You Followed All the ‘Right’ Steps. So Why Are You Still Stuck?

I did everything I was told to do.

When I first started building my consulting business, I read business books, purchased courses, put my marketing skills to work, and built a strategy.

I was so committed to the success of this new business, that I joined a high-level mastermind, shelling out $30,000. 

I picked a niche, built my website, and posted content but it was a slow drip of new clients.

For the first 6 months in business, I struggled. The mastermind helped to accelerate some of my growth.

I started getting clients through referrals and added speaking to my repertoire.

On paper, I was doing everything right.

And yet… something felt off.

I couldn’t put my finger on it. I wasn’t getting the traction I expected, and worst of all—I didn’t feel excited about my business. I kept showing up, but it felt like I was operating on autopilot. 

At the same time, I was fasting.

During that period, one word kept coming up for me—identity.

I didn’t seek it out. I wasn’t intentionally thinking about it. But over and over, I kept being confronted with the idea of who I am and why I’m doing this.

And I realized something.

I had built my business based on strategy—but not based on me.

I consider myself to be a purpose-driven business owner. My business is designed to solve a unique problem for a specific group of people. 

As a Black woman. As a faith-based entrepreneur. As someone who values impact over just income.

Somewhere along the way, I had tried to follow a formula, but I had ignored the most important piece: Was my business actually aligned with my purpose?

I knew I needed to shift.

But I resisted.

Because even when we know something isn’t right, we hesitate to change it. We’re afraid of messing up what we’ve already built. We wonder if it’s too late to pivot.

I didn’t quite know how to shift—or if I’m honest, if I was even allowed to.

Then, over one weekend, I got the confirmation I didn’t even realize I needed.

It came from my coach. From unexpected conversations. And finally, in church service.

I had been waiting for permission. And I finally gave it to myself.

I am pivoting my business into full alignment with my purpose.

And for the first time in a long time—it feels right.

I didn't realize I was operating out of alignment. 

That is until I was called out.

I thought I was running the plays as I was supposed to. 

I followed the formulas of my coaches and my own. 

But,

I knew in my gut something was…off. I didn't listen. Because I thought the formulas knew better than my intuition. So, I hit a wall. 

And since I kept running into that wall, I finally was forced to listen. 

Here’s what I’ve learned: Business isn’t just about strategy.

Yes, tactics matter. But if you’re building something that isn’t aligned with who you truly are, it will always feel like a struggle.

If you’ve been doing everything “right” but still feel stuck, maybe the problem isn’t what you’re doing—it’s what you’re ignoring.

Maybe it’s time to pause and ask yourself:

- Is this the business I actually want to build?

- Am I making decisions based on alignment—or fear?

- What would it look like to create something that fully reflects who I am?

Because when you’re building a business with purpose, alignment is key.

It’s the difference between forcing something to work—and flowing in what’s meant for you.

So, if you need permission to shift, to realign, to step into the business you were actually meant to build—

Here it is.

You have permission.

What’s your next move? Mine is coming soon. Stay tuned.

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