Feeling Stuck in Your Career? Here’s How to Break Free
Do you ever feel like you’re on the edge of something great, but fear, doubt, or uncertainty keep pulling you back? Maybe you’ve told yourself, “I’ll take action when I feel more confident.” But here’s the truth: Confidence doesn’t come before action—it comes from action.
That’s why Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is such a powerful tool for career growth. In our course, Unstuck and Unstoppable: Leveraging ACT to Achieve Your Biggest Career Goals, we guide you through five actionable steps to help you overcome barriers and finally make the career moves you’ve been dreaming about.
If you’re ready to stop overthinking and start taking action, read on for a sneak peek into the framework that’s already helping BCBAs® like you break through self-doubt and build the careers they deserve.
The Invisible Ceiling: What’s Really Holding You Back?
Many BCBAs® experience an invisible ceiling—a self-imposed or externally reinforced barrier that limits their career growth. You may feel like you’ve hit a plateau, that your current job is the highest you can go, or that stepping outside the traditional clinic or insurance-based model is too risky.
What Creates the Invisible Ceiling?
- Rigid Career Expectations – The BCBA® field has well-defined paths, but not enough conversations about alternative opportunities.
- Fear of the Unknown – If you’ve only worked in clinics or schools, the idea of starting your own practice or branching into consulting feels overwhelming.
- Lack of Mentorship – Without someone to guide you, it’s easy to believe you’re not capable of moving beyond your current role.
“If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.” – Thomas Jefferson
Breaking through the invisible ceiling requires a shift in mindset. Instead of asking “Can I do this?” start asking “How can I make this possible?” Many BCBAs® have already forged new paths—whether in business, research, training, or advocacy. You can, too.
For inspiration on alternative career paths, check out:
- Ready for a Change? 19 Careers Beyond the Clinic for a BCBA
- From Adaptation to Innovation: New Career Paths for BCBAs® Emerging from the Pandemic
If you feel trapped by the invisible ceiling, you’re not alone. Many BCBAs® struggle to see a path beyond the traditional clinic or school setting. The good news? There are proven strategies to break free. Our Beyond Boundaries: Freedom Frameworks program is designed specifically for BCBAs® who want to build a sustainable, ethical information or consulting business. If you’re ready to redefine success on your terms, click here to learn more.
Why Do Thoughts Keep BCBAs® Stuck?
Your thoughts shape your reality. If you believe you’re not ready for a new opportunity, you’ll likely hesitate to take action. If you tell yourself you’re not experienced enough, you might not apply for leadership roles or new career paths.
The Science Behind Self-Doubt
Psychologist Albert Bandura’s (1997) Self-Efficacy Theory explains that our beliefs about our abilities influence our actions. When we doubt ourselves, we’re less likely to try, reinforcing the belief that we’re not capable.
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
BCBAs® often fall into this trap due to:
- Impostor Syndrome – Feeling like you don’t deserve success or that others are more qualified.
- Fear of Failure – Worrying that taking action will lead to mistakes or criticism.
- Over-Reliance on External Validation – Waiting for others to acknowledge your expertise before believing in yourself.
Breaking free starts with shifting your internal dialogue. Instead of asking “What if I fail?”, ask “What if I succeed?”
The 5 Steps to Becoming Unstoppable
Step 1: Recognize Your Limiting Beliefs
The story you tell yourself about your abilities will determine your next move. If you believe you’re not ready, not qualified, or not good enough, those thoughts will shape your reality.
But what if you could rewrite that story?
Start by identifying the beliefs that are keeping you stuck. What thoughts come up when you think about taking a bold step forward in your career? Recognizing these limiting beliefs is the first step to dismantling them.
Action Step:
- Write down your top 3 self-doubts.
- Challenge them by asking, Is this absolutely true? What’s another perspective I could take?
Step 2: Reframe Your Narrative
Once you’ve identified your limiting beliefs, it’s time to shift them into more empowering thoughts.
Think about it: If a client was struggling with a fixed mindset, you’d help them reframe their thinking, right? Apply that same strategy to yourself. Instead of saying, “I’m not ready,” try “I’m learning every day and gaining valuable experience.”
Action Step:
- Take each of your three limiting beliefs and write a more empowering version of the statement.
Step 3: Take Small, Aligned Actions
Most people believe confidence comes first, then action. But research shows it actually works the other way around.
