10 Things To Remember When You’re Feeling Stuck
We will all reach points in our lives where we feel stuck, stagnant, and unsure of where to go next. It is one of the most terrifying and unnerving feelings we can experience as human beings. The questions flood our mind — “Where do I go from here?” “Why am I stuck in such a rut?” “Which direction is best for me to go?” “Am I making the wrong decision?” And rarely do we find the answers to those questions while remaining still so here are a few things to remember in these moments, 10 to be exact:
1. Feeling stuck could mean it’s time to make a change
Change has a way of shaking up patterns, creating new energy, and has the potential to change your overall outlook on life. Whether it’s your job, relationship, friends, your hobbies, or something else entirely, a lack of excitement may indicate it’s time to do take the necessary action to change it.
2. Baby steps still count
You might think that you have to do something substantial and when you cannot figure out what that could be and whether or not it’s possible, it can encourage a feeling of defeat in you. But what you should know is that it doesn’t have to be something major in order for it to lead to progress. Small things eventually become big things so start today by making a list of goals and figure out what little shifts you can make in your life to bring you closer to its achievement.
3. You don’t have to have it all figured out
Many exercise the belief that you have to have things figured out before you can ‘get unstuck,’ but this couldn’t be further from the truth. You don’t have to know everything that you want out of life in order to start moving forward; however, what is necessary is the movement itself. The ‘numbness’ and ‘emptiness’ you might be experiencing now are only temporary! Even if you can’t see the end result now, make it a point to go out, meet new people, experience new things, re-decorate — anything that will allow you to figure out what it is you want. Then, you can begin figuring out how to get it.
4. Nothing changes if nothing changes
This might feel like a harsh truth, but it is the truth. You cannot sit around waiting for change to come and for an epiphanic moment that brings sense to all aspects of your life. If you wish to see a change, you must first demonstrate it for yourself. Even the smallest change in your daily routine can encourage the ‘unsticking’ you are searching for. Consider waking up a half-hour earlier in the morning to engage in self-care before the kids or your significant other wake up. If you live alone, perhaps make it a point to begin journaling about the events of your day, the way that they make you feel, and take time to reflect on each. If neither seem like options of interest, revisit your bucket list and see where you’re at with its progress. Don’t have one? This could be the perfect time to change that!
5. New beginnings often require other endings
It can be difficult to shake the feeling that nothing seems to be working out for you and the lack of opportunities coming your way doesn’t help the case. What is important to keep in mind is that while many things feel like they are ending, this can only mean something else is soon to begin. When this happens, there is no better time to change your life.
6. Beautiful things happen much easier after you remove negativity from your life
Negativity often comes hand-in-hand with feeling stuck so your number one priority should be removing any and all toxicity from your life — especially when it comes from external sources. That being said, you can start by surrounding yourself with positive people and getting rid of the ones that are negative.
7. Believe what your heart tells you; not what other people say
Ask yourself: Am I living someone else’s life? Are other people influencing my every decision? Do not lose sight of the fact that this is YOUR life to live. Have fun and experiment in order to discover what it is you like and care about, without the opinion of others. Spend time with yourself and understand that being alone isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Set boundaries and encourage others to respect not just your choices, but your individuality. Make it a point to invest in your self-awareness and question your beliefs. Don’t become so focused on the details that you forget to look at the bigger picture.
8. Stop overthinking.
It can become so easy to obsess over our own thoughts, the circumstance at hand, and ultimately drive ourselves into a complete state of worry all over the things we have zero control over. Instead, focus your energy and efforts into the things that you can control and leave the rest to fate. It is possible that you feel stuck because you are spending the majority of your time inside of your own head, obsessing and fretting.
9. If it’s meant to be, it will happen at the right time, the right place, and for the right reasons
Although you are the one who is most responsible for making a change in your life, you must remain open-minded about how to do it. If you are sticking to a specific way, but still failing, it may be because it wasn’t meant for you (or maybe just not meant for this moment). Try something else and accept that things don’t always happen in the way nor at the time we planned.
10. The best is yet to come
Find solace in this moment and at this point in your life, knowing that there is far better on the other side of this challenging time.
