171. So Few Willing To Do What It Takes

Big career goals only matter if we’re willing to do the unglamorous work to achieve them. Instead of waiting for perfect timing or external validation, we must choose to show up consistently and take action even when it’s messy or uncertain. Purposeful action, mental strength, and self-trust are the real drivers of a fulfilling career we’re proud to build.

Most people will never do this work, not because they aren’t capable, not because they don’t want to be successful, but because staying comfortable is easier than staying committed.

Are you waiting for the perfect moment to take the next step in your career? Are you stuck in planning mode, but struggling to take consistent action? Are you craving more fulfillment and direction, but unsure how to move forward without burning out?

You’ll learn that success doesn’t come from talent, luck, or perfect timing—it comes from showing up intentionally, consistently, and courageously, especially when it’s messy, boring, or hard to stay motivated.

WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER

• Why consistency and mental strength matter more than having a flawless plan or perfect conditions

• 3 practical tips to help you build momentum in creating the career (and life) you desire

• Why career clarity starts with defining your non-negotiables instead of obsessing over having a perfect five-year plan laid out

  
  

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TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to the Stop Sabotaging Your Success podcast, episode one hundred and seventy-one. I'm your host Cindy Esliger. This is the podcast focusing on what we can do today to take control of our careers and overcome the inevitable barriers to success that we encounter along the way. 

Most people have big dreams for their careers, but far fewer are willing to do what it actually takes to get there. They wait for the right moment, the perfect plan, or a surge of motivation that never quite shows up. Meanwhile, the few who are willing to just start, keep showing up when it's hard, and stay intentional about their choices, slowly but surely pull ahead. It's not magic, and it's not luck. It's a willingness to do the work most people would rather avoid. 

In this episode, we dig into what it takes to build a fulfilling career. It isn't about being the most talented or even the most well-connected. It's about cultivating intentionality, courage, and mental strength while everyone else is busy making excuses. It's about setting a vision, aligning your actions with your values, and refusing to drift aimlessly while hoping things magically fall into place. Success isn't reserved for the lucky – it's there for those who are willing to do the work. And, if you're ready to be one of those few who step up when most step back, you're already halfway there.

Building a fulfilling career requires being willing to do the work when it's uncomfortable and to show up when your motivation is lacking and your 'why' is starting to feel a little fuzzy. It's being willing to keep doing the unglamorous, boring, messy work that most people will gladly excuse themselves from at the first whiff of inconvenience. Cultivating intentionality, courage, and mental strength is what will set you apart from the crowd of capable, but stalled, professionals who are still sitting around waiting for the stars to align.

It's surprising to me how many people are waiting for the 'perfect' moment to begin – waiting until the new year or until they feel 'ready'. They're waiting for permission. Or perhaps they're waiting until they have a polished ten-year plan, color-coded on a spreadsheet that probably took more time to design than it will take to actually execute. As you know, I do love my spreadsheets, but this might be overkill, even for me. And yet, even with some semblance of a plan, they don't take action because that perfect moment never seems to come. 

If you want to move forward, you have to start now – knowing that it's going to be messy, uncertain, and definitely not perfect. Otherwise, you'll be stuck on the sidelines, forever cheering for other people's progress, while telling yourself your time is still to come. 

You want to know what progress actually looks like? It looks like starting on a random Tuesday afternoon when you're not feeling at your best, your inbox is overflowing, and you're feeling less than motivated to do anything productive. Waiting for perfect conditions is just another way of saying it's never going to happen. Progress doesn't show up with neon lights or fireworks. It sneaks in quietly, often disguised as an ordinary, slightly uncomfortable action you decide to take because you've finally decided that 'good enough' beats waiting around for an invitation that might never come.

You don't need to do a complete overhaul of your entire life overnight. You may not need a fully completed strategic plan. You just need to do one thing today – one slightly scary, slightly uncomfortable thing that nudges you closer to the life and career you actually want. That's the secret most people miss while they're busy crafting perfect vision boards and elaborate wish lists, all while the real opportunities pass them by, unnoticed.

