Stuck. It’s that moment and feeling of not knowing what to do next, not knowing where to turn, feeling unable to move. While this can be a physical state (a ring is stuck on my finger), I’m writing about when you are stuck mentally, psychologically or emotionally.
When Might You Get Stuck?
You likely have examples in mind as you are reading. Consider these common examples when you might find yourself stuck.
- Writing. It can be called writer’s block or fear of the blank page or screen. It can affect us whether we are writing a report, a book or even an email (more on this one later).
- Problem-solving. Sometimes we get stuck when solving a problem – either we can’t determine the cause or can’t think of possible solutions. Or maybe we have too many solutions, leading to…
- Deciding. Have you ever been stuck when trying to decide your next step? Either you have so many choices you don’t know where to start, you are afraid of possible consequences, or… you are just stuck in the present situation.
- In the midst of change. While this can be decision-related, it doesn’t have to be. You might want to change and don’t know how or have change around you and you feel forced to change, but don’t want to. Or perhaps you really want to change, but you just can’t seem to make anything happen.
You may have other examples of when you are stuck. Whatever your situation and feeling, I believe the seven suggestions below can help you move past being and feeling stuck – and make forward progress.
Step Back
When you are stuck, often you are too close to the situation. Stepping back means allowing yourself the chance to get a new perspective. Switch tasks for a while. Take a walk. Clear your head. This doesn’t have to be procrastination (though it can become that), it can be a conscious opportunity to give yourself some space before returning to your situation of stuck.
Let Go
When we step back, it might help us let go. What are we letting go of? The pressure we sense. The tension that exists. The guilt we feel. Whatever is leaving you stuck, immobilized and unable to move, isn’t served by your stress, tension, guilt and anxiety. Take a deep breath. Give yourself a pep talk or maybe use the next strategy.
Look Up
Looking up when you are stuck means reminding yourself why this task, decision or change is important. Looking up helps us see the situation from a new, higher perspective. It gives us context, meaning and can remind us of why this situation – or what we want next – is so important. Looking up can also re-energize us, which is a powerful part of getting unstuck.
Find Inspiration
There are plenty of ways to find inspiration. You might find it when you step back and take a walk. You might find it in prayer or mediation. You might find it by reading something, remembering a time you succeeded, or thinking about how others have moved through similar situations.
Ask Someone
Asking someone for help, ideas or inspiration is one way to get more input and could actually be a way to accomplish any of the previous strategies. But asking someone provides another powerful possibility. One of the reasons we get stuck is that we are stuck in our thoughts. When we have to describe the situation and what we are thinking to someone else, we often gain new clarity on the situation and the next step – whether the other person says anything or not. Remember that thoughts are fuzzy, and words bring clarity.
Think Try
Maybe it’s just me (I don’t think it is), but sometimes we are stuck because we want the next step to be flawless or perfect. When we hold ourselves to that standard, it is easy to get stuck. If you feel this need, stop thinking about the mistakes. Think about trying something. Take a smaller next step. Find a safety net if it ends up being a mistake. And don’t pre-judge yourself before you even start.
Just Start
Nike has told us for years to Just Do It. It’s not bad advice when we are stuck. Momentum comes from movement. You might need to couple this with thinking in terms of trying, but when you are stuck, start!
Stuck is how I felt this morning, when I knew I needed to write an article but I wasn’t sure what to write about.
I was stuck.
These are some of the strategies I used to move from stuck to this article. While I didn’t use all of them this morning, I used most – and the others I have applied and coached others on at different times in the past.
While I don’t wish you “stuckness,” I do hope these ideas help you when you are stuck.
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