82. Stuck Between the Promise and the Payoff? How to Survive the Stretch Season

Stuck Between the Promise and the Payoff? How to Survive the Stretch Season

Ever feel like you’re doing everything right — but the breakthrough still isn’t here?
Like life is almost aligning… but you’re stuck in the middle? That space is called The Stretch Season — and it’s uncomfortable, humbling, and necessary.

In this raw and relatable solo episode, Hazel Brown, host of It’s the Human Experience, gets vulnerable about what it looks like to be in the in-between — where the doors are cracking open, but the full promise hasn’t shown up… yet.

Inside This Episode:

✔ What it means to be stuck between the promise and the payoff
 ✔ How to know you're in a Stretch Season — and why you shouldn't rush it
 ✔ The danger of “playing for crumbs” when you were called for the whole loaf
 ✔ Why building quietly, observing, and aligning matters more than public validation
 ✔ How exposure to people further ahead isn't rejection — it’s preparation
 ✔ The power of staying planted in faith when impatience creeps in
 ✔ Why being the student in the room can unlock your next season

Hazel opens up about the silent struggles of entrepreneurship, faith, and learning how to stretch into your next level — without forcing the timing. If you're feeling stuck, stretched, or like you're behind, this episode is your reminder: You're exactly where you're supposed to be.

✨ Stay Connected & Keep Growing:

✅ Follow Hazel on Instagram: @workplacetherapyexperience
✅ Subscribe to YouTube: Redefining the Future You
✅ Get details for the next Workplace Therapy Experience event this October in Las Vegas!

If this episode speaks to you, share it with a friend who’s also building, waiting, and trusting the process. You’re not behind — you’re becoming.

#StretchSeason #PromiseAndPayoff #DivineTiming #EntrepreneurshipJourney #FaithAndPurpose #BuildingQuietly #ItsTheHumanExperiencePodcast #PersonalGrowth #CommunityMatters

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome to the Human Experience
• 1:13 The Stretching Season
• 4:38 Playing for Crumbs vs. Whole Loaf
• 10:15 The Power of Community
• 15:10 Being vs. Performing
• 20:05 Growing Quietly and Intentionally
• 24:42 Closing Thoughts and Connections

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Welcome to. It's the Human Experience Podcast Hosted by Hazel Brown, a healthcare leader, wife, mom and career coach. If you're big on authenticity, personal development, perseverance and transparency, you're in the right place. Get ready to be uplifted, inspired and empowered as you become fearless in pursuit of the life you desire and deserve. Our goal is to help you level up by creating a safe space to learn and reflect, while listening to transparent stories from our host or successful professionals and business owners who've agreed to share the parts of success that typically gets X'd out on social media, because that's the part you need to see and hear the process. Go ahead and subscribe. You don't want to miss out on these transparent stories and discussions that reveal highs, lows, aha moments and nuggets that'll help you to grow and glow.

Speaker 2: 1:13

Hey, hey, hey. You are now tuned in to the it's the Human Experience podcast. I'm your host, hazel Brown, and you're probably like girl, who you got on today Because you sure told us that you're about to bring the guests on. And, trust me, they're coming. They're coming, the clips are clipping, the conversations are conversing, but the release it's just not time yet. The truth is, I realized that I was supposed to be loading the clip, yet here I was. I was firing the shots Typical me In hindsight, I see that.

Speaker 2: 1:49

But sometimes we're going through so much, so much grief, so much loss, so much change, so much transition, so much uncertainty, that we're trying to take control instead of being fully surrendered. I know I'm not alone. I know I'm not alone In the thick of it. I just thought it was time to share, I thought it was time to go, and sometimes we do that, even when you think you're ready, we don't realize that we're actually not ready. It's not go time. It's not go time. You are still in your stretching season. There's still more to learn time. You are still in your stretching season. There's still more to learn, there's still more to discern and it's okay to not perform.

