7 Tips to Go From Being Stuck to Being Free

There is nothing worse I can think of than being stuck—in an unhealthy relationship, a dead-end job, or between a rock and a hard place. Being stuck with what feels like few, if any, options is unpalatable.  

I've been stuck more than once in my lifetime and will likely be there again. But remember, you're not alone in this. Many of us have felt this way, and it's okay to reach out for help. We're all in this together.

Everyone has felt this way at one point or another. Many face impossible obstacles, whether a problem arises at work, with friends, or at home. What's worse, some find themselves stuck in situations where their stress and frustration seem to keep building.  

However, that feeling of 'stuckness' can catalyze growth. In difficult moments, it's important to remember that there is always something you can learn and do to move forward. This is not the end but a new beginning.

So, how can you get unstuck when you're stuck? Take a look at these tips that have historically worked for me and my clients:

Start by assessing and reflecting. When you find yourself stuck in a rut, the best thing you can do is stop and reflect. This process empowers you to identify what's going wrong with your current situation, putting you in the driver's seat of your own life.

• Did you lose your job? Are you in a toxic relationship? Do you have poor living conditions? Once you can pinpoint the problem, you can move forward with a plan to fix it.

Let go of the past. You've probably seen many people get unstuck because they've rid themselves of old baggage from their past. It's like a weight lifted off their shoulders, allowing them to start a new chapter of their life with a fresh start and new ideas. It can be the same for you.

• People make positive life changes when they take the time to get rid of the past. They stop beating themselves up over past mistakes and failures and start over with a fresh attitude and optimistic outlook.

  
  

• Remember, it's never too late to start a new chapter in your life and let go of negative thoughts about yourself and your life. The power to change is always within your reach.

  
  

• Take the lessons learned from the past into your present and future, not as a negative but as a positive impact.

Finding out what you want can help you get unstuck. Feeling stuck is no fun. It can let life pass you by and make you feel like life is on hold. If you feel this way, figuring out what you want to do is crucial. This clarity will give you a sense of direction and purpose.

• Be kind to yourself by being honest. "To be clear is to be kind," Brene' Brown. 

• Step back and think. Ask yourself what your life would look like if you were truly happy and how you could make things different. Be honest with yourself and write down everything that comes to mind.

• Then, think about your priorities and what makes you feel fulfilled. Once you've identified your goals, think about what you can do in small steps that will help you get closer to where you want to be. Then take action.

Change your music playlist. Changing your music playlist can be surprisingly effective in getting you unstuck. Music that triggers happy memories can distract you from problems and help you feel better about yourself.

• Whether you listen to your favorite song or a new song, changing your music playlist can be a great way to shift your mood and get yourself unstuck quickly.

Move your body. Warm your neck up with a few minutes of stretching, such as gentle neck rolls or swings.

• Then, move around your body for a few minutes, using your arms to push you around and your legs to gently move you around. Breathe deeply and consciously as you move around to help clear your mind and open your body.

Practice meditation or prayer to help clear your mind. That will help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle whatever problem keeps you stuck. My executive coach recommended this to me, revolutionizing my day!

Change your environment. That can help you with your problem and motivate you to take action.

Almost everyone feels stuck occasionally, but the most important thing to remember is that you don't have to stay that way. 

Implementing some or all of these steps positions you to think, believe, and function free from stuckness. In the new and improved unstuck state, you are now FREE to start making a plan for moving forward.

I'd love to hear about your journey and your progress. Share your results with me and the community!

REMINDER: The "How To Write Your Own Success Story" Ebook, worksheet, and checklist are available for FREE download! Visit www.thebsboss.com to get your FREE copy today.