Hey Friends,

It’s easy to tell ourselves we’ll rest later.

After the next deadline.
After the next offer.
After the next crisis is handled.

But what happens when later doesn’t come soon enough?

A few weeks ago, I found myself in that space. I was grieving a deep personal loss, and despite how much I love my work, I couldn’t push through like I normally do. Something in me said, “Stop.” And for once, I listened.

No newsletters.
No blog posts.
No social media.

Just quiet. Just space.

What surprised me wasn’t the stillness—it was how hard it was to give myself permission for it. As a high achiever, I’ve always been wired to do. But this experience reminded me that reflection is not a retreat from growth—it’s a gateway to it.

So this week, I want to talk about something we rarely make space for:
​Intentional recovery.

Not the kind that’s prescribed after burnout hits.
The kind that’s chosen before it does.

Here's the truth I was reminded of:

In my case, that meant:

• Reconnecting with movement and play
• Nourishing personal relationships I’d neglected
• Revisiting the systems I need in place when life interrupts my plans

We talk a lot in this space about designing careers with intention. But what happens when the designer is depleted?

If you're in a leadership role, navigating a job transition, or building your own business—your work depends on your clarity. And clarity isn’t found in the grind. It’s found in the pause.

A few questions for you this week:

• What would it look like to protect space for rest before you're forced into it?
• Which parts of your wellness—community, creativity, movement—have gone quiet lately?
• Do you have a plan for sustaining momentum when life throws you a curveball?

I came back from my pause with more than renewed energy. I came back with conviction:
Our careers aren’t just built on effort. They’re built on discernment.
And sometimes, the most strategic move we can make… is to stop moving.

If this resonates, I unpack more in my latest blog post:

​➡️ When Slowing Down Becomes the Most Strategic Move​
(A practical reflection on burnout, boundaries, and designing a career that can weather life’s interruptions.)

With you on your journey,

Nitza
Owner | Nitza Rivera Coaching & Consulting
Author of Career by Design: Mastering the Art of a Rewarding Corporate Career​

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About the Author: Nitza Rivera is an executive coach and human capital consultant with a background in mechanical engineering and HR. She helps professionals master career transitions, achieve their dream roles, and find lasting career fulfillment. Nitza is passionate about aligning professional growth with personal values and guiding individuals through meaningful career transformations.

Feeling stuck on how to align your career with your values and strengths? Let’s talk. Schedule a free discovery call here!

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