And here's another thing no one likes to hear: you cannot reach new goals with old habits. Thinking you can just keep doing what you've always done and somehow trip and fall into your dream career is like eating chocolate every night and expecting six-pack abs to magically appear. I wish that worked, because that would be a lot less work than what I'm currently trying to do. 

New outcomes demand new behaviors. There's no way around it. It doesn't necessarily have to be painful or dramatic, but you do need to do things differently. Small, consistent, daily actions are what it takes. Want a stronger network? Send one email to connect with someone. Want to develop a new skill? Watch a 10-minute tutorial instead of bingeing yet another season of your favorite show. Even the tiniest of moves add up. Over time, they create change and that creates momentum. 

What took me a long time to realize is that you're allowed to actually enjoy the process. Replacing old habits doesn't have to be miserable. In fact, if you find ways to make your new habits even slightly enjoyable, you're way more likely to stick with them. Not everything about growth has to feel terrible. Make a special playlist. Gamify your checklist. Reward yourself for hitting even the smallest milestones. Your brain loves rewards. Stack enough of them and you'll find yourself wanting to keep going, instead of dragging your exhausted self through a never-ending slog of 'shoulds'. 

Most people think confidence is built by pulling off some massive, triumphant achievement. It's not. Self-trust is built in the tiny moments when no one is watching. It's built when you say, "I'll do it today" and then you actually do it, even when it would be easier to blow it off. Every small promise you keep to yourself adds a brick to the foundation of your confidence, while every broken promise chips away at it. You don't need grand, sweeping gestures. You need consistency. 

As you start to build momentum, you might begin to notice those little bright spots in your day, if you're paying attention. You'll realize you spoke up in a meeting, without second-guessing yourself for three hours afterward. You'll notice you reached out to someone you admire, without overthinking every word. You'll handle a challenging project and realize you didn't spiral into panic halfway through. Those bright spots are proof that you're evolving, whether the outside world has validated it yet or not. They're evidence that you're no longer the same person you were, even three months ago. Keep a mental file, or better yet, a real, tangible one. Because when self-doubt shows up – and it will – you're going to need that evidence to help you stay on track.

Building a fulfilling career is not about getting lucky or having the most natural talent. Being in the right place, at the right time, or having your talent recognized might open a door once in a while, but mental strength – the ability to keep showing up for yourself even when no one's handing you a gold star – is what actually helps you build a career (and a life) you're proud of.

It's probably not news to you that most people really don't plan their careers; they merely survive them. They bounce from job to job, chasing shiny titles, running from bad bosses, or latching onto whatever seems like the logical next step, without ever pausing to ask the bigger, scarier question: what do I actually want this to add up to? It's easy to confuse motion with meaning, and twenty years in, you'll look around and wonder why your career feels like a random collection of experiences that you struggle to string into some semblance of a coherent story you're proud to tell.

Accidental success might feel great when it happens, and sure, sometimes you really do happen upon something wonderful. But, if you want a career that feels good on the inside, not just one that looks good on the outside, you have to be intentional with the choices you make. Not once, but over and over again. 

I'm all for serendipity. Some of life's best moments do come from happy accidents. But, treating serendipity as your career strategy – that's not wise. When you operate without intentionality, you fall into a reactive cycle. You take the next job because it's the one that's offered, not because it's aligned with your goals, or provides an exciting challenge. You stay in roles because they're comfortable and familiar, not because they're still right for you. You chase promotions because someone told you you're supposed to want them, never stopping to ask if you even like what's at the top of the ladder you're climbing.

Before you know it, years blur together, more of a series of reactions rather than deliberate decisions. And suddenly, you realize you've spent more time letting things happen to you than making them happen for you. 

