Kaplan, Robert S.  "Reaching Your Potential."  Harvard Business Review, July - August 2008. p. 45 - 49.

Kaplan hits the high note immediately: "Ambitious professionals often spend a substantial amount of time thinking about strategies that will help them achieve greater levels of success."  Along with the remainder of the article, he encourages action: stop thinking--start doing.  Only thinking about employment status and responsibility creates slams your career into a box.  Once you're in that slump, no amount of thinking can pull you out.

That's when things require action. In order to overcome this thinking, take a fanatical approach.  In the words of Dave Ramsey, "when 'normal' people make fun of you, it means you are doing something right."  Look for the unconventional; find how you are currently positioned; make changes to get where you want; consult the wisdom of others; find a questioner of your ability; and above all: define yourself.  Define who you are and what you want.