Stuck is a feeling of being paralyzed and immobilized by what you face in your life. It can be triggered by anything that feels like it’s stopping you from moving forward, whether it is a difficult conversation with a loved one or a new project at work. Feeling stuck is common and normal, but it can also be very frustrating. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get unstuck.
If you’re stuck in a professional or personal situation that has stalled, ask yourself, “What’s the next smallest step I could take?” Taking an immediate action can help you break free from being stuck by breaking the problem down into smaller parts and allowing you to focus on one thing at a time.
It’s important to realize that when you’re stuck, it is usually not the result of the situation itself but rather your perception of the situation. For example, if you’re stuck on someone, it’s likely because you still have strong feelings for that person or are fearful of moving on to another relationship. Getting un-stuck in this scenario may involve recognizing that the person who was the source of your feelings was never going to be the right fit and releasing your expectations.
Getting stuck can also be the result of your beliefs about yourself and what you’re capable of. You might have been told by others that you can’t do something and therefore feel stuck when you try to do it. Changing your belief systems can be a powerful way to break free from being stuck, so it’s worth examining your beliefs about yourself and how you approach challenges in general.
When you’re stuck in a task, it might be helpful to change the format of your writing. Instead of writing a paper about research findings, for instance, write a poem or short story to change your mental state and foster a different kind of creativity. Changing your physiology can be an effective tool for breaking negative patterns of thinking and behavior, so you might also try getting up from your desk and going for a walk.
Finally, it’s helpful to remember that hindsight often reveals the hidden gift of any challenge you face. For example, the death of a close friend or a job loss might be exactly what you needed to move toward a more fulfilling career or relationships.
So, the next time you feel stuck, remind yourself that it is a natural part of the process of growth and development. The more you learn to embrace your own natural momentum, the less stuck you’ll be in the future. Good luck! This article was originally published in the July/August issue of Leadership Excellence. Reprinted with permission.