So Now What? Where to Begin When Feeling Stuck
There's so many reason you may feel stuck in the season you're in. In my life, anytime I can understand why I'm feeling a certain way or struggling with something, it helps me understand what I need to do the change things up. I recently shared how I've struggled to get my momentum back after feeling "stuck" over the past few years. It's hard to see the progress you're making when you're living it day to day. One thing I've found incredibly helpful is journaling. Going back and reading them can help you see how far you've actually come, overtime. After reading my journals I was able to see what I was doing to dig myself out of the rut I was in, without knowing it at the time and trying desperately to find "my old passionate, creative self." I realized I loved the current version of me after seeing all the growth I had experienced. My values, passion, creativity and motivational drive has always been there but was hidden because the reason why I felt stuck, fear, was clouding my vision.
Why are you stuck? Do you know what it is that's keeping you stuck where you are. Is it procrastination? An unhealthy attachment to what's comfortable? Are you shifting the blame on someone else or an outside factor? Is it fear? Fear secondary to all the noise you hear around you? Are you surrounded by the negative Nancy's with comments such as, "You're never going to be able to achieve this, your business is going to fail, you're not good enough. First...drown out the noise. Hard but necessary. Then practice positive self talk and surround yourself with positive Polly's. I was stuck because of fear. I've been through some traumatic events that left me on high alert. All. The. Time. I recognized it but didn't know how to get past it. Over the past 9 months, I've put in the work to override that fear. It's been quite the journey and I still have "moments" but few and far between. I know I'm not the same person I was 3, 5 or 8 years ago. I'm a stronger version of me. I've had to learn how to control my mindset in order to live day to day and not on edge. I was stuck out of fear and it's liberating to know although a work in progress, I'm pursuing my dreams and not letting my mind get in the way.
Evaluate where you are. This can be hard because in order for this to really work you need to be brutally honest with yourself. Where are you in life? How are you feeling? What is your routine like? Do you have stressors weighing you down? What is different now than before? Are you repeating the same thing over and over again to where you feel your life is in an unhealthy cycle? The definition of insanity is, "doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results." ~Albert Einstein. Think back to a time in your life that you felt incredible momentum? What were you doing then that you aren't doing now? Assessing where you're at can help guide you to see what areas need attention. It doesn't have to be an entire life makeover, it could be as small as changing one thing. Perhaps eating better, exercising, getting up an hour earlier. These are just a few examples...for me it was a lot more in depth and it took time but having an honest "starting point," is vital. Remember, the only way from where you are is up.
What is your support system or circle like? Do they encourage you to grow or rather support your comfort zone? Are the individuals you spend most of the time looking to grow or have goals they're wanting to achieve? Or do you feel they hold you back because they're perfectly happy doing the same things, everyday? Do they challenge themselves? It is so important to have an encouraging circle whether that's family and/or friends. Even if just one person...someone you're around who is challenging themselves in different ways, growing, dreaming...they will naturally inspire and motivate you. If you honestly can't find it in people, you can find it in books, google searches, podcasts, you tube channels, blogs. For me...I immersed myself in all the things surrounding personal growth. I joined a women's accountability group in January and they are AMAZING!! We meet monthly, share our goals, brainstorm, support and encourage each other and hold each other accountable to meeting what we've set out. The friendships that have evolved are lifelong and it's so exciting to celebrate everyone's successes and achievements.
Challenge yourself. We all have challenges we face on a daily basis and they can pile up, become overwhelming and you can quickly find yourself trying to figure out where to start. Taking that first step is going to look different for everyone depending on what the challenge or challenges are that you're struggling with. For some...it maybe getting out of bed and taking a shower and if that's you...you're not alone...I've been there. For others it could be starting a new job or scheduling a doctor's appointment that you've been putting off because deep down you know somethings not right. Whatever your challenge is...write it down as well as what you need to do in order to tackle it and follow through with it. You will be amazed at what a powerful first step that is to yourself and a mental boost, despite whatever it is you're facing.
Never Quit. Whatever you're experiencing that's making you feel stuck, think of it as a pause button and you can unpause it at anytime. Life is hard but this too shall pass. You've been knocked down but you get to decide what is meant for you. The comfort zone is easy and it's okay if it's temporary while you're needing time to regroup but don't allow it to become the norm. Anything worth pursuing is always difficult but you will be so glad you did.
If you're feeling stuck, start by uncovering why you're feeling that way. Take the time to work on yourself. Know you're not alone and surround yourself with friends that are encouraging and like minded people. Take the first step, no matter where you're starting point is, even if at rock bottom. You'd be surprised but being at rock bottom will teach you lessons and strength that you'd never learn at mountain tops. You've got this. I believe in you.
xoxo,
