You've watched people do it and maybe you've even done it yourself. Set a goal, take action, and make it happen. You've also seen people set a goal, take no action, and nothing happens. What makes the difference between these two kinds of people? Often, it seems that at some point, in both personal and professional arenas, most people feel the conflict between their goals and outside influences. It's as though you want to go for it (whatever it may be) but there are things that are getting in the way.
I have seen this situation affect—even control—many people who I have observed over the last twenty years. Especially for women, despite the progress that has been made, there is still difficulty navigating corporate America with any sort of certainty or stability. And while there are no "one-size-fits-all" answers, I believe that there are strategies that can be used to help take control of your situation.