between Too Many Projects
Multi-tasking is a myth. Juggling too many projects, ideas, or commitments doesn’t make you more productive; it makes you scattered.
High performers understand the power of focus. They don’t chase every opportunity—they go all in on the right ones. They ask, “What’s the one thing I can do that will make the biggest impact?” And then they commit.
If you’re feeling stretched thin, it’s time to cut the clutter. Identify what truly moves the needle in your career and life. Then, give yourself permission to let go of the rest.
The Path to Your Full Potential
Your potential isn’t waiting for permission. It isn’t hiding behind another degree, another year of experience, or another round of approval from others. It’s waiting for you to decide. To choose courage over comfort. To prioritise your own desires. To step away from distractions and into focused action.
So let me ask you: What’s stopping you? And more importantly—what are you going to do about it?
Because here’s the thing: You are not stuck. You are not behind. You are exactly where you need to be to take your next bold step forward.
And I, for one, can’t wait to see you unleash what you’re truly capable of.
If this has been useful for you, I’d love you to share it with your friends or anyone else you think may find it useful.
Remember, you can unleash your unique version of success.
Your Coach
Stephanie
Ready to Ignite Your SPARK?
As a Certified High Performance, Wayfinder and Imposter Syndrome Informed Coach, I’m here to support you on this transformative journey. Whether it’s in your career, health, or relationships, my coaching programs are designed to help you achieve heightened and sustained levels of performance and potential. Are you ready to embrace these inner shifts then let’s embark on this journey together!
Whenever you’re ready, here are a few ways I can support you:
Join our IYS Community – to connect with like-minded individuals focused on increasing their ENGAGEMENT, CONFIDENCE & JOY in work (and life)
Access your FREE Online Training – and learn how you can immediately hit higher levels of performance and potential in all you do!
Take the High Performance Questionnaire – to understand if you’re ready to go to the next level and live a life full of engagement, joy and confidence…
Book a Chat – so we can breakthrough what you’re currently challenged with and take the next action towards living the life of your dreams!
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