Hey Friends,

There’s a moment in every transition when the path ahead feels hazy.

You’ve made the decision to shift—roles, industries, or even your sense of purpose—and now comes the part no one likes to talk about: the messy middle.

This is where anxiety and uncertainty can take over.

• You start questioning your decisions.
• You try to out-plan ambiguity.
• You look for ways to control the outcome—because control feels like safety.

But here’s the challenge:

And when we try to force certainty, we often miss the learning and insight that come from adapting in real time.

In my book Career by Design, Chapter 9 focuses on Implementation and Continuous Improvement—the phase where real growth happens. It’s not about executing a perfect strategy. It’s about learning, adjusting, and moving forward even when the road isn’t fully paved.

If you find yourself trying to “get it right” before taking the next step, you’re not alone. Many of my clients—brilliant, accomplished professionals—struggle with this tension between action and surrender.

So how do you navigate the unknown without getting stuck?

Here are four reminders I share with my coaching clients:

• Progress is iterative. Treat your job search or career shift like a prototype—test, refine, and stay curious. It’s not a failure if you need to course-correct.
• Clarity comes from engagement. You can’t think your way into certainty. Insight comes from doing—from conversations, applications, interviews, and reflection.
• Control what’s yours to control. You may not be able to dictate timing or results, but you can choose your mindset, effort, and response to feedback.
• Support matters. Don’t go it alone. Whether it’s a coach, a peer, or a mentor, having someone in your corner helps you stay grounded—and honest.

And that’s the work of a career by design.

✨ In my latest blog post, I dive deeper into this topic:
​Letting Go to Move Forward: Managing Anxiety and the Need for Control in Career Transitions​

If you’ve been feeling the pull to make a change—but can’t shake the overwhelm—this post is for you.

Here’s to trusting the process, one aligned step at a time.

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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