The Moment That Checked Me: A Lesson in Professional Growth

I’m sitting at my desk when I get that Teams ping from my manager:

“You got a minute?”

My stomach drops.

As I type “yes,” my mind starts racing replaying every task, every email, every decision—trying to figure out what this could be about.

We walk into the nearest meeting room, and he tells me it’s time for my PMP review.

And honestly? I already knew.

It wasn’t going to be the worst review… but it definitely wasn’t going to be my best either.

Why? Let’s be real.

I hadn’t been applying myself.

I had been doing just enough to get my check.
Just enough to stay afloat.
Just enough to be “good”… with a little coaching along the way.

But mentally? I wasn’t fully there.

So walking into that meeting, I wasn’t surprised I was prepared.

The Truth I Didn’t Want to Admit

Looking back, there were signs everywhere:

• I spent more time applying to other internal roles than growing in my current one
• I asked for feedback on PowerPoints… while mentally already checked out
• I wasn’t taking initiative beyond my assigned responsibilities
• I wasn’t actively contributing to team growth or improvement
• I lacked confidence in areas I should’ve been building strength in—like training and development

And the hardest truth?

I felt entitled to growth I hadn’t earned yet.

I was so focused on where I wanted to be…
that I completely ignored the steps required to get there.

I didn’t want the process.
I wanted the outcome.

The Shift

After that meeting, I made a decision:

I was going to show up differently.

Not just for myself but for my team.

I had to stop chasing the idea of growth
and start doing the work that creates it.

Getting Intentional About Growth

I’ve always had a desire to help people professionally and personally.
But I realized I thrive most on the business side, especially in:

• Process improvement
• Change management
• Team development

So I asked myself one simple question:

“What problems keep happening and how can I help solve them?”

That question changed everything.

Instead of waiting for opportunities,
I started looking for ways to create value where I already was.

The Real Reason I Was Stuck

For a while, I told myself it was lack of experience.

But if I’m honest?

After about a year and a half, that wasn’t the issue anymore.

The truth was:

I wasn’t being intentional.

I had the qualifications on paper but nothing to show for them in action.

And that realization?
It humbled me.

The Mentor That Helped Me Refocus

I decided to do something different.

I reached out to someone in a role I wanted and asked them to mentor me.

(Yes… the same person I interviewed with and didn’t get the job.)

Instead of being discouraged, I got curious.

I asked:

• What am I missing?
• Where can I grow?
• What should I be focusing on next?

His advice?

Project management.

Why I Chose Project Management

I already had:

• A degree in management (with a supply chain focus)
• A Six Sigma certification

But I hadn’t fully tapped into what those meant in practice.

So I started studying for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).

And let me tell you
it changed my perspective completely.

I started to understand:

• How projects actually move
• How strategy connects to execution
• How I can contribute beyond my role

I haven’t taken the exam yet, but the learning alone has already started shaping how I show up at work.

The Lesson

Growth isn’t about what you deserve.
It’s about what you’re demonstrating.

I had to accept that:

I wasn’t stuck. I just wasn’t ready.

And once I owned that?
Everything started to shift.

If You Feel Stuck Professionally, Read This

Before you say you deserve more, ask yourself:

• What is my actual end goal?
• What does that role require daily?
• Am I practicing those skills right now?

Because the truth is:

You don’t get promoted into readiness you prepare for it first.

How to Start Showing Up Differently

If you’re ready to grow, start here:

1. Learn with intention
Use platforms like:

• LinkedIn Learning
• Udemy
• YouTube
• Your company’s internal training tools

2. Find a mentor
Learn from someone already where you want to be.

3. Solve problems where you are
Stop waiting for a new role to grow, start contributing now.

Final Word

There is value in where you are right now.

Even if it doesn’t feel like it.

Even if it’s uncomfortable.

Even if it’s humbling.

Be patient. Be intentional. Be consistent.

The opportunity meant for you will come
but only if you’ve prepared yourself to receive it.

Photo made with AI