How To Take Ownership of Your Career
- Cindy Saunders | Leaders Rise
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
You’ve done the work. Built trust. Shown up and delivered. You’ve earned your place.
But lately, something feels different. The drive is still there, but the direction doesn’t feel as clear. What used to make sense now feels a little off, like you’ve outgrown a role that hasn’t changed.
Everything Looks Fine, But it Doesn’t Feel That Way
You start wondering: Is this still the direction I want to go?
It's easy to push that question aside because things are going well. But when it keeps showing up, it deserves your attention. It deserves your attention, even if you're unsure of the outcome.
Leading yourself well means being honest about what's working, what's changing, and what may need to evolve.
When the Path No Longer Reflects Who You Are
Even the most experienced leaders can reach a point where they realize they've been following a version of success, a version of themselves, that no longer fits.
Maybe you started with clarity, but over time, the expectations, pace, and pressure made it difficult to check in with what matters to you. You're working so hard that you lose touch.
This doesn't mean you've gone completely off track. But it signals that now may be the time to take a closer look at where you're headed and why.
How to Take Ownership of What's Next
1. Pay Attention to What's Changing
Look at the trends around you. What's happening in your field? What skills are in demand? What's shifting in the way teams are built or work is done?
Understanding the bigger picture gives you options and helps you move forward with clarity.
New Leadership for a New Era, by McKinsey, explains how the expectations for leaders and organizations continue to shift. It's no longer just about technical expertise; today's leaders are expected to be strong communicators, collaborators, and strategic thinkers.
Today’s leaders must move beyond their identity as professionals and show up as humans, with the courage to be, and to be seen as, their whole, best, authentic selves.
2. Reconnect With What Drives You
What kind of work energizes you? When are you at your best as a leader? Getting clear on these helps you focus on what makes sense for you now, rather than what was true in the past.
Reflect on the tasks and projects that make you feel most engaged and motivated. Are there specific activities that leave you feeling fulfilled and motivated?
Considering how your values intersect with your professional life is often overlooked. When your work connects with your values, it often leads to greater satisfaction and effectiveness in your role.
If you want a quick way to explore this, my Leadership Momentum Guide includes a worksheet to help you clarify your values and reconnect with what drives you.
3. Build in Resilience
Careers evolve. The leaders who remain effective are those who stay adaptable.
Being an adaptable leader takes consistent practice. Be aware of how you can show up in different situations. Leaders who stay adaptable often show:
Willingness to exert extra effort when presented with change
A positive outlook, even under less-than-ideal circumstances
Flexibility in schedule, communication style, and methodology
Eagerness to learn and utilize new, beneficial technology
The ability to reprioritize tasks and act
4. Strengthen the Mindsets That Move You Forward
When you're stuck in fear, scarcity, or self-doubt, it gets harder to see possibilities clearly.
Your perspective narrows, your decisions become more reactive, and it can quietly erode your confidence.
But when you start to shift your mindset even a little, it changes how you show up. You respond with more clarity. You lead with more purpose. And the people around you feel the difference.
Growth – There's something valuable in every experience
Abundance – Opportunities exist, even when they're not obvious
Feedback – Input is valuable, even when it's hard to hear
Self-worth – Your value isn't based on constant external proof
5. Seek Out Meaningful Stretch Experiences
Stretch assignments that push you beyond your current skill set are potent tools for professional development.
Don't wait for these opportunities to come to you; actively seek them out. Identify areas where you can contribute beyond your usual scope and propose initiatives that align with your interests and the organization's goals.
Embrace the learning curve, seek feedback, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. By stepping into these stretch experiences, you not only expand your capabilities but also signal your readiness for greater responsibilities.
6. Have the Conversations That Matter
Development talks, compensation discussions, and feedback sessions aren’t distractions—they’re part of leading your growth.
They allow you to voice your goals, get feedback on how you're perceived, and uncover what’s possible in your current role or beyond. When handled well, these conversations help connect your day-to-day work with your long-term goals.
7. Write It Down
Keep it simple, but make it real. Document your goals, your strengths, the areas you're working on, and the steps you're taking. Seeing it in writing makes everything more concrete and turns vague ideas into something you can actually work with.
There’s real power in this. People who write down their goals are more likely to reach them than those who don’t. It’s about giving your growth a place to land. When you can see your path, it’s easier to stay focused, adjust when needed, and recognize your progress along the way.
What Changes as You Take the Lead in Your Career
When your direction reflects who you are now, several things become clearer:
You speak up with intention
You stop adjusting to fit expectations that no longer serve you
You define success in a way that fits your life
You bring more focus to your leadership because you're grounded in what matters
Your Next Step
You don’t need to reinvent everything. But it might be time to pause and ask:
What do I want next?
What’s one meaningful step I can take in that direction?
Maybe it’s setting aside time to reflect. Maybe it’s having a conversation you’ve been putting off. Maybe it’s seeking outside perspective to help you sort through what’s shifting.
Whatever it is, keep it doable. Keep it honest. And treat it like it matters.
Because leadership isn’t just about where you’ve been, it’s about where you choose to go next.
Ready to explore what’s next?
Book a free 20-minute coaching session to gain clarity, reflect on your goals, and take a confident step forward—no pressure, just purposeful conversation.
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