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This week on Unstuck Career, I sit down with Emma, a behavior analyst from the Chicago area, for a raw and refreshing conversation about what it really feels like to be “stuck” in your career after achieving a significant milestone. Fresh off her master’s degree, Emma found herself in a demanding role as a BCBA—overseeing therapy, coaching parents and teachers, and navigating high-intensity situations with little room to breathe. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when your dream job drains all your energy, this episode is for you.

Emma opens up about the challenges of combining her passion for helping others with the relentless pace of her current job, describing the exhaustion of a schedule that leaves almost no space for rest, hobbies, or personal growth. Together, we unravel the subtle ways career expectations and “what’s next?” anxiety keep ambitious, talented professionals from finding balance, and how the journey of self-discovery is often about learning what you don’t want as much as what you do. Listen in as we explore the power of transferable skills, the necessity of finding mentors, and the turning point that comes when you’re ready to stop sleepwalking through your career.

Feeling like you could use more autonomy, time to recharge, and the courage to take your next step—even when you don’t know exactly where it leads? You’ll walk away with practical strategies, inspiration, and permission to rewrite what success looks like for you. Missed any links or want to continue the conversation? Head to kenwilliamscoaching.com for more insight and resources.

If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough

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This Friday, I’m pulling back the curtain on the “SMART goals” myth—a system that’s supposed to help you achieve more, but actually keeps you stuck. As we roll into the final stretch of the year, I break down why SMART goals aren’t designed for personal growth and how their rigid rules like “attainable” and “time-bound” can lead to frustration and self-doubt. Ever set a goal and felt lost when you didn’t meet the deadline? I share real-world examples from my own experience (including that infamous push-up challenge!) to reveal how guessing wrong about timelines isn’t failure—it’s just trial and error.

You’ll learn how the original SMART framework was built for businesses, not individuals—and why adopting it blindly can limit your potential. I challenge you to flip your approach: set aggressive, possible goals, even if you don’t know exactly how to reach them yet. The secret isn’t in getting every detail right, but in adjusting your path and keeping the momentum when plans go sideways.

So if you’re tired of playing by someone else’s rulebook and ready to design goals that actually move you forward, this episode is your permission to rewrite how you think about achievement. Want help getting unstuck and unstoppable in your career? Head to kenwilliamscoaching.com and let’s connect.

If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough

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This week on Unstuck Career, we're switching things up—I'm stepping out of the comfort zone and talking with a guest who's right in the thick of it. Knives Monroe, a creative director, filmmaker, and longtime content creator, joins me for a raw, real-time exploration of what it means to face a career crossroads. Fresh off a recent layoff, Knives opens up about the challenge of leaving behind the “steady paycheck” (and the illusion of security), wrestling with self-doubt, and the weight of providing for a growing family when your sense of purpose is shifting.

You’ll hear Knives reveal why he’s tired of making other people rich, the old wiring that kept him working for others instead of building his own legacy, and how he's navigating the “too many options” paradox that hits so many creatives. We dig deep into letting go of outdated career patterns, embracing the discomfort of the unknown, and discovering how clarity often comes from simply taking the next step—even if it means getting unstuck by admitting you’re, well, stuck.

If you’ve ever felt pulled between freedom and responsibility or wondered how to monetize your true passion without selling out, this episode is packed with insights (and some tough love) to get you moving forward. Want to connect? Email me at Ken@KenWilliamsCoaching.com or check out Knives’ work and podcast for more inspiration.

If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough