Everyone feels stuck at one point in their life — whether it’s a rut in your career, an unfulfilling relationship, or even just a lack of motivation and a sense of purpose. But identifying why you’re feeling stuck and then making some changes can help you regain your forward momentum.
1. Your routines have gotten too tight.
This is when your daily responsibilities (work, home life, visiting family, etc) have accumulated to such a degree that you have little or no time for other activities. In this case, the best way to get unstuck is to start thinking about what you can subtract from your schedule, rather than add things in. Try scheduling in ‘interstitial moments’ (such as taking a walk or sitting outside to clear your head) to give you the space you need for thinking and resting.
2. You are stalled in the middle of a project.
This can happen when you’ve made great progress on a task but are now stalled in the middle of it. Often this is the result of procrastinating or not having an actionable plan. Consider what steps you can take to move past this stage and into the final stages of your work, like putting together a timeline or a list of tasks that need to be completed.
3. You have an insight that creates an opening.
Sometimes, a sudden realization or deep understanding of something opens up an entire new perspective on a situation that you’ve been stuck in. This kind of breakthrough is what we call an a-ha moment and can be very motivating.
4. You are feeling burnt out.
Whether it’s due to an unhealthy lifestyle, an overwhelming workload, or something else altogether, it’s common for people to feel burnt out in their careers and personal lives. This can lead to self-limiting behaviors and a feeling of being stuck in your current position, which may be exacerbated by mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
5. You are facing a significant challenge.
Some challenges are so significant that we’re simply overwhelmed and can’t see a way out, such as when you’re dealing with an illness or the pandemic. Having a strong support system can help you navigate these kinds of situations, as well as finding a strategy for moving forward through difficult times.
When you’re feeling stuck, it’s important to remember that you’re in control of only a few aspects of your life. But by focusing on what you can control and keeping your goals in sight, you’ll be able to reclaim your momentum and find a path to success.