Speaker 2: 2:29

And today I just wanted to talk about that. I wanted to talk about the stretch, the stretch season. Like when you're in the midst of it, it's like you want something to work out, so bad and the quality of the experience. It won't be what it's supposed to be, but you're like it's go time, sometimes unknowingly, but just know the impact won't be what it's supposed to be if you go before the time. That's why it's so important to be around people who get it, who help you feel grounded, because this uncomfortable season where life is on the rise, like you know it, you feel it, you see what God is doing, the opportunities are showing up, but so are the challenges, so are the delays. So is a part of the journey that nobody wants to post about, and yet every single part of it is necessary for where you truly want to live and be Like living the life God called you to live.

Speaker 2: 3:32

I was calling it the messy middle and it's like no, I'm not really in the messy middle as much. I am truly being stretched. I'm truly being taught to think outside the box. I'm truly being taught to reprogram myself from performing for always having the light switch on. And I want to be very honest, because it's very necessary to share this moment with you, because, when life is rising and opportunities are expanding, I'm in rooms I once prayed for. Things are happening that I wished for, I hope for, I pray for.

Speaker 2: 4:11

But, if I can be honest with you, it's still hard. It's stretching me in ways I didn't expect. It's bringing up things I thought I was done with, and if you've ever felt like you're finally starting to pick up the pace, but everything just starts hitting you at the same time, I want you to lean in here, because this is for you. It's wild, right, it's so wild. How can everything be going right and wrong at the same time? Everything looks like it's aligning, doors are opening and then boom, an L Life hits you with like the most inconvenient, frustrating the not yet Y'all. I got into a whole accident recently, not because I wasn't paying attention, but because I guess I'm so heavy on taking my L's up front that you know I clearly got that L right and I wanted to really move quickly.

Speaker 2: 5:11

I wanted to get things done and in that moment it's like I just reflected on how heavy I'm always about taking my L's up front right and I'm like oh okay, god, we in the rising season, you just gave me my L.

Speaker 2: 5:24

I know we're on up because I'm heavy on getting my L's up front, but what I'm learning is that God doesn't rush. His timing isn't based on my impatience, it's just based on alignment. So, yes, I'm planning my October event workplace therapy in Las Vegas. I'm growing my business. Y'all, I'm growing my business. There are so many things I'm doing behind the scenes with my business. So many downloads. I'm getting mentally from God about the things I'm supposed to be doing at my next level and my next iteration of the stretching season. I'm parenting. Listen, it's summertime, I am heavy in parent mode.

Speaker 2: 6:08

I'm a chauffeur on all the things. I'm managing clients. I'm helping people grow their own podcast. I'm helping people grow in their corporate careers, like reviewing resumes, really providing feedback, helping people to really just optimize their growth plan. And I love it here, right, because previously I would do a lot of like done for you services around helping people to get higher positions, whether director position, manager positions or what have you. And those same clients, even though I'm not advertising any of it anymore, they're coming back and they're like, okay, I recommended this person because now I'm the director of this. Now I'm working for this company and I'm like I'm not even advertising that guy. But you know, what's funny is I don't have to push it at all because they're coming to me as referrals, so it's so easy. And I say that like it hasn't been a thing, like literally I don't advertise my career coaching business. I haven't Like.

Speaker 2: 7:11

At one point I used to post a few videos on Instagram under Redefining the Future. You and I would post these little like reminders about how you belong and how you deserve to take up space and tips for you to negotiate your pay and all the things. But that was very short lived because a lot of my clients were doing so well and were able to get the jobs that they wanted to, where they just started referring people to me. And it's funny because it's the same way in which I manage clients and helping people grow their podcasts. Like you've never once heard me share on this podcast after 80 something episodes. Hey, if you guys are listening and you love this and you wanna create your own podcast, reach out to me, hazel Brown, so I can manage your podcast. Like not once you can go back and listen to every episode. I don't do any of that. Like I just recently started sharing workplace therapy events with y'all because I recognize, like Hazel, these podcasts are virtual, for people to do when they're on the road home stretching, doing whatever it is that you're doing.

