What should I do when I feel stuck or lost?
When you feel stuck or lost, it's a sign that something needs realignment in your life or work. I've been there more times than I'd care to admit, so I know how unsettling it can be. Here's a process I've found helpful:
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Pause and Reflect: Take a step back to understand what's causing this feeling. Journaling can clarify your thoughts and emotions. What are you consistently thinking about? What's bothering you? When I was feeling stuck in my corporate job, I realized I was craving creative freedom.
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Reconnect with Your Why: Sometimes, the daily grind obscures why we started down our path in the first place. Reflect on what excites you and why you started this journey. Is there a gap between your current reality and those aspirations?
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Break It Down: Overwhelm often comes from looking at the entire mountain at once. Break down what you need to do into smaller, actionable steps. My framework, Capture, Develop, Expose, is a great way to tackle this. Start by capturing your ideas and stressors, develop them into priorities, and then expose them to small tests or actions.
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Seek New Perspectives: Talk to mentors, peers, or even listen to podcasts outside your usual comfort zone. Fresh insights often lead to shifts in how we view our challenges. When I hit a roadblock, a conversation with a fellow creative would often spark a new idea or direction.
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Experiment and Pivot: Don't be afraid to try something new. Whether it's a side project, a course, or a new routine, experimenting can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Embrace the messiness of the process. I’ve had ventures that failed, but each one taught me something valuable.
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Self-Care: Remember that being stuck isn't just intellectual—it's often emotional. Make sure to take care of your physical and mental health through exercise, meditation, or whatever feeds your soul.
Lastly, remember that feeling stuck is often a precursor to growth. It's uncomfortable but necessary. Trust the process, and redefine what success looks like on your terms. Whether it's scaling your business or just finding peace in your work, it's all valid.