Confidence isn’t a prerequisite—it’s a result.
A study by Blackledge (2007) found that taking action builds self-efficacy and reduces the emotional weight of self-doubt. The key is to start small. If starting an independent ABA practice feels overwhelming, break it down:
- Spend five minutes researching how others got started.
- Reach out to someone who has done it.
- Write down what your ideal business might look like.
Action Step:
- What’s one small step you can take today? Count down from five—5, 4, 3, 2, 1—and just do it.
Step 4: Build a Support System
Your environment influences your success more than you realize. Who you surround yourself with can either propel you forward or keep you stuck.
Bandura’s (1986) research on social modeling shows that we unconsciously adopt the beliefs and behaviors of those around us.
Finding a strong support system is crucial for success. The Master ABA Dojo is an incredible community where growth-minded BCBAs® connect, share insights, and support each other in their professional journeys. If you’re looking for a network of like-minded professionals to keep you accountable and push you toward success, join the Master ABA Dojo today!
Action Step:
- Identify at least one person in your life who is an expander, an encourager, and an action-taker.
For more ways to find supportive networks, check out:
- From Burnout to Balance: Redefining Success in ABA
Step 5: Commit to Long-Term Growth
Growth isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. Even after you take bold steps forward, doubt will try to creep back in. The key is learning to navigate it instead of letting it stop you.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
How to Stay Committed to Growth:
- Track Your Progress – Regularly reflect on how far you’ve come. Small wins add up over time.
- Expect Setbacks – Growth isn’t linear. Learn from challenges rather than letting them derail you.
- Use Fear as a Signal – If something scares you, it probably means you should do it.
- Expand Your Circle – Continue surrounding yourself with people who push you to level up.
- Take Small Steps Daily – Success is built through consistent, small actions.
Action Step:
- Write down one long-term goal and the smallest possible step you can take toward it today.
Commit to Long-Term Growth
Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Surrounding yourself with the right people is key to staying on track and continuing to evolve in your career. That’s why I created the Master ABA Dojo, a supportive membership community where you can connect with fellow BCBAs®, get guidance, and stay motivated. Click here to become a member today!
If your growth includes moving beyond traditional ABA work, Beyond Boundaries: Freedom Frameworks is your guide to launching an information-based or consulting business with confidence. Find out how to get started!
The Barriers That Keep BCBAs® Stuck
Many BCBAs® hesitate to make career moves due to these common barriers:
- Fear of Failure – What if I mess up?
- Imposter Syndrome – Who am I to do this?
- Lack of Time – I’m too busy.
- Lack of Support – I don’t have the right network.
How to Overcome These Barriers:
- Reframe Failure – Instead of seeing failure as something negative, view it as part of the learning process. Every setback teaches you something valuable.
- Challenge Imposter Syndrome – Make a list of your accomplishments and remind yourself of your qualifications and successes.
- Prioritize Your Growth – Instead of saying “I don’t have time,” shift to “How can I make time for what matters?” Even small steps count.
- Build a Support System – Connect with mentors, join professional communities like Master ABA Dojo, and engage with people who uplift you.
Action Step: Identify which barrier is most relevant to you and develop a plan to overcome it.
For strategies on overcoming burnout and redefining success, read:
Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Surrounding yourself with the right people is key to staying on track and continuing to evolve in your career. That’s why I created the Master ABA Dojo, a supportive membership community where you can connect with fellow BCBAs®, get guidance, and stay motivated. Click here to become a member today!
If your growth includes moving beyond traditional ABA work, Beyond Boundaries: Freedom Frameworks is your guide to launching an information-based or consulting business with confidence. Find out how to get started!
Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?
Looking for even more support?
✔ Join the Master ABA Dojo for a community of like-minded BCBAs® who are committed to growth and success. Learn more here!
✔ Interested in starting your own business? Beyond Boundaries: Freedom Frameworks provides the roadmap you need to create a sustainable, impactful business outside of traditional ABA roles. Get started now!
If you’re ready to break through self-doubt and finally achieve your biggest career goals, enroll today!
References
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Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman.
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Kaizen, R. M. (2014). One small step can change your life: The Kaizen way. Workman Publishing.
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Ruiz, F. J., Gil-Luciano, B., & Segura-Vargas, M. A. (2022). Cognitive defusion. In The Oxford Handbook of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (pp. 206-229). Oxford University Press.
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