Do you ever find yourself wondering if you’re making the most out of life? Maybe your routine seems a bit repetitive, or you feel like you’re going nowhere.
A common thread I’ve uncovered about getting “stuck” is that often it creeps up on you unnoticed.
Things will be going well – you’re ticking all the boxes, progressing your life and career and then all of sudden… bam. You realise you’re going through the motions at work or treading water in your relationships. Your routines become mundane, passions dwindle, and your goals are gathering dust… you realise you’ve stalled.
Feeling stuck is a universal experience, but acknowledging it is the first step towards getting unstuck and back on track.
How do you get stuck? The Usual Suspects
Unfortunately there’s no clear road map for life. You’re going to encounter innumerable variables and unknowns that may deliver you into places you never intended to end up.
Signs of stuck show up as – being bored, all the time; having no meaningful ambitions; procrastinating like a pro; lack of fulfilment or motivation; social withdrawal; and, extreme negativity.
So what causes an onset of “stuckness”?
- Fear: Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of judgment – these pesky emotions create invisible walls, keeping you comfortable within your self-imposed limitations.
- Habits: Autopilot engaged! Routines are comforting, but clinging to outdated habits suffocates growth. Think of it like wearing the same clothes for a year – eventually, you just gotta change!
- Lack of Clarity: Goals are like lighthouses, guiding you through the fog. Without a clear vision of what you want, it’s impossible to chart your course and escape the aimless drift.
- “Comparisonitis”: Scrolling through social media, bombarded by seemingly perfect lives, leaves you feeling inadequate and stuck in a comparison trap.
Practical tools for getting unstuck
1. THOUGHTFUL SELF-REFLECTION
Grab a journal (old-school pen and paper) and become your own detective. Spend some time with yourself, get quiet, and get to the bottom of why you’re feeling stuck. What areas of your life feel stagnant? What used to excite you that doesn’t anymore? Be honest, even if it’s uncomfortable. Remember, awareness is the first step to change.
2. HACK YOUR HABITS
Shake things up! Take a different route to work, try a new workout class, learn a new skill. Breaking your regular routine jolts your brain and opens doors to new possibilities. But start with something small and achievable. Remember, small changes can lead to big breakthroughs.
3. PRACTICE HEALTHY DETACHMENT
If you have a tendency towards chasing “perfect” or experience imposter syndrome, you may benefit from digging into what’s causing these feelings. What would happen if you let go of the negative thoughts surrounding where you feel stuck? Remember stuck is a feeling, not a fact – say “I’m feeling stuck”, rather than “I am stuck”.
4. GET FIRED UP
What truly sets your soul on fire? What do you want to achieve in life? Don’t be afraid to dream big! Write down your goals, break them into actionable steps, and track your progress. Seeing your vision on paper fuels motivation and keeps you moving forward. And surround yourself with positivity, fostering an environment where growth is encouraged.
5. STOP SCROLLING, START LIVING
When appropriate, practice acceptance. It’s ok not to be progressing, changing and producing all the time. And stop yourself from comparing yourself to other people’s life paths or paces. When they come, celebrate your wins, big and small. Surround yourself with those who inspire you, not deflate you. Remember, you’re on your own unique journey, not a contestant in someone else’s highlight reel.
You have the power to break free from feeling “stuck”. Don’t wait for motivation to come to you – go out and create it.
Are you ready to stop waiting, wishing and talking about when you’re going to do “that thing” and actually make it happen. The How to Get Unstuck podcast is full of conversations with experts and everyday people who’ve navigated being stuck and share their tips for using the “stuck” feeling as a catalyst for what comes next.