Everyone feels stuck from time to time, whether it’s in a bad job or an unsatisfying relationship. But falling into a rut isn’t the end of the world. Instead, it’s a chance to examine the roots of the feeling and figure out strategies for breaking free.
Feeling stuck can be painful and inconvenient, but it’s also a chance to reflect on what’s not working for you. Here are some tips to help you get unstuck and back on track:
Reframe negative thoughts. Negative thinking can make your situation seem worse than it really is and prevent you from taking action to change it. For example, if you’re worried that you won’t succeed at your job, try replacing those thoughts with more realistic and hopeful ones, such as, “I will learn new skills to take my career in a different direction.”
Leave perfectionism behind. Trying to be perfect can make you feel like you’re not good enough, even when you are. It may be helpful to talk about your feelings with others, or to write about them in a journal. If you’re not able to let go of your feelings, you might consider counseling to explore and understand them.
Find a support system. It’s a lot easier to move forward when you have the support of those around you. Reach out to your friends and family, and join a group or an online community of people who are in similar situations. Share your concerns and brainstorm solutions together.
Get your physiology right. Great physiology promotes positive emotions, which can break down negative thought patterns. Changing your posture or going on a jog can help you change your mental state and get unstuck.
Reexamine past hurts. If you’re feeling stuck because of a problem in your past, it may be helpful to talk about your feelings with a trusted friend. You might also want to look at the bigger picture and ask yourself how you got where you are today. For example, if you stutter, it’s likely that your feelings were shaped in part by your childhood experiences, which may have been stressful or emotionally damaging.
Getting unstuck isn’t easy, but it’s a lot easier when you realize that the problem is only temporary. Don’t let yourself stay stuck; take action to change your current situation and get back on track. With patience, determination and persistence, you’ll soon find yourself moving in a new direction. — By Henri Henri, a life coach and author of Follow Your Passion: The Simplest Way to a Fulfilling Life. To read more of Henri’s advice and inspiration, visit Wake Up Cloud. You can also follow Henri on Facebook and Instagram.