Good morning,

Two weeks ago, my physical therapist’s face said it all when she said “Ki, are you sure you still want to run the race next week?” 

My heart sunk. I had been looking forward to this half marathon for months, and now I wasn’t sure if I’d even be able to walk it, let alone run.

Just as the weather in Colorado was shifting to warmer temperatures, here I was — feeling like I couldn’t enjoy any of it — no more tennis or pickleball, let alone running a half marathon.

Between my calf strain and tennis elbow, it felt like I was constantly at war with my body, and that everything was working against me. And race day felt more like a giant question mark than a milestone.

Still, I wasn’t going to give up that easy. “I will do whatever it takes to get to that starting line,” I told my PT.

So I bought a new pair of running shoes. I kept up with the strengthening work. I gritted my teeth through the dry needling. And still, I wasn’t sure what would happen once my foot hit the course.

Then came race day last weekend, and I was full of fear. 

"What if I don't succeed?" is the soundtrack that continued to run through my head that morning.

Many questions raced through my mind, but the image of crossing the finish line at the end of the race kept me going.

I decided to keep my expectations low, and thought to myself: It probably won’t be your best time, and you will have to walk most of it, but you can do this.

Last weekend, as we set off on the course, I stayed present, kept breathing, and listened closely to my body — literally, taking it one step and one breath at a time.

By the time I got to the last leg of the race, I realized — I was still running! In fact, I ran the entire race. I was stunned.

When I crossed the finish line, my time was the slowest it’s ever been. I didn’t follow a perfect training plan. 

It most certainly wasn’t my strongest race, but it was the one I was proudest of.

Why?

Because I redefined what success looked like — and honored the version of me that showed up, even when things didn’t go as planned.

In your career, you might be facing your own version of this:

Maybe right now you’re between jobs.

Or you’re trying to pivot into something new.

Or you’re just doing your best to keep moving, even as the market feels slow and the outcomes unclear.

If this is you, here’s what I want you to remember:

• Every step you take counts, especially the ones you take in the face of uncertainty and unforeseen challenges. The job applications, the networking emails, the mindset work you’re doing behind the scenes — it’s all part of the journey.

• Your expectations can evolve. What once looked like a “dream job” might not be the right fit anymore — and that’s okay.

• Sometimes the real win is just showing up, especially when it would be easier to stop. Give yourself credit for still going, despite the fear, anxiety or overwhelm.

• You’re more capable than you know. Even when the outcome seems out of reach, you might surprise yourself with what you’re able to accomplish.

In my coaching work, I help my clients find confidence (even when circumstances feel out of control), recalibrate expectations, and create job search strategies that fit their lives – right now.

If you’re navigating change and want someone in your corner, I’d love to support you.

Book a Complimentary Call here.

Even if the pace is slower than you hoped, forward is still forward. And I’d love to help you keep going.

Onwards,

JOB SEARCH STRATEGY

Need a refresher on who to reach out to during your job search? This breakdown of key networking groups shows how to reconnect strategically and ask for AIR (Advice, Information, Recommendations) before cold messaging strangers.

Feeling pulled in every direction and stuck in reactive mode? This Fast Company article, Why Constant Interruptions Are Killing Your Strategic Thinking, dives into how over-saturation is blocking your clarity. 

Trying to grow your LinkedIn network more intentionally? This YouTube video How (& Why) You Should Add a Note to Every LinkedIn Invitation offers a simple 3-step strategy to get more accepted invites.

Could you do me a quick favor?

I'm on a mission to help professionals like you to catalyze a career that counts and elevate through change. Would you consider doing one of the following?

• Forward this email with your job-searching, burned out, or overwhelmed friends. This small act really helps!

• Share @careercoachki with those who are looking for encouragement, career insights, and free job search advice.

• Recommend my services to other high-achieving professionals wanting wanting to work 1:1 with a coach to find professional clarity and purpose with their next steps. They can schedule time here: www.ki-coaching.com/contact