carrCareer Success Strategies: Breaking the “Last Time” Cycle

We’ve all said it at some point: “This is the last time.” Maybe it was a promise to ourselves after a sleepless night finishing a project or after walking out of yet another meeting that left us deflated. We tell ourselves the same thing: “Once I get through this, it’ll be better.” But what happens when that “last time” keeps happening? It’s time to consider some proven Career Success Strategies.

Let me tell you a story — one I’ve heard my husband share countless times. My husband has a past, and he doesn’t shy away from it. He tells the best stories, and this one always sticks with me. Back when he was living a very different life, he used to justify bad decisions with the promise of an end. “If I do this one last deal, it’ll be my last time,” he thought. But, inevitably, he got caught during that “last time” and was sent back to prison.

Now, this story is an extreme example but think about your own life. How many times have you overextended yourself at work, promising it was the last time you’d work late, miss a family event, or let stress dominate your health? You tell yourself it’s just this one season, just this one more project — and then the cycle repeats.

The Truth About “Last Time” Promise

I know the cycle all too well because I lived it, determined to stick it out at my last corporate job. I felt tired — no, exhausted — to the point of tears most days.. But I kept saying to myself, “This is the last time. I just need to get through this one meeting, this one project, this one bad stretch, and then things will get better.”

And you know what? Things did get better — but not in the way I expected, they eliminated my job And at first, that felt like the end of the world. I had planned to retire from that job. I had invested so much of myself into it, convinced that the future would magically improve if I just kept pushing through. But when the door slammed shut on that chapter, another one opened.

Now, here I am, starting a brand-new career as a career coach, speaker, and author. I’m doing work that energizes me instead of depleting me. I get to empower others to create strategies for career success that align with their purpose and goals. I never would have found this path if I hadn’t forced myself to let go of the ‘last time’ mindset that kept me stuck.

Career Success Strategies for Breaking the Cycle

If you’re caught in the endless loop of ‘just one more time,’ here’s a reality check: you can’t make things better by staying trapped in an unsustainable cycle. It’s time to break the cycle and create a new path forward. Adopting tailored career success strategies can make a significant difference.

Here are a few strategies for achieving career success to help you get started:

1. Recognize the Warning Signs Pay attention to what your body and mind are telling you. Exhaustion, stress-related illnesses, and burnout aren’t signs of strength — they’re signals that something needs to change.
2. Define What Success Really Means Is success just about sticking it out, or is it about finding work that aligns with your values, strengths, and long-term goals? Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you.
3. Set Boundaries Stop overextending yourself and start saying no to things that don’t align with your priorities. Boundaries are essential for preserving your energy and focus.
4. Know When to Pivot Sometimes, the best move is a bold one. Whether it’s switching careers, starting your own business, or scaling back on responsibilities, don’t be afraid to make a change when the current path isn’t working.
5. Invest in Yourself Whether it’s through coaching, professional development, or simply taking time to rest, prioritize your growth and well-being. You can’t build a sustainable career if you’re running on empty.

Your New Chapter: Implementing Your Career Success Strategies

Saying “this is the last time” can feel comforting in the moment, but it’s not a strategy for long-term success. Instead, it’s time to say, “This is my next step.”

If you’re ready to break the cycle and start building a career that energizes and fulfills you, Momentum Moves Mountains is here to help. Let’s work together to create career success strategies that align with your purpose and goals. Are you ready for your next chapter? Let’s talk. Subscribe to my blog or schedule a call today to start creating the career you deserve.