How to get Unstuck

Are you finding yourself in a rut?  Maybe you’ve been there for a while and it’s gotten so familiar you’re wondering if maybe there’s something wrong? 

We all get stuck…I still get stuck and it’s usually when I’m managing a lot of big things simultaneously or I know I am ready for a change and I’m resisting jumping into what is required of me to adapt.  Be kind to yourself and take a few steps to get your mojo flowing again…here are some tips to get you started.    

Self-Reflection

Take some time to do some honest, non-judgmental reflection on what’s making you feel stuck. Ask yourself some simple questions, such as – “Is this fear-based – what am I afraid of?  Is this because of a relationship I’m in that’s run it’s course and is weighing me down?  Has my career hit a plateau and I need to reboot?  Am I lacking clarity or direction?  Do I feel overwhelmed by aspects of my life?”  For many of us, having a better understanding of the root cause can be the first step toward becoming un-stuck and creating a path forward that feels less scary and daunting.

Practice Self-Compassion

Although we may not like it, feeling and being “stuck” is a common, human experience.  Every one of us, at one point or another, gets stuck and it takes a significant level of self-awareness and effort to break free from a rut and find forward momentum.  While you’re there, be kind to yourself and recognize that it’s okay to feel this way, even though we may not like it, and, and remind yourself that it won’t last forever.  If you find yourself slipping into negative self-talk, correct the pattern with thoughts that are neutral (This is a hard time and I’ll be OK) or positive (I’ve felt this way before and I always pull myself out of it, I am resourceful and capable) and focus on what actions or behaviors will nurture you and help you move forward.

Change Your Environment

Sometimes, a change of scenery can stimulate innovation, new ideas and perspectives. If you are able, consider working from a different location, get moving at the gym or take a walk, rearrange your workspace, paint your room or organize some closets.  Often times spending a little bit of time somewhere new, or even refreshing an existing space can do wonders for your psyche.  Whenever I am stuck, I always do some reorganizing, closet purging or alternatively, take a walk in nature or spend some time in my garden.  The change in environment or the act of organizing/de-cluttering takes the focus off of how I’m feeling and transports me to a place that feels lighter and more grounded.

Seek Inspiration

Read books, listen to podcasts, walk on the beach or in the forest, cook a nice meal, journal, create a vision board or watch videos that inspire you. Sometimes hearing others’ success stories or doing things that feel good to you can spark ideas or motivate you to take action.  Remind yourself of a time where you overcame challenges and write down what you did to get through it.  It’s so easy when you’re feeling stuck to lose motivation and your connection to your highest self.  By immersing yourself in more positive stories and experiences, you are more likely to get back some of the mojo you lost and get back on track.

Talk It Out

Discussing your feelings with a friend, mentor, therapist or coach can provide new insights and help you see things from a different perspective.  For those of us who have a preference toward extroversion, talking things out is a huge part of who we are and how we direct and receive energy.  When we hold things in, they only fester and usually impact our moods and feelings.  Rather than holding onto how you’re feeling, write it down, talk it out and release some of the pressure or hot air that’s built up inside you.  I usually find this to be a huge relief, if I pick the right person to listen. 

Break It Down

I’m a big vision person and as much as I love creating big dreams for myself, it can often feel daunting when it’s time to implement them. By breaking a big picture vision into clear and defined goals, it allows you to better understand what it will take to achieve that vision.  By taking it one more step and breaking goals into smaller, manageable tasks it helps you move faster and build momentum.  For those of us who like to check things off the box and feel productive, while also reducing anxiety around having to build Rome in a day, these tips can be super helpful and they are simple to do.  Check out this tool to help you get started with goal setting and action planning Goal Setting Worksheet.

Don’t be Afraid to Fail

Fear of failure or shooting for perfection can often keep us stuck. Many of us have that little voice inside of us (or from others around us) that holds us back from trying new things, rebooting our lives, changing careers, leaving bad relationships, etc.  Embrace the idea that often times, new jobs, roles, relationships, adventures don’t work out exactly as planned.  Manage unfulfilled expectations with self-compassion and embrace the idea that we learn most of our hardest and best lessons from epic failures.  Failure is a vital part of learning and growing, it’s how we respond to it that matters.  Try and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and get closer to your goals.