Feeling stuck can be frustrating, but it’s also an important time to step back and assess your situation. This is the time to see if you can remove roadblocks and get unstuck. During these moments of reflection and assessment, you might discover that the problem isn’t the external factors but your negative thoughts and self-limiting beliefs that are keeping you stuck.
If you’re feeling stuck, it’s likely that your sense of purpose has been lost or diminished. A deeper sense of purpose acts as a compass that motivates you to move forward when times are tough. This is a critical step in getting unstuck because without it, you’ll lack the motivation to push past obstacles or even acknowledge that there are barriers.
For example, if you’re a writer and started your manuscript with so much enthusiasm that you cranked out 20 pages in one night, and then you hit a wall, it’s time to take a step back. This will help you see that the block isn’t a sign of failure but an opportunity to make changes. Taking a break may be as simple as switching to a different type of writing tool (like pencil or gel pen) or trying something new, like handwriting in a journal.
You may also want to look at your schedule and decide if it’s too frenetic, or if there are things you can cut out of it entirely. Research shows that less really is more, and reducing the number of tasks on your to-do list might be what you need to break through a cycle of feeling stuck.
Perhaps you’re stuck because of a lack of confidence, or a fear of failure or being judged by others. Practicing positive self-talk and working to reframe the way you think about these challenges can help you overcome them. For instance, if you’re prone to catastrophizing or having a case of the shoulds — “I should have gotten more done at work,” for example — it’s helpful to try a reframe that helps reduce stress and anxiety, such as “It’s okay to not be perfect.”
No matter what caused your stuck feeling in the first place, there are strategies to get unstuck and restore your sense of purpose. The end of the year is a good time to assess your professional life and consider what steps you can take to break through a cycle of feeling stuck. Taking the right steps will ensure that you don’t become a statistic among those who suffer from burnout and a loss of momentum. If you’re ready to find out more, read Martha’s articles, videos and podcast episodes on the Beyond Anxiety Hub.