UXL Blog

There are times in our lives when we feel like our wheels are turning, but we’re going nowhere. We’re in a rut, uncertain of how to move the wagon forward. Or, we’ve been handed a project that is either overly challenging or uninspiring, so we’re having trouble getting motivated to tackle it. Or…we’re simply feeling exhausted and drained.

How do you break through these ruts and “blahs”? How can you get yourself unstuck?

While there’s no magic bullet, there are a few actions you can take to help you move forward. You do have a measure of control over your motivation, whether you realize it or not. For many of us, being stuck is really our brains putting up a roadblock. We can do the job but, for whatever reason, we’re resisting.

But here’s the thing: roadblocks can be overcome. Hurdles can be leaped over. I suggest trying any of the following practices (whatever appeals to you) to help you get unstuck:

Journal

Loosen up your mind and spark your creativity through journaling! Buy a fresh notebook, grab a pen, and start writing. You don’t have to be terribly structured about this process—just write whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about grammar and punctuation because the journaling is just for you. You might choose to write about whatever is making you feel stuck, or you can write about something totally different—whatever helps get the gears turning.

Change your scenery

Sometimes a simple change of scenery can do wonders for creativity or breaking through mental roadblocks. If you work out of the same office or at the same desk every day, trying switching it up. Test out a co-working space, go to a coffee shop, or bring your laptop to the library. Just remember to bring headphones or earplugs in case the new environment is a bit noisy.

Go for a walk

Taking an intentional break can be great for getting yourself back into gear and reigniting your motivation. In my experience, going on a walk is especially effective because it forces you to leave your desk and gets your blood flowing and your heart pumping. Even a little bit of exercise can boost your mood and sharpen your brain functions, so it’s a good idea to move every once in a while.

Get an outsider’s perspective

If you’re feeling stuck, it can be beneficial to talk about it with someone else. Ask a friend, family member, or a co-worker (preferably one who isn’t too close to the problem at hand) for their perspectives, or simply tell them about the roadblocks you’re facing. Just the act of talking about your sticking point can help move your wheels forward. Whether you realize it or not, this type of discussion is a form of problem solving.

Get away

In some cases, you could be feeling stuck because all of life’s stressors have left you exhausted and have drained your personal batteries. If that’s the case, you might need to hit the “reset button” in a big way. Consider getting away for a while, leaving your laptop behind, and turning on your vacation responder. Whether you enjoy a long weekend away or embark on a two-week vacation, you’re helping to refresh and rejuvenate your brain and boost your motivation. Something about getting away, unplugging, and creating some distance between you and the problem can give you perspective and help you problem solve.

Don’t let yourself remain stuck until the wheels fall off the axel and you end up in the mud! Oftentimes, being stuck is simply a state of mind, and it can be overcome. By using a few tools and tips, I’m certain you can get yourself unstuck and moving forward. And you’ll feel better once you do.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

Tags: get unstuck and move forward, get unstuck from rut, margaret smith career coach, Margaret Smith LP of Insights, overcome hurdles, overcome ruts