
Break It Down Before You Burn Out
When you’re overwhelmed by a big task or confused about what to do, the solution isn’t to push harder—it’s to simplify. Belinda urged attendees to break the problem into smaller parts. Ask yourself:
What exactly don’t I understand?
Which part is causing the most stress?
Once you identify the specific area of confusion, it becomes easier to work through it one manageable piece at a time.
Seek Mentorship—But Don’t Wait For It
Mentors offer wisdom, shortcuts, and encouragement—but don’t make progress conditional on having one. Belinda reminded us that not everyone has immediate access to a mentor, and that’s okay. If you do find one, be intentional and open. But until then, don’t stand still. You can still grow and figure things out.
Network for New Perspectives
Sometimes, clarity comes not from within, but from others. Talk to peers. Join a community. Attend events. Belinda emphasized the importance of networking as a tool to gain perspective. Hearing how others handle similar challenges can spark new solutions or give you the courage to keep going.
Reflect and Journal
If you can’t talk it out, write it out. Journaling isn’t just for self-care—it’s a tool for self-clarity. Belinda encouraged attendees to write down their thoughts, questions, and obstacles regularly. When you journal, you begin to see patterns, recognize recurring fears, and make sense of confusion.
Choose Clarity Over Perfection
Belinda said it best: “Perfection can delay your progress. Clarity moves you forward.” When communicating your ideas—whether in a pitch, an email, or a proposal—use simple language. Skip the jargon. Focus on getting your message across clearly, not perfectly.
Act, Then Adjust
Sometimes, clarity doesn’t come before action—it comes after. Belinda compared it to walking through fog: you might not see far ahead, but every step forward reveals more of the road. Don’t be afraid to test things out, get feedback, and adapt.
What to Do If You Don’t Have a Mentor
An important audience question asked: What if I don’t have a mentor to help me through this? Belinda offered these empowering alternatives:
- Explore Online Resources
Tap into videos, blogs, podcasts, and online courses. Many people share their experiences and strategies freely—learn from them.
- Join Online Communities
Forums and online groups provide support and advice across various industries. You’re not alone.
- Read Books and Articles
Books can mentor you from the page. Invest in reading materials that challenge and guide your thinking.
- Reflect and Experiment
Sometimes the best guide is experience. Try things out. Reflect. Adjust. And try again.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need All the Answers to Begin
Belinda closed her talk with a gentle reminder: “Clarity is not a luxury—it’s a process. You don’t need to see the full picture to take the first step.”
By staying curious, connected, and courageous, you can move through uncertainty with strength.
At the recent Women and Career session, speaker Belinda Ujuani addressed a topic that resonates deeply with many women: what to do when you feel stuck, uncertain, or unclear about your next step. Whether it’s a career decision, a personal goal, or navigating unfamiliar territory, Belinda shared strategies that empower women to find clarity and build confidence—even without access to a formal mentor.
Break It Down Before You Burn Out
When you’re overwhelmed by a big task or confused about what to do, the solution isn’t to push harder—it’s to simplify. Belinda urged attendees to break the problem into smaller parts. Ask yourself:What exactly don’t I understand?Which part is causing the most stress?Once you identify the specific area of confusion, it becomes easier to work through it one manageable piece at a time.
Seek Mentorship—But Don’t Wait For It
Mentors offer wisdom, shortcuts, and encouragement—but don’t make progress conditional on having one. Belinda reminded us that not everyone has immediate access to a mentor, and that’s okay. If you do find one, be intentional and open. But until then, don’t stand still. You can still grow and figure things out.—Network for New PerspectivesSometimes, clarity comes not from within, but from others. Talk to peers. Join a community. Attend events. Belinda emphasized the importance of networking as a tool to gain perspective. Hearing how others handle similar challenges can spark new solutions or give you the courage to keep going.
Reflect and Journal
If you can’t talk it out, write it out. Journaling isn’t just for self-care—it’s a tool for self-clarity. Belinda encouraged attendees to write down their thoughts, questions, and obstacles regularly. When you journal, you begin to see patterns, recognize recurring fears, and make sense of confusion.—Choose Clarity Over PerfectionBelinda said it best: “Perfection can delay your progress. Clarity moves you forward.” When communicating your ideas—whether in a pitch, an email, or a proposal—use simple language. Skip the jargon. Focus on getting your message across clearly, not perfectly.—Act, Then AdjustSometimes, clarity doesn’t come before action—it comes after. Belinda compared it to walking through fog: you might not see far ahead, but every step forward reveals more of the road. Don’t be afraid to test things out, get feedback, and adapt.
What to Do If You Don’t Have a Mentor
An important audience question asked: What if I don’t have a mentor to help me through this? Belinda offered these empowering alternatives:
1. Explore Online ResourcesTap into videos, blogs, podcasts, and online courses. Many people share their experiences and strategies freely—learn from them.
2. Join Online CommunitiesForums and online groups provide support and advice across various industries. You’re not alone.
3. Read Books and ArticlesBooks can mentor you from the page. Invest in reading materials that challenge and guide your thinking.
4. Reflect and ExperimentSometimes the best guide is experience. Try things out. Reflect. Adjust. And try again.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need All the Answers to Begin
Belinda closed her talk with a gentle reminder: “Clarity is not a luxury—it’s a process. You don’t need to see the full picture to take the first step.”By staying curious, connected, and courageous, you can move through uncertainty with strength.