Feeling Stuck: Understanding and Overcoming the Challenges of Follow-Through
Many people experience the frustration of feeling stuck despite having the time, resources, and opportunities to achieve their goals (including me!). This sense of being paralyzed or unable to move forward can be disheartening, leaving individuals questioning why they struggle to follow through even when everything seems aligned for success. At Authentic Connections Counseling, we understand how common these feelings are and are here to offer support and strategies to help you break free from this cycle.
Understanding Why We Feel Stuck
Feeling stuck is a more common experience than many realize, and it can stem from various underlying factors:
Fear of Failure: The fear of not meeting expectations or failing can create a mental block, making it difficult to take action. This fear often leads to procrastination and avoidance.
Perfectionism: Striving for perfection can be paralyzing. When individuals set impossibly high standards for themselves, they may become overwhelmed and hesitant to start or complete tasks.
Overwhelm and Burnout: Even with ample resources and opportunities, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks or responsibilities can result in inaction. Burnout can sap your motivation and energy.
Lack of Clear Goals: Without clear, actionable goals, it’s challenging to know where to start or how to proceed. Ambiguity can lead to procrastination and indecision.
Self-Doubt: Doubting your abilities or questioning your worth can undermine your confidence and hinder your ability to follow through.
Normalizing the Experience
It's important to recognize that feeling stuck is a normal part of the human experience. Many people encounter periods where they struggle to move forward despite having the necessary resources and opportunities. This experience does not reflect your worth or capability but rather highlights areas where additional support or strategies may be needed.
Understanding that these feelings are a common challenge can help alleviate some of the self-judgment and frustration you may be experiencing. Normalizing this struggle is the first step toward addressing it and finding a path forward.
Tips for Overcoming the Feeling of Being Stuck
Break Down Goals into Smaller Steps: Large goals can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks with specific deadlines. This makes the process less daunting and easier to tackle. Goals should be specific and measurable. Neurodivergent people often greatly benefit from chunking up tasks into small, easily accomplishable chunks. ACC provides clients with a free task worksheet. Reach out today!
Set Realistic and Achievable Goals: Ensure that your goals are realistic and attainable. Setting achievable goals helps build momentum and confidence, making it easier to stay on track. I also recommend clients engage in intentional actions. What do you want to be intentional about?
Create a Structured Plan: Develop a clear action plan with a timeline. Use tools like planners, apps, or checklists to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that feeling stuck is a common experience. Avoid self-criticism and focus on taking small steps forward. Judgment and shame do not make room for growth and healing. Love, compassion, and understanding are necessary for breaking through feeling stuck.
Seek Support: Sometimes, talking to a therapist or coach can provide valuable insights and guidance. Professional support can help you identify underlying issues and develop strategies to overcome them. Authentic Connections Counseling LLC has many providers who offer support with overcoming feelings of stuckness.
Implement Regular Reflection: Take time to reflect on your progress and challenges. Regularly assessing your goals and strategies can help you make necessary adjustments and stay focused. I often recommend my clients work on identifying the “stuck part” and what message it might be sending. For example, one client and I were working on his feelings of stuckness. He was working diligently to get school work done but often couldn’t because he was feeling stuck. We engaged in parts work and identified that his stuck part was benefiting because by staying stuck, he didn’t have to face the next phase. By staying stuck, he didn’t have to face the ultimate grade on the project, or any of the after effects. Once we practiced validating that stuck part, it became easier for him to continue to check in with the stuck part, practice self-validation, and continue moving forward.
Incorporate Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to reduce stress and avoid burnout. Engage in activities that rejuvenate you and promote overall well-being. Our website offers free self-care resources here. Find a free self-care checklist here.