If you want something different – something better – you have to start asking better questions than just, "What's next?". You have to start asking, "And then what?". Not in a panic-inducing way, where you feel like you have to have mapped out every detail of your life, but in a simple, powerful way that forces you to think two steps ahead, instead of being perpetually stuck reacting to what's right in front of you.

Here's where a lot of smart, motivated people get tangled up. We feel a sense of panic in not knowing exactly what we want now, or five years from now. But guess what? Most people don't. You're not behind. You're not broken. Intentionality doesn't require perfect clarity – it requires purposeful movement. Even a fuzzy, slightly wobbly 'north star' is better than no direction at all. 

Maybe you don't know the title, the industry, or the company. Fine. Can you describe how you want your life to feel? Do you crave flexibility? A sense of meaningful impact? Leadership opportunities? Creative freedom? Financial security that allows you to sleep through the night without anxiety gnawing at you? Start there. That's the beginning of your compass. 

No need to overthink it – just draft a rough vision – one paragraph, or even just a few sentences to describe what you have in mind. Imperfect but workable. Progress, not perfection. 

Now, adaptability is crucial. Careers today are shifting faster than ever before. Roles vanish, industries pivot, and job descriptions expand as we are constantly being asked to do more with less. Adaptability is essential. But adaptability without direction just means you drift faster. You can shapeshift all you want, but if you don't know who you are and what you stand for, even the slightest change will blow you off-course. This is why you need a steady core that includes your values and your sense of purpose. These are your non-negotiables. And when everything around you starts spinning out of control, your non-negotiables are what will keep you grounded. 

Want a practical starting point? Get clear on what you're not willing to do. If it's not a resounding 'yes', then it's a hard 'no'. We all have to make sacrifices to do the things we want to do. Something's got to go to make room for what's more important. These are what become your anchors. When chaos reigns, and it will, you'll still know where you're aiming. 

So, if you're serious about being one of the few who are willing to do what it takes: starting is brave, but continuing is harder, which makes it that much more rare. It's easy to set goals when you're riding the high of motivation, clutching your shiny new planner, and convincing yourself that this time will be different. It's a whole other story when the novelty wears off, the obstacles start piling up, and the progress feels so slow that you think you might actually be moving backward. Sustaining momentum is what separates the dreamers from the doers. 

If you want a career you're proud of, not just one that pays the bills, but one that feels aligned with who you are and what you value, you have to build the strength to keep moving forward, even when it's boring, even when it's frustrating, and even when you question if it's really worth the effort. It will be worth it, but only if you keep going. 

Career clarity isn't about certainty – it's about knowing what you won't compromise on. People tend to think getting to career clarity is this magical moment where the clouds part and their entire future is revealed in vivid detail. That sounds nice, but it's not how it happens. 

Real clarity takes some effort to decide what you refuse to trade away, even when things get tempting or tough. Maybe you won't work for leaders who disrespect their teams. Maybe you refuse to sacrifice your mental health for a bigger paycheck. Maybe you value working with smart people over cutthroat competition. When you get an offer, a project, or an opportunity, check it against your non-negotiables. If it violates what matters most to you, it's a no. It can be that simple, powerful, and liberating. 

Here's another lesson learned the hard way: just because you're good at something doesn't mean you owe your entire professional life to it. Maybe you're incredible at organizing chaos, but the thought of rescuing troubled projects all day, every day, feels completely draining. Pay attention to your energy, not just your aptitude. What gets you excited and feeling energized? What leaves you feeling hollow, even when you succeed? Don't build a career around something you secretly resent just because you're good at it. 

And while we're at it, let's talk about short job stints. It's true, the era of staying with one company for thirty years is long gone. Job changes every few years are normal now, but substance still matters. It's about building skills, making an impact, and leaving a mark. With every role you take, ask yourself, "What am I going to learn here? What will I leave behind that's better because I was here?". Move on when you've accomplished what you set out to do, not just because you're bored or miserable.

