What Do You Really Want? Why Stepping Back Might Be the Best Move You Make

Just over two years ago, I stepped away from a company I co-built and sold. At first, I thought I’d jump straight into the next thing. Instead, I gave myself 18 months of space to figure out what actually mattered.

It wasn’t about finding one definitive answer, but rather stripping everything back.

✔️ I wanted ownership—of my time, my decisions, and the work I choose to do. That’s what freedom looks like for me: the ability to pick and choose how I spend my energy.

✔️ I wanted community—not just a network, but deep relationships with people I respect and admire.

✔️ I wanted to do work that had value and meaning—alongside people I genuinely like. Because the older I get, the more I realize: who you work with matters just as much as what you do.

Recently, I was talking to a friend who had just stepped back from a corporate role. She was now in that space—exploring what’s next and questioning what she was changing towards.

She asked me if I’d ever work in a traditional corporate role again. My answer? Probably not. Not because I think there’s anything wrong with it, but because it doesn’t align with the life I’ve intentionally built.

By the end of our conversation, she had more clarity—not all the answers, but a direction that felt aligned. And I was reminded again:

Clarity Comes From Space, Not Hustle

When we’re in the thick of work, life, and responsibilities, it’s easy to mistake movement for progress. We keep going because that’s what we’ve always done.

But stepping back, even briefly, can be the thing that brings the clarity we’re searching for.

When I took time away from my previous role, I realized:
✅ Owning my time and making my own decisions mattered more than being forced into someone else’s structure.
✅ Community and deep relationships mattered more than surface-level networking.
✅ Work that had impact mattered more than chasing titles or external validation.

Once I had that clarity, decisions became easier. I knew what to say yes to. I knew what to walk away from. And I could move forward with confidence.

How to Get Clear on What Really Matters

If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain about what’s next, the best thing you can do isn’t to push harder—but to step back and ask better questions.

Here are some that helped me, and that I shared with my friend:

1️⃣ If no one was watching, what would I be doing with my life?
2️⃣ What parts of my work give me energy? What drains me?
3️⃣ What does success actually look like for me now—not five years ago?
4️⃣ What am I afraid to let go of, even though I know it no longer serves me?
5️⃣ If I had total freedom, how would I spend my days?

These aren’t easy questions. But they’re necessary ones if you want to create a life that feels aligned, not just impressive on paper.

What Do You Really Want?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:

Sometimes, stepping back is the most productive thing you can do. It’s not about giving up—it’s about recalibrating.

So if you’re feeling unclear, take a moment. Step away. Ask the big questions. And don’t be afraid of what comes up.

What do you really want? Have you taken time to figure it out? Hit reply—I’d love to hear how you’ve approached this in your own life.

Warmly,

Nick
ReAmbitioning—Rethink Ambition, Redefine Success.

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Nick Cakebread is a founder coach and advisor, helping entrepreneurs and leaders scale their businesses, grow, navigate transitions, and redefine ambition. Learn more at nickcakebread.com.

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