5 Ways to Get Unstuck

Are you stuck right now? Have you ever been? How’d you get out?

Being ‘stuck’ can impact all areas of your life. It may be labeled as being in a rut, a fix, a block or some other term, but it means creativity doesn’t flow, and things don’t move forward. Being stuck isn’t all bad, it can be an opportunity for much needed reflection, or change in your life or business. Why be stuck longer than you need to? Here are a few things I’ve found useful for getting unstuck. Interested in your feedback here.

5 Way to Get Unstuck

As a professional it is normal to get ‘stuck’ form time to time. Actually, as a _member of the human race_ this is a reality! Whether it be a rut of not knowing what’s next, being drained by the everyday drill, or simply being worn our with the challenges relationships can provide. I’ve found getting unstuck takes intentional action. Here are some things that have been helpful to me.

Get Out

Leaving the office or the place I might normally work is a great way to free up my mind. I often get great ideas, solve problems, and generally free up my mind when I’m ‘out’. Some places I visit include local coffee shops, parks, and even the mountains. Last month I took a day trip with the family to Mount Rushmore, served this purpose nicely.

Get Healthy

Along with the fresh air leaving the office provides, there is the element of taking care of the body. This is something I’m currently working on (a work in progress are well all, right?). Taking care of the body by putting the right stuff in and exercising gets the blood circulating good stuff clearing the mind for inspiration and productivity. It also requires commitment.

Stuck in a health rut? No time like the present to take action (check out the movie or website FatSickandNearlyDead.com).

Get Rest

This need been more evident with a back injury I sustained when I picked up a baseball at my sons practice in May. Nighttime pain sometimes interrupts my sleep.

I need 7 hours. When I don’t get it, I don’t always have the edge I have when well rested. More stretching and evening walks have helped (ramping up as the back gets stronger).

For me, fatigue + time = getting stuck

Get Up

Not morning person, but my family life isn’t conducive to late nights. Alarm going off at 5:30am took a while to get used to, but now works great for me…sometimes waking before it goes off. I find when I get major tasks for the day completed by 9am; it often sets the tone for the entire day.

Get Going

Deciding to tackle a project, or knock out a task is important. Doing this the night before (by reviewing my project journal) my mind is already in attack mode in the morning (see ‘Get Up’ section above). I blow through stuff faster when I’m energized and fresh.

Getting Unstuck takes effort and intention. I find having these things in place have helped me avoid getting stuck altogether. I know this because when I am stuck, I’m generally not doing one or all of these things.

Was this useful? How do you get unstuck?
Photo Credit: emdot