Speaker 2: 8:18

But you want to be able to be intentional about stretching and growing in your life and having real, authentic conversations and I'm like that's what we do at Workplace Therapy. Why are you not telling people that you have in-person events? So now I'm starting to recognize, like sweetheart, you kind of share that. Like you are really leaving a lot on the table. Like the impact that you're making the people that are reaching out and telling you about what episodes touched them, like they can get this in-person experience. So like, why are you not sharing that?

Speaker 2: 8:48

But I share all that to say is that I have a lot going on and let me be real for a minute. I'm still peaking at nine to five opportunities. Like, girl, make it make sense. I know you're probably like bro, what you doing. Like, why are you still looking for nine to fives? You know you share to trust the timing of your life. God is intentional and you're not supposed to be doing that. But I'm going to be real. I love having a stable income. I love making sure that, no matter how many clients I have, what events I'm planning, how the podcast is doing, how my husband's income is doing, I am comfortable in knowing that I have a secure income and I don't have to be around the corner from homelessness. There's just something about that security mentally that is so good. And then also, within that same frame, I want to share that I've also recognized that is playing for the crumbs Instead of the whole bread, instead of the whole loaf, instead of the whole aisle. I am playing for crumbs and I recognize having 20 plus years of experience in healthcare management, being a patient and having the experience to understand what patients are going through, having made so many changes in operations and around company culture, around the experience for patients and truly making sure that people really are able to have a quality experience within the healthcare field separately, helping people find careers that they love and that they're getting the pay that they deserve to, where they're more fulfilled, where they're marrying in, essentially, my business and my career together, like I've done the thing, and it's so interesting that, even with the receipts, even with all the testimonials that you could find if you go on my website like I still am, like God, just give me a nine to five though, just give it back to me though

Speaker 2: 10:44

right, and I have to keep reminding myself, like sweetheart, if you're making, whatever it is that you're making, right, you could be making that in a month. That's what one of my friends just told me. She said Hazel, I pray that that six figure salary that you just lost becomes six-figure months, guys. That's why the circle that you keep is so important, because, it's true, I'm playing for crumbs instead of playing for the whole loaf, even a whole slice. Listen, we're going to take over the bread aisle soon, right, but are you playing for crumbs? Are you trying to rush things for it to get better, faster, but you don't care about the quality in which that experience for your life is your life experience, right? So it's so real. Do you care about the quality of the life experience? Like, why are you going to be in the field playing in the dirt, trying to build something, put the seeds in, make it harvest, only to ruin the soil? Because you're rushing it? Because now we got to wait till next season to plant again. Why are we planting in the next season, where we're in the middle of the stretching season? Make this stretching season count, don't rush it. I don't know how many people do relaxers, but if you rush a relaxer, if you rush the way that you do anything, the results won't be optimal. So why are you rushing the way that things should be happening in your life? Guys? This isn't just for you, it's for me too, and at the same time, I'm just trying to be, not produce, not force, like literally just be, and maybe you're there too.

Speaker 2: 12:35

Like, let me say, being stretched feels hard. Being around people who are further than you, ahead of you, that can feel hard too. Stepping in rooms where you don't feel ready, that can feel like exposure, though. Right, that's what it feels like exposure, and the reason why I share that is because some people tell me that they don't come to my events because they don't like being around people that are way ahead of them, and I'm here to share that. We are all living the same experience, no matter where you are. We are all trying to become the best versions of ourselves. We are all trying to be our authentic version of ourselves. We are all trying to root for each other, and when I say we are all, I mean everyone in my community, everyone that comes to my events. I cannot vouch for the whole world. I can only vouch for people who recognize that this is a space to be in.

Speaker 2: 13:32

But listen, exposure isn't punishment, it's preparation and everything uncomfortable you feel in these moments. It's in your spirit, stretching to catch up to your purpose. And here is the thing. Like, here is the thing, thing I would say, like here's my big one, right? If you want to live the life God called you to live, if you want peace, alignment and overflow, overflow, then the stretch is required, the pruning is required, the patience is required and the community is really a non-negotiable, because having those people where I could text if I want to go grab lunch with, if I want to just be around and be a representation of the fact that real people exist, who are rooting for you, who are not judging you, who want you to win, who are healing also, it's a game changer.

