The Unstuck Career

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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://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

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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 We dig deep into letting go of outdated career patterns, embracing the discomfort of the unknown, and discovering how clarity often comes from simply taking the next step—even if it means getting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 [email protected] 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://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

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This week, we crack open the myth of “fear of failure” and reveal what’s really holding so many of us back in our careers—and lives. Ever put off applying for a new job, trying a risky project, or even wearing a wild Christmas suit because you’re worried you’ll mess up? In this Friday Focus episode, I share some personal stories (including my infamous sourdough starter disasters and those bold holiday suits) to show that it’s not actually the failing we’re afraid of—it’s other people knowing that we failed.

You’ll discover how most people aren’t paying as much attention to your missteps as you think, and why, when they do notice, they’re more likely to be supportive than critical. We break down how shifting your mindset from “people will judge me” to “nobody actually cares as much as I think” can be liberating, freeing you up to experiment and grow with a lot less anxiety. I arm you with two practical strategies to help you move from paralyzed to unstoppable, no matter what challenge you’re facing.

Ready to take action and move toward the life you really want? Head over to kenwilliamscoaching.com to connect and keep the momentum going. Don’t miss this one if you need a push to finally get unstuck and make your next move with confidence.

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

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This week, you’ll meet Andrew Darlow, whose journey from the magic of a high school darkroom to photographing luxury watches and world travels will have you seeing everyday moments in a new light. From his early experiences in Japan that sparked a lifelong love for visual storytelling, to the creative leap into building a commercial photo studio, Andrew’s story is packed with adventure, risk, and the power of following your curiosity.

You’ll discover how Andrew bridged the analog and digital worlds, recounting the challenges of moving from hands-on darkroom work to mastering Photoshop and digital printing. He shares the invaluable lessons learned through teaching, inventing, and consulting—including his game-changing backup blueprint for digital life, and the creation of the Gallery Pouch, a simple but revolutionary solution for artists everywhere.

If you’ve ever doubted that creative problem-solving can open new doors, Andrew’s experiments in the toy and game industry and his approach to licensing will inspire you to keep pitching and innovating. From books to gratitude journals, and even remote pet photography, this episode is packed with actionable tips and moments of perspective that will help you get “unstuck”—whether you’re in the arts, technology, or just trying to future-proof your own creative career.

You can find Andrew on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/adarlow/ or at his website https://backup.fm/

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

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This week on Unstuck Career, we tackle one of the most overlooked obstacles to a fulfilling life: rebuilding self-trust. I open up about the subtle—and sometimes sneaky—ways we undermine our own confidence, from saying small white lies to ourselves, to making commitments we never truly intend to keep. I share the game-changing shift that helped me rebuild my self-trust, including real examples of how simply following through on promises, big or small, began to rewrite old patterns of self-doubt.

You’ll hear why self-trust is the foundation for reaching the big, exciting goals you’ve been dreaming about, and how breaking the cycle of “dishonesty” (even in minor ways) restores your belief that you’re capable of more. I walk you through practical, bite-sized ways to start building a new identity—one where your actions align with your words—so you can silence that inner critic and finally become unstuck.

Ready for less stress, more happiness, and a career path you actually love? This episode is your roadmap to real change. Connect with me at kenwilliamscoaching.com and let’s move you closer to the life you’re meant to have.

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

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This week, we meet with Cathy Ahron, who navigated the complex journey from being a traditional wife and stay-at-home mom to forging a new life after a major transition. You’ll hear how Cathy’s international experiences—from Prague to Brazil—shaped her perspective on fulfillment and identity. 

Get an inside look at the challenges (and unexpected lessons) that come with marital upheaval, parenting through adversity, and finding spiritual grounding in uncertain times. Plus, 

Cathy shares practical advice for women anticipating change, including her checklist for preparing for life’s inevitable transitions. If you’ve ever wondered what comes next after the roles you’ve always known, this conversation will inspire and equip you for the journey ahead.

You can find Cathy at http://www.sacredoasislegacy.com, on Instagram @ahroncathy and @cathyhasimpact. 

TikTok is @sacredoasismama and @cathyhasimpact.

You can find more details at https://upage.in/cathy

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

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This week, we dig into the heart of the “approval addict trap,” a subtle but powerful force that keeps so many of us stuck in our careers. Have you ever hesitated to make a bold move or wanted to change directions, only to hold back because you were waiting for someone else’s approval—whether it’s your boss, your parents, or even your peers? I share intimate stories from my own experience in management, opening up about how I let the need for validation shape my career moves, and how seeking permission instead of trusting myself kept me paralyzed at the crossroads.

Together, we’ll unpack just how often we hand over the steering wheel of our lives to others’ opinions, sometimes without realizing it. You’ll hear real-life examples of how this need for approval can sneak into everything from performance reviews to major career choices, quietly eroding your confidence. I break down why your dreams and decisions deserve to be based on your desires—not on whether others agree it’s your “time” to move forward.

If you’re ready to take back control and trust your own instincts, this is the episode you won’t want to miss. Let this be the push you need to stop asking for permission and start listening to what you truly want. Ready to become unstuck and unstoppable? Visit kenwilliamscoaching.com to connect and get moving on the life you want.

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

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This week, you’ll meet Jason Powell, who transformed a frustrating 9-to-5 grind into a vibrant career in stand-up comedy and coaching. You’ll hear how embracing risk and letting go of fear helped Jason find his true calling at 35—and how the rules of comedy, like saying “yes, and” and practicing the “rule of 10,” not only made him a better comedian but also a standout leader, mentor, and parent. If you’re feeling stuck, Jason’s story will inspire you to see your eclectic background as an asset—and to harness the power of curiosity and energy transfer in every area of your life.

You can find Jason on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@jasontpowell, or on his website at https://www.jasontpowell.com/

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

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This week, Ken Williams helps you break out of the perfection trap and build real consistency in your career and life. You’ll discover why it's okay to “suck” at your goals but not okay to skip them, and learn practical strategies for overcoming slip-ups without giving up on your ambitions. Plus, Ken sets the stage for his upcoming goals masterclass to help you finish the year strong and set yourself up for a powerful 2026.

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

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This week, we meet with Dave from North Carolina, who shares how running a side hustle—starting with a drop shipping t-shirt business and growing into his own watch brand—transformed his perspective and skills in corporate America. 

You’ll hear how building a business on the side gave him practical experience in everything from marketing to logistics, and how those insights helped him stand out in his day job. Plus, Dave reveals why he believes persistence beats perfection, and how pursuing entrepreneurial passions can energize both your career and your relationships at home.

You can connect with Dave on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-moggio/

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