By Leiza Clark
How to get unstuck and start moving forward, from standstill to flow. “Nothing will work unless you do.” Maya Angelou
Every person at some point in their life experiences the uncomfortable feeling of being blocked or stuck, giving them the experience of time standing still while they yearn for change.
Your mind continues to repeat the same doubts, while you review your decisions multiple times and yet you remain unable to progress. The feeling of being stuck can appear in multiple areas of life including work, personal connections, creative pursuits and your self-improvement journey. The key point to understand is that being stuck serves as a directional indicator.
The feeling of being stuck will reveal your path to success if you pay close attention to it.
1. Recognise the Signal, Not the Struggle
The feeling of being stuck or blocked in life does not stem from being idle or lacking drive. It’s your inner guidance system appearing as a warning to examine your situation more deeply. Your current belief patterns no longer match your needs, and fear might have taken control of your actions.
The goal is to stop fighting against the uncomfortable stuck feeling, because if you explore a little more, it will reveal the ideal future path. Being stuck is a sign from your body that signals you need to pivot or change, although you may not have determined which path to take.
2. Focus on taking small actions instead of worrying about the entire picture.
The desire for change can become overwhelming when the transformation seems too massive. So my suggestion is to place your attention on just the first step of your journey, because if you place your attention on the entire staircase, it can appear overwhelming in the moment.
- If you want to write a book, begin by starting with writing one page of content.
- Starting your career transition requires you to update your resume first before you can think about the complete shift.
The smallest amount of progress will start to build momentum.
3. Change Your Attitude Toward Your Fears
Fear disguises itself through procrastination, excessive thinking and perfectionism to hide its presence.
To move through fear, transform your perception of it instead of attempting to eliminate it. The area where growth resides is in new thought patterns, which fear indicates you are approaching.
- Do you avoid taking action because you lack readiness, or because you stand at the threshold of growth?
- A simple mental adjustment will free you from fear so you can progress.
4. Refresh Your Environment
A new outlook becomes more important than focusing on major changes, when you need to break through your current situation. You should try rearranging your workspace or take a walk in nature or visit a different café. The physical areas we inhabit directly affect our mental processes and emotional states. A minimal change in your environment can activate your creative thinking, while revealing hidden possibilities that were previously invisible.
5. Call in Connection
The state of being alone can create an environment that supports being stuck. Reach out and contact a trusted friend, mentor or coach who knows your situation and will help you gain a different perspective or understanding and provide solutions.
Another person’s viewpoint enables you to discover hidden weaknesses and remember your existing abilities. The process of discussing your situation will reduce your burden, while revealing new possibilities that you may have never discovered independently.
6. Lock Into Your Future Self
When the present moment becomes overwhelming visualise your future self, after you have overcome this challenge.
- What actions would this person take during their day?
- What important lessons would this person share with you?
- Your future self provides clarity while demonstrating that being stuck is only a temporary state. Your alignment with your future self will make it simpler to take action toward your personal growth.
Eckhart Tolle states that taking any action is superior to remaining inactive when you have spent many years in an unhappy situation. Learning from your mistakes makes them no longer mistakes because you acquire valuable knowledge. Your lack of movement will prevent you from gaining