Speaker 2: 14:29

You got to take your time to make sure they are your dreams, your goals and you're doing the things that matter for you. But you got to come out your shell sometimes. You got to be around people. That's going to help you see the thing. So you know you could be the thing, because there's no reason to be in your shell and decide that you're not enough when you are. God gave you the vision, he helped you to see that you should be doing it, and he's already ordained for it to be yours. And that's what happens when you're around people who want to see the version of you. God already called you and confirmed you to be, even when you don't fully see it yet.

Speaker 2: 15:13

Let me tell you something that took me a long time to admit. For so long, I made sure I was always the sharpest cookie in the room, the most prepared, the most polished, the one with the answers, the one who looked like she had it all together. Cause I do, cause I do Listen, but I'm human, like I don't have all the answers, I don't have everything. I am an expert in the area that I'm an expert in, but I am not a jack of all trades, master of none. I master the things I master and the things that I don't master. I rely on the experts to help me get things done, and I think we have to do better at feeling like we have to wear every hat, we have to do everything and we need to be polished in every area. We are not going to be a master of everything. We are going to be the master of our gifts, the things that God gave us, because all it does it blocks your blessings. It blocks your blessing when you're trying to be the mostest and the mostest.

Speaker 2: 16:18

Be a student, be okay with learning, because when you're always trying to be the most prepared, the most impressive, the most whatever right, the most together, you never leave the room poured into, you never leave the room being stretched, being taught or even being surprised by what God is doing, because you're just a poor and listen. It's okay to be in places that are different. Is it okay to be in a place where you are the person pouring? Absolutely. But it's as equally important for you to be in rooms where you don't know everything. It's okay to sit at tables where you're not the expert but you're the student. That doesn't mean you're unqualified. It just means you're growing in other areas. You're stretching in other areas or you're stretching in the areas that you are the expert in, because there are new things to be able to learn and some of the biggest blessings you're praying for they're hidden in the rules that you need to be humble in right, the humble us. They're wrapping those relationships that challenge you. They're tucked in the moments that make you feel out of place. Oh, my God, so many of these moments. But God says you belong there. So what are you going to do? Stop blocking your blessings, trying to be the sharpest cookie in every space. Like, just be open to being teachable, to being aligned, like. That's where the next level lives, and I promise you you don't have to perform your way into purpose. But you got to be willing to grow, we got to be transparent.

Speaker 2: 17:56

I've been guilty of wanting to let y'all in on things before. It was time as it relates to getting these guests in right, I'm so excited about it. But just that announcing that planning and producing. Planning and producing is important, without having to announce everything. And I don't know if it's social media, and I didn't even realize that social media had me wrapped up in this little, you know, trying to announce things. But what I realized is there's power in building quietly, there's wisdom in observing first, there's peace in just like aligning before you make the moves.

Speaker 2: 18:35

And I had to learn it the hard way. Like within life, within business, within relationships, like sometimes we're so, we're so ready to pull the trigger, not just in terms of like performing, but also in terms of like cutting things off. And, yeah, like the new video episodes and new projects, my new clients, the things that I'm doing, they're so important but they're going to drop when the foundation is solid, when I'm solid because I'm not rushing success. It's just not sustainable that way and it makes no sense to do things that are going to put you in a place to where you are rushing and you're trying to put things. You know what they say, putting squares in the circles, like we're not doing that, we're not doing that. And listen, I know I'm not the only one. Some of y'all are forcing timelines God never gave you. Some of you guys are chasing next without mastering.

