If you’re stuck, it feels as if two opposing forces are pulling you in different directions. Getting unstuck is not about a quick fix or finding a new magic pill; it’s about taking a deep breath, accepting where you are and writing a new chapter in your life.
There are many reasons we get stuck, from feeling burned out to not having clear goals for your professional growth or even living with a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. All of these things may lead to a sense of stagnation and being trapped in a rut, with no way out.
Getting unstuck takes courage, but it’s also about being honest with yourself and taking some time to reflect on your own behavior. A common cause of being stuck is a pattern of self-sabotage and self-limitation that we engage in to avoid risk or the challenge of pushing through an uncomfortable situation.
Another common reason for feeling stuck is an internal conflict between what you want to do and who you think you should be. For example, if you have a big career goal of being a high-profile professor or entrepreneur and feel like you aren’t on the right track to achieve it because you’re not doing what “everyone else is doing,” it may leave you feeling stuck and frustrated.
Sometimes getting unstuck is as simple as deciding to do less. If you’re feeling frenetic or rushed, it may be worth considering what activities can be reduced or canceled to give yourself more time for reflection and learning. Research shows that less really is more when it comes to being happy.
Robinson: Another reason people feel stuck is they are not able to connect with others. If you feel disconnected from your family, friends or coworkers it can make it hard to find motivation to push through a tough situation. It is important to build strong connections with those around you and to find a wolf pack of people to run with when the going gets tough.
Frank: I also find it helpful to change the language from starting with why, which often just leads to spinning around in your emotions, to instead focusing on choice points or micro-yes’s that you can say yes to. This helps to keep the momentum going and is more effective than just talking about how stuck you are.
I hope these tips are helpful to anyone who feels stuck in their professional and personal lives. If you need to talk through your struggles, please reach out to me or one of the members of Team Tony. We would be happy to support you in moving forward. Tremendous progress is waiting on the other side of your fear, so don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith. The universe will open the gates for you if you are brave enough to step through.