Feeling stuck happens to all of us. We all have big dreams, but our daily lives seem to get in the way. It’s hard to break out of our routine and make big things happen. Our responsibilities, calendars and families all keep us running to and fro, leaving very little time for ourselves. With all of this, it’s easy to feel like things will never change. Here are a few ways you can make big things happen, even when you’re feeling stuck.
1. Feeling stuck is just that, a feeling. Being stuck isn’t a fact. You can change your life, circumstances and how you react to them. Start thinking about WHY you feel stuck and what is enhancing those feelings. That will allow you to determine where you need to start making changes. Think about your life from an outsider’s perspective. What would they envy or covet? Stop and think about how reality compares to your feelings. Often, our emotions make things seem horrible, when in fact, they are able to be transformed.
2. Call up a good friend and chat. Sometimes it’s difficult to see the “forest through the trees” in our own lives. Our emotion gets in the way of clear vision. Ask someone you trust for thoughts on what you can change and ask for their support when you’re ready to move forward.
3. Find a new experience. Trying new things can change your whole perspective. Pick a new activity that’s close to home and cost effective. For example, a painting class, yoga in the park, or volunteering at a local soup kitchen. All of these activities will take you out of your own mind and will give you a different perspective.
4. Continue learning. You don’t have to go back to school full time to educate yourself. Sometimes continuing your education can mean taking an adult education class or simply buying a non-fiction book on a topic you’ve always wanted to learn more about.
5. Schedule time for yourself. Instead of trying to “find” time for the items that will allow you to meet your goals, schedule it. Putting something on your calendar means making a commitment to yourself. Just as you’d keep an appointment with your boss, give yourself the same respect and stick to the dates you set. Spending time in yourself can pay back in dividends. It’s not selfish, it’s smart. If you feel refreshed and happy, everything else will be easier, and will go faster. It’s all about being your best self so that you can help everyone live their best life.
6. Volunteer. We think the problems in our life are huge. We feel like the clutter in our closets is horrible, making meals is hard work and the emails on out phones are mind numbing. However, stepping out of our usual environment and our comfort zone can make all the difference. Spend an hour serving food at a soup kitchen. Spending time serving others is an amazing way to clear your mind and set your perspective and priorities. Want an even bigger readjustment? Take your kids with you.
7. Go camping. Okay so this sounds like torture to some people. You don’t have to drive to a remote campground and backpack in. Simply head to a place that’s a little more remote than your home, and learn to live with less. When camping, or traveling, you have a subset of your stuff with you. Chances are, you didn’t pack your whole closet and you don’t have access to every item you own. However, you learn to make due. If you can’t make it to a store, you deal with what you already have with you. Carry these lessons back home with you to live a less consuming life. Less time consuming means more time for you and the important things.
Getting unstuck isn’t easy. It’s often a series of small, simple steps that you can take every single day to improve your outlook and your life. Often people want to wait for the perfect day to start making changes. That day will never come. Start today with someone that makes you feel great. Give yourself five minutes and starting unsticking yourself and living the life you’ve always imagined.
