The Spokesman Paper ~ March 2010

What’s the Secret to Getting “UNSTUCK” in Life?

by Susan M. Poore, RN, CNC, CPLC

In my practice, I work with clients who describe feeling “stuck in life” or “in a rut” and have no idea how to move forward and into a more positive role.  They are literally overwhelmed with many areas in their lives and need help.  A few examples are financial issues, current and past relationships, career and life goals, physical challenges and eating habits. 

Feeling stuck can literally suffocate all of our energy.  When there is no progression, we just seem to run in circles day after day accomplishing very little.  After a couple months, we can become totally wiped out and never reach a single goal or dream.   When we do this, it’s easy to focus on all of our problems, becoming very disheartened and even depressed.  So you ask yourself, how can I get “unstuck”?  How can I reach my life’s goals and dreams today, instead of always putting them off till tomorrow?  Why do I do this to myself and what can I do to move forward?

Remember that even when our external situations can’t be changed, we do have complete control over how we react to our day to day circumstances.  Many times the “stuck in a rut” feelings stem from past incidents or beliefs that we have created over the years.   So first you need to believe that you are strong enough to make these changes. When you learn to talk to yourself in a positive way by not accepting negative comments into your sub conscious, you are able to live in a happier life and can think with a clear positive mind.  Just because you were not able to move forward in the past doesn’t mean you can’t reach those goals now.  Making changes happen when we are tired of being in a rut and willing to do whatever it takes can make a difference.

To get started, create a written plan and take action every day.  Don’t become a “Monday person” (always putting off starting on… Monday).   Start TODAY.  1-Focus on the positive.  What parts of your life do work?   2- Make a list of all the things that frustrate you.  Are you a procrastinator? What stops you from accomplishing what you need to?  3-Pick one area that needs improvement and work on it.  Don’t work on all your issues at once.  This can be overwhelming.  4-Everyday, journal your thoughts, attitudes and progress.   5-If you need help, get help.  A Certified Professional Life Coach can help you determine and achieve your personal goals, helping you identify unnecessary stressors and achieve success.  Getting unstuck can sometimes be more of an emotional or psychological challenge than physical.  Many of us we were not taught how to solve problems. 

So what’s the secret?  The secret is there is no real secret but starting with positive thoughts and written plans will move you forward.  We are all capable of becoming unstuck.  It’s all in attitude and your deep desire to change your life!

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change” 

 Dr. Wayne Dyer