And, here's one more pitfall to sidestep: bad leaders aren't always bad people, but they can still derail your growth. Some bosses are overwhelmed. Some are promoted beyond their capabilities because they were the best individual contributor. Some are good people who simply should never have been handed leadership responsibilities. But, unfortunately, their intentions don't change the outcome. A bad boss – even a well-meaning one – can stunt your growth, crush your confidence, and make you question your abilities.

If you find yourself working for someone who isn't helping you grow, build your own support network. Find mentors outside your direct line of reporting. Take ownership of your learning and your next steps. Don't let a terrible boss be the bottleneck to your career. 

Speaking of mentors, let's get another myth out of the way: great mentors aren't found, they're cultivated. Mentorship isn't some magical moment where someone powerful swoops in to rescue your career. It's a relationship you build intentionally. You spot potential mentors. You reach out to them with curiosity. You show them that you're serious about your growth. You ask good questions. You apply their suggestions and show your appreciation. You stay connected. Mentorship isn't charity – it's a two-way relationship that strengthens and grows over time. 

At the end of the day, the fulfilling career you want won't be built because you found the perfect plan, stumbled into the right company, or magically had the right connections. It'll be built because you did the work most people aren't willing to do. 

You'll build it by showing up – consistently, intentionally, and with courage – even when it's messy, even when it's hard, and even when nobody is paying attention to the great work you're doing. Most people won't put in that kind of effort. They'll drift. They'll blame the boss, the market, the timing – anything but themselves. But you? You'll be different.

You'll do the hard, necessary work of building a career you're proud of – not because it's easy and not because it will come together quickly, but because it's worth it. 

So, let's recap what really matters. 

First, success doesn't require perfection – it requires willingness. You don't need the perfect plan or perfect timing. You just need the guts to start when it's messy and keep going when most people quit. 

Second, intentionality is the real game-changer. A fulfilling career doesn't happen by accident. It's crafted by knowing what's important to you, making conscious choices, and playing a long game, even when it's inconvenient. 

And third, mental strength matters more than talent or luck. It's not about finding the easiest path; it's about who keeps trudging when the path gets hard. The people who win are the ones who keep showing up, even when it doesn't seem like it's worth it anymore.

And, here's the real secret most people don't talk about: it's not harder to do what it takes than it is to live with the regret of not doing it. It just feels harder in the moment. Most people think the struggle is in the effort – in showing up, pushing through fear, and doing the work. But the heavier, more suffocating pain comes from looking back and realizing that you traded long-term fulfillment for short-term comfort. The work is hard, but the regret is harder. You're going to struggle either way, so you might as well struggle for something that actually matters to you. 

Most people will never do this work, not because they aren't capable, not because they don't want to be successful, but because staying comfortable is easier than staying committed. It's easier to blame the boss, the economy, the weather, the alignment of the planets, or whatever today's excuse happens to be.

You have the chance to be different. Not by being perfect, not by waiting for permission, but by being willing – willing to show up even when you're tired, a little bit unsure, but because you're committed. You're willing to start on a random Tuesday. You're willing to keep going, even when it's boring or seems pointless. You're willing to do the hard, often uncelebrated work of building something that matters to you.

And if you do, you'll wake up one day realizing that you built an exciting career most people only dream about – while they sat around waiting for that perfect moment that never came. 

And that's it for this episode of Stop sabotaging Your Success. Remember to download your Guide to Doing What It Takes at cindyesliger.com/podcast, episode one hundred and seventy-one.

Thank you to our producer, Alex Hochhausen, and everyone at Astronomic Audio. Get in touch, I'm on Instagram @cindyesliger. My email address is info@cindyesliger.com. 

If you enjoy listening to this podcast, you have to come check out The Confidence Collective. It's my monthly coaching program where we dig a little deeper into what's holding you back in your career and we find the workarounds. We help you overcome the barriers and create the career you want. Join me over at cindyesliger.com/join. I'd love to have you join me in The Confidence Collective.  

Until next week, I'm Cindy Esliger. Thanks for listening.