Is Your “Car” Not Starting? The Real Reason You’re Stuck (and How to Fix It)

I was at church this past weekend, and we had a guest pastor whose sermon really stuck with me. He talked about the power of our words — how what we say can either lift people up or deeply wound them. But what hit me the hardest was the story he shared at the end.

The pastor was renting a car and was told the make and model before heading out to the lot. He found the car, got inside, and tried to start it. Nothing happened. He pressed the starter again. And again. His frustration grew as he pushed harder, wondering why it wasn’t working. He was ready to blame the car, maybe even yell out in anger.

But instead of losing his cool, he walked back to the office and told them the car wouldn’t start. That’s when they asked him, “Which car are you in?” Long story short — he was in the wrong car. Same make. Same model. Just not the car that was meant for him.

He pulled this full circle to explain how many of us are doing the exact same thing in life. We’re trying to “start the car,” pressing harder and harder, but nothing is working because we’re not aligned with the right vehicle to get us where we want to go.

As a coach, I see this all the time with entrepreneurs and high achievers.

They’re doing all the things.
They’re working hard, checking every box, pushing every button, yet they feel like they’re stuck in neutral.

Why? Because their connection is off.

• They’re chasing strategies that don’t fit their vision.

• They’re trying to grow their business the way someone else told them to, instead of finding their own path.

• They’re filling every moment of their day with busy work, but not moving the needle toward their true goals.

It’s like being in the wrong car — no matter how many times you hit the ignition, it won’t take you where you’re meant to go.

The Cost of being Misaligned:

• Burnout: You’re pouring your energy into things that don’t truly serve your bigger purpose.

• Frustration: No matter how hard you work, results feel slow, inconsistent, or nonexistent.

• Comparison: You look at other entrepreneurs and wonder, What’s wrong with me? Why am I not further along?

• Lack of Clarity: You’re so busy “doing” that you haven’t stopped to ask if what you’re doing actually matters.

And here’s the thing — it’s not because you’re not smart enough, talented enough, or driven enough.

It’s because you’re trying to force something that’s out of alignment with who you are or where you’re meant to go.

But there is Another Side

When you’re in the right car, everything changes.

• You wake up knowing what your priorities are.

• You build a business (and a life) that feels meaningful and energizing instead of draining.

• You stop second-guessing your every move and start trusting yourself.

• You gain clarity, and with clarity comes confidence and momentum.

This is exactly what I help my clients with — getting out of the wrong “car” and into one that’s meant for them. We don’t just focus on the hustle. We focus on alignment. Because when you’re aligned with your purpose, vision, and unique strengths, things start to click. Your business grows. Your energy expands. And life stops feeling like an uphill battle.

What This Looks Like in Practice

For one of my clients, this meant stepping back from doing everything manually and setting up systems and automations that allowed her to scale without burning out. For another, it meant realigning her offers with the type of work she loved doing instead of what she felt she “should” do.

The shift isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what actually works for you and your goals.

How to Know If You’re Out of Alignment

Ask yourself:

• Does my current path feel forced or exhausting?

• Am I pursuing goals that actually light me up, or am I doing what I think I “should”?

• Am I clear on where I’m going, or am I just pressing buttons hoping something will start?

If the answer feels uncomfortable, that’s okay. Awareness is the first step.

Ready to Get Into the Right Vehicle?

If you’re tired of pressing on the gas without going anywhere, let’s change that.
Book a strategy session with me, and let’s map out what alignment looks like for you — in your business, your goals, and your life.

Because once you’re connected to the right “car,” everything starts moving with ease. And that’s when growth, freedom, and true success become inevitable.