Stuck? Whatś Next

 Stuck… Whatś the Next Step? 

It is Normal

It is normal to feel stuck. I have found that life can be going along well, and all of a sudden one day, feelings of being stuck emerge. It can be momentary, it can last for hours, days, or even weeks. It is usually not welcomed, but it is a chance to reflect, pivot and create space for something new. We have enough skills and awareness of what to do. And, there are different ¨hacks¨ for feeling stuck, but ultimately the only way is through and sometimes it just takes time to get ¨unstuck¨. 

As you Move through uncomfortable feelings of being stuck: 

It helps to Move

A run, lifting a kettlebell, or another type of fitness routine has incredible benefits and the power to shake up feelings of being stalled. An intense moment in particular leaves little room for thinking, and therefore forces you to be in the moment.  

Listen, Read, Watch Something you are passionate about.

There are times during my prep period at work that I feel exhausted or struggle to want to grade, organize or prepare something for a future lesson. I might be burnt out, bored, or just human. As someone who is obsessed with learning new things, it sometimes works well to learn about something new. For example, I love watching a you tube video about a new concept, a part of a documentary, listening to an audiobook or even reading a few pages of something that I know could be related to my job, or it might have nothing to do with it! will excite me. Sometimes creating energy and passion for a topic is much better than trying to fight against something else. 

Music Helps

Music has a way of doing things that nothing else can! Try a favorite song, one with strong memories, or something completely different.  

Sometimes It Just Takes Time

Discipline keeps us going when we don't feel like moving forward. Feelings of being stuck don't usually last forever. There is almost always a point where crummy feelings lift and we realize that there are clear choices and direction. Impatience does not seem to help. Waiting is a way of taking action.

Catch it before it turns to Apathy

Left too long, feelings of being stuck can lead to apathy. Patience is important, but it is also important to make sure that we do not allow a lack of energy to dominate us. The choice to be indifferent and not care is dangerous. 

Life is a series of rich emotions. Sometimes the emotions are amazing, make us smile, and remind us how fantastic life is. However, other times feeling stuck is the reminder that great things must be on the way because we won't be stuck forever.