Are you feeling like you are stuck?

What is happening with the world right now is unfamiliar and uncharted.  Rules and restrictions are changing everyday and not knowing what tomorrow brings can sometimes ingrain that ‘stuck’ feeling. 

Believe it or not, even those people you see who seem to somehow have it altogether feel this way.  And I’m no exception. As a business owner and Mum of 3 young children somedays I just want to stay in bed and not deal with a single thing. One thing I have learnt is firstly recognising the feeling and then tackling it head on. 

Things with this current market might seem immovable or even hopeless.  The good news is, they’re not. It just takes a few simple strategies to embrace new ideas so you can pivot your thoughts into a more positive way of thinking. 

It’s in our nature as human beings to overcome adversity so the good news is, getting unstuck is possible. 

Simply implement these 8 strategies and notice the difference immediately.

1 – Try to see the perfect in your situation 

Don’t question it, simply allow yourself to believe the situation is perfect and this is exactly where you are meant to be. Sure, there may be imperfect moments that are difficult and annoying – but if you open your mind to see the beautiful moments you’ll eventually drown out the not so beautiful ones. Challenge yourself to find five perfect things that have come as direct results of your situation. Grab a pen, write them down. 

2 – Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable 

As human beings we can shy away from telling people about our problems. Not showing our weaknesses can be seen as a strength but it’s actually quite the opposite. Having the courage to tell the truth and admit defeat is what makes us stronger. You’ll be surprised how much showing vulnerability can help overcome the feeling of being stuck.

3 – Surrender, completely

Feeling like you are banging your head against the wall or swimming upstream against the current signals a need for surrender. Surrendering does not mean endorsing or even tolerating what is happening, it just means accepting reality and letting go of any negative thoughts towards the situation. Simply state what it is, make peace with it, take 5 deep breathes and let it go. Notice what new possibilities appear over the next few days.

4 – YOU are important

In difficult situations, we often look to ensure others are okay. We are protective as adults, particularly over children. But when was the last time you checked in with yourself to see how you were going?   While looking after others is seen as selfless and it is, of course, important, bring the attention back to you. What are the things you need from both a tangible and tangible perspective? Maybe it’s a hug or maybe it’s that bar of chocolate. Perhaps it’s something more in your relationship. Whatever it is, seek that something because it’s going to be the difference between staying stuck in the rut and overcoming the feeling. 

5 – Get in the water 

There are countless studies around the euphoria we feel when we are emerged in water. The deep biological connection has been shown to trigger an immediate response in our brains when we are near water. In fact even the sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness, increase blood flow to the brain and heart and induce relaxation. Take a shower, take a bath, go for a swim or listen to rain sounds on your phone or computer. Water gets stuck flowing.

7 – Move 

I know many successful business leaders who swear just a 5 minute walk around the block is the most productive time of the day.  Exercise is the most natural way to clear your head. Even a walk around the block can do wonders for your mental health. Exercise stimulates the brain and gets your creative juices flowing. It helps to see things more clearly. Next time you’re deep in that rut and feeling stuck, take a break and exercise. I promise it will do wonders to the way you’re feeling.

8 – See things from a new perspective 

The beauty of humankind is that people see things from different perspectives. Sometimes we get stuck in our own heads or those of other no such great influences surrounding us. Pick one or two people who you admire and look up to.  Ask them about there perspective on the situation. No statements, just brief curious questions and their advice or view on how it can be looked at from a more positive perspective. 

I’ll leave you with one of my favourite quotes by Mandy Hale which I think resonates with the strange situation we have found ourselves in, in 2020 “Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”

If you need any help navigating through you can contact me here.