5 Things Keeping You Stuck in Business and Feeling Stuck in Life
Analysis paralysis, procrastination, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism, are all too familiar terms in our modern lives; so much so they can be worn as badges of honour. We accept that being busy all the time excuses us from doing what we want to be doing. Endless work is the perfect distraction from thinking about ourselves and our own level of satisfaction. It all boils down to the same thing – staying stuck in business like the metaphorical hamster on the wheel, going through the motions of everyday life on repeat.
How To Stop Feeling Stuck In Business & Life
The worst part about the hamster wheel is that it takes some time before you even realise you’re on it. Once you do realise, you trick yourself into thinking that you need to keep moving or everything will fall apart. Generally, it’s not until your body feels like it physically can’t go on that you finally stop and admit that something has to give.
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way! There are common behaviours we have identified through working with clients that stall progress and keep you from living a life you love. Once you know what they are, you will recognise them in real-time and be armed and ready to make more positive choices so that you stop feeling stuck in life.
The 5 Reasons You’re Stuck
- FEAR
What would you do if you weren’t afraid? Now let’s be clear, no-one on the planet is immune from feeling fear. The goal isn’t to eliminate it. The goal is to learn to live with it, to push through it and not let it stop you. Fear is just an innate human response to keep you safe from harm. When you recognise it, stop and ask yourself what you would do if you weren’t afraid. Once you know the answer, push through and do the damn thing.
- TOO MANY OPTIONS
We live in a world where choices abound. While this seems like a good thing, too much choice is overwhelming. We think we want options, but once we have them, we stall at the crossroads in deciding which way to go. It becomes easier to not make a decision. To let life happen to us.
Not making a decision is still a decision. Wouldn’t you rather sit in the driver’s seat of your own life? Here are some strategies that can help you make better, faster decisions.
Assess Your Values
Map out the options available to you and then cross-check them against your core values and lifestyle values ie. There’s no point accepting a high pressure, long hours job in a city office if you rate freedom as one of your highest values. Not sure what your values are? Click here for help in figuring them out.
Talk Out Your Options
Talk it out, but not with just anyone. This is a job for a professional coach. They provide unbiased guidance that will help lead you to the best decision for you at that moment
- OLD HABITS
Our habits develop over time, beginning in early childhood. Habits can include the things we do, the way we communicate, the way we react to things, or the way we motivate ourselves. Though our habits do largely influence our lives, it’s important to distinguish our habits from ‘who we are’. Habits are behaviours, and behaviours don’t represent who we are at a core level. They can, and indeed should be changed as soon as we recognise that they no longer work for us.
We survived our school years and family life because of the habits we formed. Just because a habit worked for you throughout your developmental years, doesn’t mean that it works for you now. Most people never stop to check that those same habits still work for them in adult life. Ask yourself, is a particular habit still working for you in the way that it once did? If not, it might be time for an upgrade. Each new phase of your life will require a new version of you. Upgrading your habits to suit each new phrase will keep you moving forward and thriving.
- MOTIVATION – OR LACK OF
Let’s be honest, motivation can be hard to find. We know that it’s self-produced, and yet it eludes us for vast periods of time. The key to producing motivation on demand is momentum. Simply take the first small step. Do the thing you don’t feel like doing. Do the thing you’re making excuses about. Motivation tends to return with progress and results, so even completing the smallest task can kickstart that momentum.
If all of this fails, get outside and get some sunshine and exercise. When you finish, do the one thing while your endorphins are pumping. It sounds simple because it is… until it comes time to do it. Taking action is what separates the dreamers from the achievers, so take the first step and start doing.
- LACK OF PURPOSE
Most people think that your purpose in life is one singular, defined thing, usually a career. Well, spoiler alert – your purpose may not just be one thing. Your purpose could be many things that may change over time. It could also be something you do in your personal or spare time. Stop thinking of your purpose as a destination, but instead as a path or series of events that lead you to live a life of purpose.
How to Move Forward When You Feel Stuck in Business & Life
Ready to move forward in your life, but don’t know how? You don’t need to do it alone! Get the guidance you need to stop feeling stuck in business with leadership coaching. Take the first step by booking a Free Discovery Call today.
