“One year. Just try it for one year, and see how it goes.”

Those are the words I told myself when I decided to take the final step away from the stable world of corporate employment and into the vast, ambiguous one of self-employment.

That one step was the scariest most courageous thing I’ve ever done in my career  for my career. (Mindset note: Reframing is everything!)

You see, I used to not think of myself as particularly brave, but as Nelson Mandela wrote, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”

Looking back, I can see now how courageous I was. I felt a tremendous amount of internal resistance to this decision, but I also felt a gentle push from behind, nudging me forward with a kind whisper: “Just go for it.”

It was that nudge that made all the difference. I knew I wanted to live a life with no regrets, so I ultimately promised myself one year to do so. One year to try. 

Friends, that was six years ago, and I remain self-employed to this day.

When was the last time you made brave moves in your career? 

Often, the bravest thing we can do is listen to our hearts and act on what we hear. 

That’s the essence of a heart-based career path—it’s not about chasing titles or traditional markers of success. It’s about aligning your work with your values, energy, and purpose.

Here’s why it’s time to start doing what’s right for your career, finally, as well as how to begin.

Benefits Of Bravery: How Career Courage Can Make A World Of Difference

I once had a colleague who led a team with remarkable clarity and courage. She was crystal clear about her team’s goals and priorities—and communicated them effectively across the organization (a very matrixed/complex organization). 

When others began pulling her team in too many directions, I remember watching as she bravely stepped in and said, “No.”

But her firm “no” wasn’t just a hard stop. She offered thoughtful alternatives to help others complete the work, without derailing her team. 

In doing this, she protected her people while still supporting the broader business. 

Watching her inspired me to do the same, and that right there is one of the greatest benefits of bravery at work. 

When someone takes even a small brave step—asking for what they need, setting a boundary, saying no, or saying yes to a project that excites them—they inspire others to do the same. 

As a result, our workplace can foster a safe culture where everyone participates by asking for what they need, taking calculated risks, and proposing innovative ideas.

Additionally, people become happier and more productive as they begin to build trust in themselves. Self-trust is a catalyst for joy.

How To Summon The Courage To Do What’s Right (For You!)

Doing what’s right for you may not match what others expect. Bravery often involves taking actions that deviate from a traditional, linear career path, and that’s okay. 

However, the good news is that courage is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it becomes.

To start summoning the courage to do what’s right for you, commit to taking these brave steps:

1. Share freely—your ideas, feedback, and concerns—yes, even when it feels uncomfortable.
2. Say yes to opportunities or projects that stretch your skills and challenge you in a good way. 
3. Say no to things that drain your energy, time, and values. Learn to say “no” or at least “not right now.”

Forming and following a heart-based career plan takes courage. It takes courage to leave the familiar in search of a radiant, happy + healthy career. 

Remember: The bravest people aren’t fearless; they move with the fear, taking one small step in the direction they want and letting that momentum carry them to the next brave step.

Flourish Careers Can Help

If you’re coming to the realization that the career you’ve worked so hard for might not be the best fit for you anymore, you don’t have to travel alone. 

Using a proven, HEART-based approach, I’ll help you learn to cultivate a better path, confidently pursue new opportunities, and find the place where you belong.

Let’s Work Together 

Check out the Fried to Flourishing Group Coaching Experience

Explore how HEART Based Career development can help you!

FIND MORE INFORMATION HERE

Want More Career Wisdom? Keep Reading

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+ Special Edition: Brave Women, Bold Stories, A Celebration of Letting Go

Connect with Me

For more insider stories, quick tips, and #CareerTalk, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram @flourish.careers.