Managing Your Online Visibility with Care in Palm Desert, CA.
I help coaches and entrepreneurs grow their business online
Share With Your Friends
Stop Waiting for Things to Fall Into Place
JANICE HURLBURT
It’s Time to Take Action and Stop Feeling Stuck in Your Business
Years ago, while sailing in the Sea of Cortez, we were ready to set off for our next destination. The plan was simple: pull up the anchor, catch the morning tide, and continue our journey.
But when we went to lift the anchor, it wouldn’t budge.
At first, we tried using sheer force—adjusting the windlass, reversing the boat’s position, and even pulling at the anchor with the engine running. But nothing worked.
Instead of fighting against it blindly, we took a different approach. We jumped in the water to see what was really going on.
The anchor wasn’t tangled. It was stuck in place, jammed between two large rocks. We made a slight adjustment, moved it slowly into a sandy area, and suddenly, we were free.
The Stuck Anchor in Business
That moment felt exactly like what happens in business.
So many business owners feel stuck. Their marketing isn’t taking off. Their audience isn’t growing. Their offers aren’t selling as well as they hoped.
And so they wait.
They assume that if they just keep going, things will fall into place magically.
But here’s the hard truth: Waiting doesn’t create success. Action does.
Feeling stuck? Wondering why things aren’t moving forward?
The problem isn’t that your business is broken. It’s not that you aren’t capable. It’s that you’re focusing on tactics instead of strategy.
“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” – Sun Tzu
Instead of jumping from tactic to tactic, it’s time to chart your course with strategy and sail forward with intention.
Why “Hoping for the Best” is a Risky Strategy
There’s a dangerous myth in business: If you just put in the work, everything will eventually fall into place.
But in reality, here’s what usually happens:
- You wait for the “right time” to market your services. (But it never feels perfect.)
- You keep trying random marketing tactics, hoping something sticks. (But there’s no clear strategy.)
- You delay making decisions, thinking clarity will come later. (But clarity comes from action, not waiting.
Waiting feels safe. It makes us believe that we’re being patient or that success will eventually find us.
But business, like sailing, isn’t about waiting for the perfect conditions. It’s about adjusting your approach, problem-solving, and taking the right actions to keep moving forward.
How to Get Unstuck and Start Growing
If you’re tired of waiting for things to happen, here’s what you need to do instead:
- Stop Guessing, Assess What’s Really Holding You Back
The first thing we did when our anchor was stuck? We jumped in to see the problem firsthand.
In business, the same rule applies. You need to stop guessing why things aren’t working and start looking at the real issue.
Ask yourself:
✔️ Are my marketing efforts consistent, or are they all over the place?
✔️ Do I have a clear strategy, or am I just trying whatever I see online?
✔️ Am I actively building relationships with my audience, or just hoping they find me?
When you pinpoint what’s actually holding you back, you can fix it instead of just waiting. - Shift Your Approach
Once we saw the anchor was caught, we didn’t just pull harder. We shifted our angle and gently moved it to a better position.
In business, if something isn’t working, tweaking your strategy can make all the difference.
✔️ If your social media isn’t getting engagement, maybe your content isn’t connecting with your audience.
✔️ If people aren’t buying your services, maybe your messaging isn’t solving their problem.
✔️ If your marketing feels overwhelming, maybe you need a system that simplifies your efforts.
A small shift can lead to big results. - Take Action—Even Before You Feel 100% Ready.
Many business owners don’t take action because they’re waiting to feel that their plan is perfect. But here’s the truth:
The more you show up, test strategies, and refine your process, the more your messages will resonate and your confidence will grow.
So, instead of waiting for the perfect moment, start now. Adjust as you go.
CONCLUSION: Shift Your Momentum with the 3-A Framework
Feeling stuck? Don’t wait for perfect conditions—make a small shift instead:
Assess: Get honest about what’s not working. Are you consistent, or just guessing? Clarity begins with awareness.
Adjust: Don’t throw everything out. A small change in your message, offer, or systems can create big movement.
Act: Don’t wait for the perfect plan. Take one step forward. Confidence comes after action, not before.
These small shifts can help you move out of “stuck” and into momentum — without spinning your wheels or wasting your energy.
Ready to Stop Waiting and Start Growing?
If you’re tired of feeling stuck and want a clear, proven path to grow your business without wasting time, I’m here to help.
Inside the Marketing Accelerator Program, I help business owners cut their marketing time in half while doubling their impact.
You’ll get:
✅ A clear strategy so you stop guessing what works
✅ Accountability and expert guidance so you keep moving forward
✅ Systems that streamline your marketing so you stop feeling overwhelmed
Ready to shift your business into growth mode? Book a free discovery call today. Let’s get you moving.
Accelerate Your Business Growth with Our Weekly Newsletter!
Subscribe to the Simple Strategic Marketing Newsletter, delivered every Monday morning. You'll get clear, actionable insights to help you stay consistent, navigate marketing trends, and grow your business with confidence.
Join hundreds of business owners who start their week with simple, actionable marketing insights.
Other Blogs
How to Get Found and Trusted Online as a Health Professional
When searching for a new health provider, whether it’s a lymphatic drainage therapist, a holistic coach, or a wellness practitioner, being found and trusted online
Finding Your Own Star Power
Shine in Ways That Feel Right for You Your marketing strengths are the foundation of a strategy that works. Imagine yourself as a star with
Beyond Viral: How Strategic YouTube Content Attracts Clients
Learn how targeting client pain points can transform viewers into paying customers. If you’ve been putting off starting a YouTube channel, now is the time
ABOUT JANICE HURLBURT
I help coaches and entrepreneurs shine their expertise online, by making the process of building their online presence fun, simple, and ready-for-success.
My digital agency will take care of the technology for you, help you shine like a star and get your expertise and efforts noticed. When you make me your partner in online management, I become the navigator of your journey, helping you map your success, attract the right clients, grow online and make more money.
Ralph LoVuolo
Paula Yolles
Dr. Judith Boice
Joan Brooks
Cheryl Hughes
Sheryl Wolowyk
Heidi Mount
RheaAnna Rhodes
Jan Udlock
