When You Feel Stuck, Build a Bridge: A Message for Every Woman on the Edge of Her Purpose

The unique ache that comes from knowing your calling and feeling like you can't afford to answer it is a raw, painful space between knowing what you're meant to do and having the resources to embrace it. This is where many brilliant women find themselves today, and where I found myself just this week.

The Confession No One Expects from a Leader

I woke up feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure about my next career move because I know my purpose and love what I do through my nonprofit, The SOFEI Group. Bills, burnout, and lack of support felt heavier than my vision, and the thought that "my time on this earth is running out, and I still haven't made it", crept in before I could stop it.

This harsh thought motivated me to share this blog post with you today. If you feel like you're racing the clock while running on empty, this message is especially for you because the world needs your purpose-driven work, even though you need a sustainable path to deliver it.

The Bridge-Building Framework: When You Can't Leap, Build

Women are frequently advised to "leap" or "burn the boats." But what if those options aren't suitable for you right now, such as having dependents, debt, or aspirations that require more resources than you currently possess? You don't need to leap; you need to build a bridge.

🧭 Step One: Get Grounded in Truth

Before making any moves, create a sacred space to breathe, journal, pray, meditate, and ask yourself or your higher power: "What's the next right step, not the whole plan, just the next move?"

Remember, clarity does not always strike suddenly; it can be a soft voice that only silence enables you to hear. Your mission is not lessened by where you are now, and your worth is not defined by how much you accomplish! Before taking action, ground yourself in these truths.

🪜 Step Two: Build a 90-Day Bridge Plan

A bridge plan isn't about abandoning your purpose; it is about creating a sustainable path toward it. Allow yourself to think in shorter, more actionable timeframes and ask yourself these essential questions:

• How much earnings do I need in the next 90 days to meet my basic living needs?
• What skills or services can I offer now that align with (or build toward) my purpose?
• What value can I provide to paying clients or partners that complements my nonprofit's mission?
• What one action would create the most immediate positive impact on my situation?

For me, this meant creating a one-page pitch deck to attract corporate contracts that align with my nonprofit's mission (i.e., reimagining how to fund the work I want to do full-time without compromising my values).

Your bridge might look completely different. It may be negotiating a flexible schedule at your current job, creating a micro-offering that generates quick revenue, or partnering with someone who complements your skillset.

🤝 Step Three: Ask for Specific Help

The myth of the self-made woman has kept too many of us isolated in our struggle. Some people genuinely want to support purpose-driven work, but they need to know exactly what you need. I've learned to be clear about my asks:

• "I'm at a crossroads. My heart is in my nonprofit work empowering women toward economic stability, but I need strategic partners and guidance to make a sustainable transition. Could we talk about potential collaboration opportunities?"

Notice this isn't vague. It is not just "I need help." It identifies the specific gap and invites a conversation about filling it.

🧡 Step Four: Reframe the Fear into Fuel

That nagging feeling that time is running out? Do not let it paralyze you; instead, let it inspire you to be strategic about your next steps.

Use that sense of urgency to choose legacy over perfection and to prioritize impact over optics. One bold, imperfect step can shift your entire trajectory. Ask yourself: "If resources weren't an issue, what would I do first to advance my purpose?" Then find the scaled-down, bridge version of that action.

A New Kind of Leadership: Transparent, Collaborative, and Human

I'm sharing this because we need a new model of women's leadership. One that values transparency over the appearance of having it all together. We don't have to wear a cape to make a difference. Sometimes leadership looks like saying, "I'm not where I want to be, but I'm building the bridge to get there." And I want you to build yours too.

The Invitation

Feeling stuck between purpose and practicality? You are not alone. Let's reject the false choice between financial stability and meaningful work and create bridges for each other. I invite you to:

• Share one step in your bridge plan in the comments
• Reach out if you see potential for collaboration
• Offer support to another woman building her bridge

You deserve a sustainable path to share your purpose-driven work because the world needs it. Let's turn our stuckness into strategy, together.

About the author: Deborah M. Avens is the founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of The SOFEI Group. As a leader of a nonprofit organization that empowers women to emerge from economic instability through education, training, and development, her work focuses on creating pathways to financial independence and self-sufficiency for women at all stages of their journey.