Speaker 2: 19:33

Now, and I have to say it with love, because I've been there, I'm still learning it myself and I wouldn't be doing my job in this podcast if I wasn't honest about my journey but also getting you to reflect on your own journey to see what it is that we have a hand in in terms of why things are not as fruitful as they should be. Did we rush our harvest? Did we damage the soil? Like what did we do? Because we have a hand in the way our life shows up and just like that crime episode in terms of reflecting and really looking at the role we play in our lives. I want you guys to do that. I do it so heavily for me, and I'm being so transparent and vulnerable with you because, as we were talking to different people, we're hearing different perspectives and we're seeing the growth I want to make sure you mastered you in your season, in your current season.

Speaker 2: 20:34

So, yeah, I'm just still imperfect, still growing into the version of myself that makes the most sense right now managing my clients, parenting over the summer oh my God, I had to circle back on that. Growing this business is stretching me. Planning my October workplace therapy event I'm wrestling with the idea of nine to five. Still, though, we're going to have to work that out for me. I'm trying to lose weight by my 40th birthday on August 17th, but I'm serious. I've started my detox. I started the things. Listen, I'm trying to lose weight by my 40th birthday on August 17th, but I'm serious, I've started my detox. I started the things. Listen, I'm so excited about it.

Speaker 2: 21:10

And then I'm also networking in a new city and, above all else, yeah, I'm not even going to sit in that too much because I'm trying to go to my networking event. I'm trying to do what I need to do because I did pause. I paused because I'm like God, I don't even like it here and it's like girl, shush Shush, I brought you here for a reason. Are you going to do the work or are you just going to keep telling me you don't like it here and not do what you're supposed to do and then ask why you're here? You can't find out why you're here if you don't go do what you're supposed to do.

Speaker 2: 21:39

Y'all, I'm just making space to just be like, not produce, not perform, not pretend, just be, and it's just not always loud. Being is not always loud. It's sometimes quiet. I told y'all it's messy, but I know it's intentional. It is so intentional and we just have to make sure that we hold space for that intentionality. So, listen, if you are listening right now, I need you to share the podcast with your besties, your friends, your go-getters, those building on purpose.

Speaker 2: 22:09

So, if you're listening right now, feeling stretched or feeling like you're watching everyone else be further than you, feeling like your timing is off, feeling like the opportunities are here, but so are the obstacles, because the obstacles will always be there I need you to hear me. You are not behind. And the more patient you get with the process, the more powerful the results will be. So just don't rush it, try not to compare and don't abort mission before it gets ready, because I just know, like we can't keep folding, we can't be pivoting before the time. Right, it is okay to pivot, but it's not okay to give up on you. So observe, align and move when it's time. And when that time comes, I promise you will appreciate the fact that you took control of allowing the process to just happen. Not taking control of the process, but allowing it to unfold in front of you, because the fruit will be an undeniable quality fruit. Right, it will be sweet, it won't be rotten, it won't be too unripe I couldn't even think of the word right, it won't be those things. It will be ready. But I want you to know in the meantime, I want you to stay connected. Follow me at Workplace Therapy Experience. So Workplace workplace therapy experience on Instagram. Subscribe on YouTube, subscribe at Redefining the Future you on YouTube so that, as these videos pop out, when they start popping, you can be able to see the clips on Instagram and you'll be able to see the whole video on YouTube.

Speaker 2: 24:02

And, of course, come to the next event, Be in the rooms that stretch you because, even when it feels hard, everything necessary for your becoming is happening right now. The guests are coming, the conversations are happening, the vision is already confirmed, the timing, that part, that part is in God's hand, but we're building it together. So stay ready, stay grounded and, above all else, give yourself permission to grow quietly until the world can't help Ooh, child, they can't help but notice you. I need you to do that. I love y'all. I'll see y'all soon on video. Keep building. Keep building, sometimes quietly, sometimes observing, but definitely align, definitely with pressure, like putting in that pressure, that work, that action, and just know sometimes we got to juggle the building, the parenting, the becoming and transforming, because it all happens in God's timing, not ours.

Speaker 1: 25:06

We hope you caught all those gems. So here for all of it. Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss a gem. Write a review so that we know to keep bringing you episodes like this. And check us out online at itsthehumanexperiencecom to keep up with us. Keep growing and glowing. Catch you on the next episode.