These 8 things could be contributing to you feeling STUCK

october 12, 2023

Maybe you feel the urge to move, to stretch yourself & explore outside of your comfort zone. So many of us experience this, and sometimes many times! It's totally normal. My advice - do something with that urge (take action!). Scratch the itch!

Here's 8 things that might be contributing to you feeling stuck:

1. You've OUTGROWN your current situation.
If you're like me and you're in your 30's, you'll have realised/be realising now/will realise soon that people evolve and change. We need, want and expect different things during each season of our life.

2. You fear JUDGEMENT from others or you compare yourself to them.
Oooh a juicy one and definitely one I grappled with when I decided to career pivot. Making bold moves and shaking things up is challenging enough without the worry of what others will think. Review whose judgement you care most about.

3. MISALIGNMENT.
Again, me a few years back! You'll know when this happens. You can't be fully yourself. You hide versions of you. Your sparkle is dulled down (maybe to please others). You feel like you're ticking along, but not thriving.

4. You believe change = loss.
Absolutely, a valid reason to stay in the comfort zone for a lot of people. Getting unstuck could involve disrupting your usual security and stability. But when you shift your thinking to be about having BOTH not either/or...wait and see.

5. You feel hopeless, like what's the point of getting unstuck?
Negative thoughts spiral into more, and soon you're a wreck. It's an emotional sucker - but you can take action and move past it!

6. You're freaking exhausted when you're overwhelmed and burnt out, trying new things or putting yourself out there is like extra work. Plus your decision making is in the bin. Put your wellbeing first then tackle the rest.

7. You're unclear where you're headed.
Directionless? You'll go round in circles and stay right where you are. Gain clarity on your future, you're the writer of your story!

8. Perfectionism is winning.
There's so much I could write here but the main thing that comes to mind is that you're waiting for the "right time" and for all your "ducks to be in a row".

You might be experience one of these, a few of them or all of them. You're not alone, and it's inevitable that at various times in our lives we will feel stuck and stagnant. Especially if you're someone who loves growing, learning, variety, adventure and challenge. The key is to seek it out support intentionally, or something to shake things up and refresh the status quo. 

A number of years ago, I was experiencing ALL of these 8 things. Getting myself UNstuck wasn't a solo expedition. I enlisted help. So if you take anything from this, know that you don't have to stay stuck. You can rock the boat, create some waves and make a splash - in your own way. Here for it and here for you!
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