Career Clarity Newsletter - September Edition

Your September Reset šŸ‚

 Happy September! 

As the weather cools and routines settle in, I often think of September as a ā€œsecond new year.ā€ With four months left in 2025, there’s still plenty of time to move closer to your goals.

The small steps you take now will shape where you end up by December 31. Rather than letting the calendar add pressure, let it fuel your motivation. You already have the time, the momentum, and the tools you need to finish strong.

1 | WHAT’S NEW 🌟

Celebrating One Year of This Newsletter šŸŽ‰

When I started this newsletter, I had only been coaching full-time for a few months, and my subscriber list was tiny — just a handful of people. My goal was simple: stay connected with past and current clients, share knowledge, and offer encouragement.

Today, there are more than 100 subscribers! I’ve loved connecting with so many talented women across Canada, the U.S., and the UK — and each conversation has taught me something new.

Looking back, what I value most isn’t the numbers, but the confidence and growth that come from starting something new. It meant stepping outside my comfort zone, making mistakes, and figuring things out along the way.

I share this because I know many of you are navigating your own career pivots and challenges. If you’ve been waiting for the ā€œperfect timeā€ to begin, here’s a gentle reminder: progress comes from showing up — even when it feels uncomfortable. šŸ’«

2 | SPOTLIGHT šŸ’¬

ā€œLock-In Season: Focused Action

I kept seeing this term—lock-in season—across social media this weekend, and I love the reminder that September is the perfect time to lock in to finish the year stronger than we started.

Here are some steps to make it work for you:

Pick ONE goal. Choose something that would truly make a difference if you followed through—like learning a new skill that could open doors, or building your network to boost visibility. And make sure it’s something that sparks joy—joy fuels momentum, and momentum keeps you moving when motivation fades.

Make it daily. What's the smallest daily action that moves you toward this goal? One networking message? 15 minutes of skill-building? Keep it small enough that you can't talk yourself out of it.

Track it simply. Use your phone calendar, a habit tracker app, or just mark an X on paper. The key is seeing your small wins add up.

Plan for bumps. Decide now how you’ll stay on track when motivation dips or life gets messy.

Give yourself grace. Progress matters more than perfection—celebrate the effort, not just the results.

Lock-in season isn’t about pressure—it’s about investing in yourself by showing up consistently for something that matters, and finding joy in the process. 🌟 

3 | PODCAST RECOMMENDATION šŸŽ§

Waiting for the "Right Time" to Start (On Purpose with Jay Shetty)

We’ve all felt stuck—that sense that life isn’t moving as we hoped. In this episode, Jay Shetty reminds us that feeling stuck doesn’t mean failure. Often, it means we are in a season of quiet growth, just before a breakthrough.

He shares practical strategies like moving your body to break mental overload, taking action before you feel "ready," and reframing stuck moments as signs of growth, not setbacks.

Jay also encourages us to stop comparing ourselves to others' timelines and instead "shrink the vision, save the dream"—breaking big goals into small, consistent steps that add up over time.

The takeaway? You're not behind. You're not broken. You haven't missed your chance. Feeling stuck is simply part of the process. ✨

4 | COACHING REFLECTION šŸ¤”

Many of us play small because it feels safer—or because we wonder if we deserve more. But dreaming big isn’t about waiting for permission. It’s about giving yourself permission.

Ask yourself:

  • What would I go after if I knew I couldn’t fail?

  • Which goal excites me and scares me at the same time?

  • What’s one small step I can take toward it this week?

Your dreams are closer than you think—if you give yourself the chance to reach for them. ✨

5 | LET'S STAY CONNECTED! ā˜•

If you’re looking for a fresh perspective, clear strategy, and support to make your next bold move, let’s work together. 

šŸ”— Book your complimentary 45-minute discovery session here. We’ll talk about where you are now—and how we can accelerate your progress.

And as we move through September, whether you’re celebrating a milestone, starting something new, or locking in on one goal—don’t forget to look for joy along the way. That’s what makes the progress worth it.

Enjoyed this content? Don’t miss out!

Sign up for my monthly Career Clarity newsletter and get fresh insights, tips, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox as soon as they’re released.

Jennifer Purcell

I am a career coach who empowers women of colour to take control of their careers so they earn more, increase visibility and gain the recognition they deserve

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Career Clarity Newsletter - August Edition