How to Get Unstuck: 4 Gentle Reminders

Read time: 4 minutes

Feeling stuck is a challenging experience. Whether you’re struggling with decluttering your space, facing challenges in your career, or feeling unfulfilled in other aspects of your personal life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.

I’ve been there, and it’s something I continue to grapple with.

However, just because you feel stuck today doesn’t mean it has to last.

So today, I want to share four gentle reminders that can help you navigate this stuck phase and move toward a more fulfilling and uncluttered life.

Let’s dive in.

Feeling Stuck Means It’s Time to Change

Feeling stuck is often a sign that something in your current routine isn’t working, and it’s a signal that it’s time for a change.

However, the idea of change can be daunting, often bringing up fears of the unknown or concerns about how others might judge us.

But change doesn’t have to be a complete overhaul of your life. It’s simply about making small tweaks that can lead to significant improvements over time.

Consider these reminders to help you navigate this.

Reminder #1: The tiniest step is still progress

When feeling stuck, it can be tempting to believe that only grand gestures or significant changes will make a difference.

Therefore, we might think, “If I can’t do it all at once, why bother?” But this mindset is counterproductive. Instead, focus on what you can do right now, however small it might seem.

For instance, if you’re feeling stuck in your decluttering journey, follow my framework to help you identify the best place to start—even if it’s a single drawer or a small section of your closet. Whatever you do, don’t aim to tackle your entire house in one day. 

Similarly, if you’re facing challenges in your career, don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to resolve everything upfront. You’ll find making progress and solving problems much easier by breaking down the task into manageable chunks.

Reminder #2: You don’t have to have it all figured out

Feeling stuck often comes with the belief that you need a perfectly detailed plan or end goal before you can make any progress—but the reality is that perfection is the enemy of good enough.

You don’t need to have everything figured out to start moving forward.

The key is to start moving and try new things; through that process, you’ll discover what works for you.

Reminder #3: Declutter negativity

Negativity can manifest in self-doubt, pessimistic attitudes, toxic relationships, or a cluttered environment.

These factors can drain your energy, cloud your judgment, and prevent you from making meaningful progress.

It’s like trying to run a race while carrying a heavy weight; negativity holds you back and makes every step more difficult.

Therefore, we must declutter negativity. Here’s how to get started:

• Clear Negative Thoughts: Start by addressing your internal dialogue. Negative self-talk can be a significant obstacle to growth. Challenge and reframe these thoughts by focusing on your strengths and accomplishments rather than your perceived failures or shortcomings.
• Assess Your Environment: Your external environment plays a crucial role in your mental state. Take a close look at your surroundings—both physical and social. A cluttered space can contribute to a feeling of overwhelm, while toxic relationships can drain your emotional energy. Start by decluttering your space to create a more peaceful environment. Then, evaluate your relationships and distance yourself from those that bring negativity into your life.
  
  

Reminder #4: Stop overthinking

Overthinking is a significant obstacle to progress and a common reason for feeling stuck. When we overanalyze every decision and scenario, we trap ourselves in a cycle of indecision and stress.

This mental loop creates a false sense of control and makes it harder to move forward, even though it often doesn’t lead to real solutions.

So, how do I stop overthinking?

Great question.

• Recognize the Signs of Overthinking: These signs include excessive worry about minor details, difficulty making decisions, second-guessing yourself, and feeling overwhelmed by the thought of making mistakes. These strongly indicate that you spend too much time in your head instead of taking action.
• Take a Step Back: The best way to combat overthinking is to step back from the situation. Allow yourself a break from the mental strain by engaging in activities that help you relax and clear your mind. (For me, that means having a “dance party” with my son, who loves it). Stepping away from the problem gives you a fresh perspective and helps to reduce any pressure you’re putting on yourself.
• Moving Forward with Confidence: Focus on taking actionable steps rather than getting bogged down by endless analysis. Set small, achievable goals, and celebrate each accomplishment. Remember that making progress, even if imperfect, is far better than remaining stuck in indecision. (see reminder #1 above)
  
  

Your 30 Day Challenge

Decide which of these reminders hits home for you, write it down, and take action to make it stick. Remember that consistency is the key here, so I want you to commit to this for at least 30 days to see some real results.

Keep track of your progress, and let me know how it goes.

That’s all for this week.

See you next Sunday.