Thinking Differently About Stuck

We’ve all been there – feeling stuck when we can’t move forward on a project or task. There’s a sense of failure because our wheels keep spinning but no forward progress is made. It can be disheartening.

Good news. There’s a podcast called Art of Charm with answers. They have an entire episode surrounding managing your goals when you feel stuck. You can listen to the podcast and read the episode notes here.

The episode outlines five ways to ease the burden of being stuck:

1. Narrow the enormity to a manageable size. If you have a daunting task ahead of you and you don’t know where to start, take a step back and focus on one small piece of the larger project.

2. Ask for help. This is the most simple way to get past our own barriers at work and in life, but we often forget about it. Our own problems often seem so overwhelming that it is easy to forget that other people may have great insight to help us.

3. Offer your time to someone else. Everyone gets stuck, so why not help someone else in the meantime? Doing so gives you some distance from your own situation. This method can allow you to trick your brain into practicing problem solving and can rebuild your confidence before returning to your task.

4. Move on, literally. Moving around will help get your blood flowing so that you are more energized. Many studies have shown that walking boosts creativity and inspiration. Walking outside is especially beneficial so that your mind can wander.

5. Change your tools to change your approach. If you’re stuck, there is no reason to continue being stuck. Whatever you typically use to reach your goal, try something new. Make small changes, like picking up a new pencil, moving to a different desk, or listening to different music. You’re already stuck so what does it hurt to alter your routine?

Equipped with these five things, we avoid thinking that being stuck is a barrier that makes us feel like a failure. Instead, let’s view it as an unexpected detour. Challenges are really opportunities in disguise.

Until next time…we are Advoco, make every minute count.

About Margaret: Margaret is a Solutions Consultant aligned with the commercial team at Advoco. She is an Industrial Engineer graduate from Clemson University. When she’s not in the office, you can find her cooking, crafting, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Have a question for Margaret? Send her an email.