Last month, I encouraged you to give yourself permission to be honest about what you want at work. That matters, but it’s only the first step.

Knowing what you want doesn’t create change if you’re still waiting for permission to act on it. That’s where many people get stuck.

You see new possibilities. You can even name what you want to pursue.

And then you hesitate.

You may hear yourself saying (or thinking): “I just need to know if this is the right move.” Or, “I’m not sure I’m ready yet.”

But underneath that is something simpler: You’re waiting for permission.

And it’s not coming.

[RELATED: Forget Luck: Own Your Transition, Own Your Future]

After years of service, that instinct makes sense. Wearing the uniform means structure, direction, and clear next steps. Transition doesn’t.

There is no assignment board. No one will hand you your next role. There is only the step in front of you — and your willingness to take it.

So instead, it’s easy to wait. To overthink. To stay with what feels familiar. But that’s also what keeps you stuck.

[RELATED: Forget Perfection: Progress Beats Resolutions]

Taking the next step doesn’t mean having everything figured out. It means doing something that moves you forward:

• Reach out to someone in a role you’re curious about.
• Explore an industry you’re not sure you’re “qualified” for.
• Start the conversation you’ve been putting off.

Progress doesn’t come from getting it right the first time — it comes from taking the next step, then the next.

If you’re ready to stop waiting and start building a path forward, join us for our next Executive Career Transition Accelerator Seminar. You can attend in person at our Alexandria, Va., headquarters or online.

You don’t need all the answers. You just need to take the next step.