7 Strategies to Get Unstuck

Have you ever felt stuck? You know what to do and how to do it, but for some reason unknown, you don’t do what’s required. You find yourself procrastinating, and negative self-talk permeates your thoughts.

Thoughts like:

• “I’ll do it tomorrow.”
• “I really don’t feel like doing it today.” or
• “I feel off today and can’t think right now.”

Can you relate? Can I get Amen?

Here’s another scenario: You have a plan, but the thoughts just run around in your head. You may finally drag a few ideas out on paper, but for some reason, you’re stuck in hibernation mode. You had a bad experience (or two or a few) and you’re afraid it may repeat, so you’re cautiously walking the line to the point you can’t move any further.

As a kid, we used to play a running game called "Stuckie". In this game, the only safe haven is the designated “base”, usually a tree. If you are not on base (or making contact with the tree) and get tagged by an opposing team member, even if they touched the tip of your shirt, you become stuck (frozen where you stand)!

The idea of the game was to have your team cover all the bases first to emerge as the winner. There were a designated number of bases the team was required to touch, and if an opponent caught you during the sprint, you were stuck and could not move until one of your team members safely rescued you and set you free to run to home base. 

Recently, during a time of process, I was hit with a realization. A realization that in my adult life, I was playing that childhood game… but only this time it wasn’t with trees and bases. I can vividly recall moments during my life’s journey, this feeling of being stuck. I don’t know if I am the only one who’s played "Stuckie" in my adult life (I doubt I am), but if you can’t relate, bear with me. 

In life, you’ll have moments where you feel little or no progress is being made. If you are someone who sets high standards and things don’t go according to plan, you tend to feel daunted at times. Sometimes this is based on failure we’ve experienced, or you simply don’t feel like you are moving along as fast as you should, or would like. Ever feel like you should be further along by now? 

Looking back, I’m thankful for the moments I felt stuck because I had to learn how to get unstuck, and as a result,t am better able to help others who are experiencing the same thing. I had to learn to reach within, dig deep, push myself out, and get back on my feet. 

Here are 7 strategies I’ve learned to get going again:

1. Feeling stuck is a sign it’s time to make changes. It means something isn’t working, and it's time for internal reflection to uncover what’s really happening and then shake things up. Don't sit around beating yourself up about things you can’t change. Instead, do an audit of the situation and of what’s required to change, so that you can change. This is the first step in the process of getting unstuck. It’s definitely doable on your own, but much easier when working with a coach, mentor, or thinking partner who can see your blind spots and challenge your perspective. 

2. Show gratitude and appreciate the small steps. We lead better lives when we practice gratitude and show appreciation for the tiny progressions we’ve made. If you can't, won’t, or don’t celebrate the tiny moves forward, you likely won’t be ruler over much. Sometimes you may think your contribution isn’t attributing much. Trash that thought and focus on small steps instead of trying to eat the entire elephant at once. Make a list of things you are thankful for. When you put things in perspective and express gratitude, massive shifts begin and changes happen. 

3. Clarity is gained in momentum. Positive self-talk is definitely helpful here. When the thought to procrastinate comes, remember: no vehicle gets to its destination sitting idle. At the very moment you’re thinking, “Why bother?” or “I’ll do it tomorrow”, ask… “Why not now?” Who says you even have tomorrow? Find the urge to act now! Now is all the certainty we know. You may not be clear about the whole picture, but keep moving forward in faith. Clarity becomes sharper when we are moving forward.

4. Believe in yourself and why you started. Your vision was given for a reason. Oh, you may be laughed at or criticized, but don’t forget who you are. Turn off the negative chatter and remember you have limitless power within. Tap into the divine source and ‘top up your tank’ before you run dry. Don't wait for your batteries to run down before seeking a higher power bank to recharge from. Immerse yourself and build your belief daily. 

5. Embrace new beginnings. There is no failure if you really think about it. We only fail when we don't pull the lessons out of the experiences garnered. Adopt the “sometimes I win, sometimes I learn’ attitude. You must never be afraid of tough lessons. Anything worthwhile is uphill and will always cost you something of value. It is in these tough situations we begin to rediscover ourselves, and new beginnings emerge. Embrace the lessons, and the journey, and welcome with open arms the chance to begin again, again! 

6. Embrace a new mindset. “Nothing changes until you do” is a game-changer! This is where you really decide to get out of your own way and take action. There is absolutely nothing that can happen unless you change. Change starts in the mind, where you decide to be and do exactly what you say you will do, no matter what! It’s a monumental moment when nothing stands in your way, period. It usually kicks in when you decide you have had enough of being in victim mode, playing it safe, playing small, and really decide to own your place. Nothing will change until you decide to step up and step out – and commit to that decision. 

7. Renew your commitment to winning habits. Right habits will get you moving and keep you moving. Be relentless in pursuit of winning habits like persistence, tenacity, discipline, resiliency, commitment, humility, and gratitude. Always stay committed to your purpose and appreciate the journey. Embrace your path, recommit, and make a difference in the world. 

Just like in the game Stuckie, there will be moments we get stuck by some event or circumstances, but we have teammates in the form of coaches and mentors who can come alongside and help us make it safely to home base. My purpose is to be the person who helps others get unstuck. I am also grateful to the coaches and mentors who support me on my journey. May I be that for you?