118. Why Goals Don't Grow Your Career Systems and Identity Do

Career growth feels harder when you're doing everything "right" and still not seeing momentum. Kendall breaks down why traditional goal setting quietly stalls your progress and why the real catalysts for advancement are systems, identity, and daily habits that actually fit your work life. She shares how high achievers unintentionally set themselves up for burnout, why New Year energy fades so quickly, and what sustainable growth looks like for ambitious professionals who want more clarity, confidence, and consistency.

Kendall walks through how to design systems that support the career identity you're building, how to create daily wins that increase motivation, and how to shift from chasing outcomes to becoming the kind of person who grows naturally at work. If you've ever wondered why your goals don't translate into visible progress, this episode gives you the framework to fix that and step into the next level of your leadership.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why goals don't create sustainable career growth

• How to build a system for habits that actually stick

• What "career identity" means and how to define your future self

• How small daily wins increase motivation and visibility

• What to do when you feel stuck despite working hard

What's one "corporate game" rule you've learned the hard way?

🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: https://stan.store/thatcareercoach/p/get-started-with-my-play-the-corporate-game-course

About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg

Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress.

☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let's talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Book your Coffee Chat → https://calendly.com/thatcareercoach/15-min-follow-up

Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach?

Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_

Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/ Watch on YouTube:@thatcareercoach_