The Small Moves That Build a Career You Love

This article discusses why you may be feeling stuck and how you can change that by taking small moves to advance the career that you already love as an NP.

When we think about leadership, entrepreneurship, or professional growth, we often imagine a single defining moment.

A big promotion. A business launch. A bold decision that changes everything overnight.

But in my experience and in the stories of so many nurse practitioners I mentor it rarely looks like that.

The truth? The most meaningful transformations usually start with one small, imperfect move.

💡 The micro-leaps.

The tiny decisions that feel almost insignificant in the moment but, over time, compound into something extraordinary.

I’ll give you an example. One of my first micro-leaps was volunteering to mentor a student. It wasn’t a flashy opportunity. It didn’t come with a title. But it did something powerful: It helped me realize I had something worth sharing.

That moment built confidence I didn’t even know I needed. It taught me that leadership isn’t about waiting for a grand opportunity, it's about consistently showing up when it would be easier to stay comfortable.

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed right now, I want you to consider this: What’s the smallest possible action you can take to move closer to your goals?

Not the whole business plan. Not the entire strategy. Just one step.

Here are a few examples of micro-leaps you could take this week:

• Share a post on LinkedIn about something you’re passionate about in healthcare.

• Reach out to a professional organization and ask how you can get involved.

• Start a folder for your business ideas.

• Schedule 30 minutes to brainstorm your vision without judgment or editing.

Small moves create a big impact over time.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to feel ready.

You just need to start.

What’s your next micro-leap? I’d love to hear about it.

April J. Odom, Your NP Blueprint to Business Coach