It’s Sunday, January 19, 2025, and in this week’s roundup, learn in 5 minutes or less:

• Career Advice: How to Identify and Overcome Career Roadblocks

• Money Moves: The Financial Benefits of Letting Go of Subscriptions

• Think Wellness: Practicing Gratitude to Combat Stress

• Productivity Tips: Breaking Tasks into Manageable Milestones

CAREER ADVICE

How to Identify and Overcome Career Roadblocks

Let’s be honest—career roadblocks can feel like hitting a wall you didn’t even know was there. I’ve been there myself, staring at a problem that seemed impossible to solve.

Whether it’s a lack of opportunities, burnout, or feeling stuck in the same role, these roadblocks can derail even the most motivated among us.

But here’s the thing: every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise.

Let me walk you through how I’ve learned to identify and overcome career roadblocks, one step at a time.

Recognize the Roadblock

The first step is to figure out what’s standing in your way. Is it external, like a toxic work environment or limited growth opportunities? Or is it internal, like self-doubt or procrastination?

For me, self-doubt was a big one. I used to convince myself that I wasn’t ready for new challenges, which kept me from pursuing opportunities.

Take a moment to be honest with yourself. What’s the real issue here?

Sometimes, just naming it is enough to start finding solutions.

Reframe the Challenge

Once you’ve identified the roadblock, it’s time to reframe it.

Instead of thinking, “This is impossible,” ask yourself, “What can I do to change this?” 

When I felt stuck in a role that offered no room for growth, I reframed it as a chance to learn everything I could and build a skill set I could take elsewhere.

By shifting my mindset, I turned frustration into motivation.

Take Action (Even Small Steps Count!)

Big problems often require small, consistent actions.

If your roadblock is a lack of skills, start by dedicating just 20 minutes a day to learning something new.

If it’s a lack of opportunities, expand your network by attending industry events or reaching out to mentors.

I’ve found that even the smallest actions such as sending an email, updating your resume, or scheduling a coffee chat, can create momentum.

Get Support

You don’t have to go it alone.

Whether it’s a mentor, a trusted colleague, or even a friend who’s been in your shoes, having someone to talk to can make all the difference.

I’ve leaned on mentors who’ve guided me through tough decisions and offered perspectives I hadn’t considered.

Sometimes, just hearing “You’ve got this” is enough to keep you going.

Celebrate Progress

Here’s a lesson I’ve learned the hard way: progress is worth celebrating, no matter how small.

Overcoming roadblocks isn’t about achieving instant success; it’s about moving forward.

Each step you take—each skill learned, connection made, or milestone reached—is a win.

Don’t forget to give yourself credit for the effort you’re putting in.

The Bottom Line

Career roadblocks are frustrating, but they don’t have to be permanent.

By identifying the obstacles, reframing them as opportunities, and taking consistent action, you can push through and come out stronger on the other side.

Trust me, the journey is worth it.

And if you ever feel stuck, remember this: the wall in front of you isn’t the end—it’s just a challenge waiting to be conquered.

Let’s tackle it together.

Regards,

Anokye - Co-founder of The Careerguard

Money Moves

The Financial Benefits of Letting Go of Subscriptions

Subscriptions have become a convenient part of modern life, but they can also become a financial drain if left unchecked.

From streaming platforms and fitness apps to meal kits and cloud storage, it’s easy to accumulate recurring expenses that may no longer serve your needs.

Taking time to review your subscriptions and identify those you rarely use is a simple yet powerful way to cut costs.

Checking your bank or credit card statements for recurring charges is a great starting point to assess what’s essential versus what can go.

Canceling unused subscriptions might seem like a small step, but the financial impact can be significant over time.

For instance, eliminating just two subscriptions costing $20 each month saves $480 annually—money that could be redirected toward your emergency fund, investments, or other financial goals.

Additionally, this habit encourages mindful spending, helping you focus on what truly adds value to your life instead of letting your budget get weighed down by unnecessary commitments.

Beyond the financial perks, letting go of excess subscriptions creates a sense of clarity and control over your money.

It’s an opportunity to align your spending with your priorities and free up resources for experiences or goals that matter most.

In the end, saying goodbye to subscriptions you don’t need isn’t just a smart money move—it’s a step toward building a more intentional and financially secure future.

Think Wellness

Practicing Gratitude to Combat Stress

Gratitude is more than just saying "thank you"—it’s a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving mental well-being.

When stress feels overwhelming, shifting your focus to what’s going well in your life can help reframe your perspective and bring a sense of calm.

Studies have shown that practicing gratitude regularly can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and increase feelings of happiness and resilience.

By actively acknowledging the positives, even small ones, you can break the cycle of stress and negativity.

Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine doesn’t require much time or effort.

Simple practices, like jotting down three things you’re thankful for each day or reflecting on moments of kindness, can make a big difference.

Over time, this habit trains your brain to notice the good, even during challenging situations.

Gratitude also fosters stronger connections with others, as expressing appreciation deepens relationships and builds emotional support—an essential buffer against stress.

Gratitude not only helps you manage stress in the moment but also builds a foundation for long-term emotional well-being.

By focusing on what you have rather than what you lack, you create a mindset of abundance and positivity.

This shift in perspective can enhance your ability to navigate challenges with grace and optimism.

Practicing gratitude is a small yet impactful step toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Productivity Hacks

Breaking Tasks into Manageable Milestones

Large tasks can often feel overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to begin. Breaking tasks into manageable milestones is a powerful strategy to make even the most daunting projects feel achievable.

By dividing a big goal into smaller, actionable steps, you create a clear roadmap that reduces procrastination and builds momentum.

Each milestone acts as a checkpoint, giving you a sense of progress and accomplishment along the way.

To implement this strategy, start by defining the end goal and identifying the key phases or steps needed to achieve it.

For example, if you’re preparing for a major presentation, milestones could include researching your topic, creating an outline, designing slides, and practicing your delivery.

Assign specific deadlines to each milestone to maintain focus and ensure steady progress.

This approach not only keeps you organized but also makes it easier to track and celebrate small wins.

Breaking tasks into milestones also helps you prioritize effectively.

By focusing on one step at a time, you avoid feeling overwhelmed and can allocate your energy where it’s needed most.

This method builds confidence as you tackle each phase, turning seemingly impossible projects into manageable successes.

Whether it’s a work deadline or a personal goal, working in milestones ensures you stay productive, motivated, and on track.

OUR RESOURCES

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Talk to us…

You made it to the end of our newsletter!

So, spill the beans… What’s your number 1 pain point right now? 

Is it about not getting paid enough/difficult colleagues/a toxic boss/wanting to start a new role/pivoting into a new industry/work-life balance/ time management/low self-esteem & confidence/ wanting a side hustle/other?

Reply directly to this email and let us know! 📧

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational content and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions.