Stuck is a feeling that often comes in waves, but it’s something we can learn to manage. Whether you’re stuck in a job, relationship, or career, it’s important to identify what is making you feel this way and then take steps toward a change.
In many cases, being stuck is a result of negative thoughts and attitudes that can be easily changed with the help of awareness and conscious effort. For example, if you’re stuck in a professional rut because of your relationships with coworkers, it may be time to consider new ways to approach your work and develop new friendships. Similarly, feelings of being stuck in a relationship may be the result of unrealistic expectations or a lack of communication.
Even beginning readers can benefit from prompts to monitor their comprehension and employ fix-up strategies when they misread words. Providing children with these strategies will allow them to break out of the stuck state on their own, rather than waiting for an adult to help them, and it will prepare them for more independent reading as they progress through school.
Using this method of prompting can also help students with their organizational skills. By creating a visual aid, such as a chart, students can keep track of their comprehension and vocabulary skills. This can help them see how their efforts are paying off and provide an opportunity for reflection if they haven’t been successful.
Like a ship that’s run aground, a car stuck in the mud, or a tree blocking a river’s path, being stuck is often unavoidable and frustrating. However, the same cannot be said for human stuckness, as we have the power to make a choice and the ability to view our current situations with a different lens.
As a leader, it’s important to remember that feeling stuck isn’t a sign of weakness; rather, it’s a time to reflect and evaluate the situation. Taking the time to do this will ensure that you don’t waste valuable resources in a futile attempt to push past the stuck point.
Another way to move past being stuck is to focus on changing your physiology. As Tony Robbins says, “Great physiology leads to great emotions.” Therefore, it’s crucial to foster positive feelings when you are stuck, whether this means a simple activity such as stretching or an intense workout to relieve tension. Ultimately, this will reinforce that you have the strength to move forward and that your situation will improve.