Feeling stuck sucks. It’s a frustrating and inevitable part of life. We all encounter moments when we’re unsure of how to move forward.
In this blog I explore what might cause us to feel stuck and ways we can help ourselves break free from the grip of stagnation.
I personally struggle and experience feeling stuck when I feel torn between two opposing decisions, such as should I stay in the USA or move back to Europe! I like to blame this on my zodiac sign, Pisces, since the symbol is often depicted as two fishes swimming in opposite directions and this is exactly how it feels, like one part of me wants to go this way and the other part wants to go that away!
The Source of our Stuckness
There are many factors that come into play that might be the cause of our inability to move forward. Recognizing the underlying causes for why we feel stuck is the first step towards finding solutions.
Here are several potential reasons behind feeling stuck:
- Feeling overwhelmed by options
- Struggling to make a decision
- Lack motivation
- Unprocessed grief
- Lack of support
- Fear of failure
- Lack of resources
- Lack of clarity
- Lack of confidence
And it’s very possible to be experiencing all of the above all at once. Bring awareness to why you feel stuck. Do you lack clarity? Are you struggling to make a decision, overwhelmed with options? Or …?
The Solution
Getting unstuck is essential for our growth, well-being, and our ability to do the work we came here to do—and to enjoy our lives. There are many things we can do to help ourselves shift this energy and move forward. This process is not linear.
-> It’s Ok Not to Know
A great place to start is to release resistance and accept and allow that you don’t know how to move forward and it’s ok not to know. Allow yourself space to embrace the unknown. Take time out to rest and recalibrate.
-> Declutter and Reorganize
Decluttering and reorganizing your home and work place can create space inside and out so that you can feel more open to receiving answers about next steps.
-> Take Time to Process Grief
Often our next step forward is to take time to grieve. Getting unstuck might involve change and loss. We often try to jump into the next thing without allowing ourselves space to honor loss.
-> Explore your Options
What is the source of your stuckness? Are you overwhelmed by options?
Do your research. Seek out inspiration and information. Get your options down on paper. What do you know for sure can be crossed off your list, that you for sure don’t want. And then try on options you like by feeling into them a bit more without getting bogged down on the details and the how.
-> Make a Decision
Getting unstuck often involves making a major decision that comes with massive change. These decisions may have to destroy our current structures in order to make space for new one’s that can better support our goals. The fear of change and fear of failure can prevent us from making choices. Make even a tiny decision today and take action on it. Action and forward movement will bring you more clarity about the larger decisions you’d like to make.
-> Physical Movement
Remember to move your body everyday. Physical movement is a great way to help you move stuck energy. What do you enjoy? Yoga? Hiking? Swimming? Next time you feel stuck, play a tune you love, start shaking your whole body, and let the movement turn into a freeform dance. Or dance with your shadow to the sound of birds and leaves blowing in the wind. I love doing this! 🙂
Take Inspired Action
Ultimately, the key to getting unstuck is to take action. Clarity comes with action and action is the antidote to fear.
Feeling stuck is not a permanent state and progress may be slow and non linear. Have compassion for yourself as you find your way back to flow. And remember to stop and celebrate mini shifts along the way.
