Feeling stuck?
Hello WA family and friends...
Recently I had more conversations than ever before with folks who used the word “stuck” when they described themselves.
There are always a variety of reasons for feeling this way, but here’s something I’ve noticed in my 35+ years in the business - and that is, you’re only as stuck as you think you are.
Sure, you’re crazy busy with your family and your job. I get it.
We all are.
But if you are unhappy with your progress... make the time.
Put it on your schedule – like you do all the other important things in your life.
Everything you do during your scheduled “Getting Myself Unstuck Times” needs to be documented.
- Write down your goals
- Your plan to get there
- Track your progress toward meeting your goal, just like you would with your business.
We all know it only matters if it gets tracked and measured. Once you have your goals and a plan for obtaining them written down, share it.
That’s the hard part. Making it real.
Share with your spouse, good friend, or better yet, with a career coach. You have to share it so that you have someone “holding you accountable.” Schedule regular check-ins with that person to review your progress toward your goal.
All they really have to do is listen; you’ll do the work by being prepared for that meeting. And if you are not… you’ll know.
It’ll be clear as you must explain your lack of progress toward your goal since the last meeting. Make a promise to yourself to get “unstuck” by getting on your own schedule and making accountability for your desire to become unstuck a priority.
... So, what are you or someone you know, going to do if you're feeling stuck?
As always, your feedback and comments are welcome!
Thank you for reading this blog...wishing all a VERY productive week!
-Mike
Recent Comments
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Well for me I haven't written a word in little over 2 years as long as the pandemic.
I wasn't interested in do so. But I knew I had to get back into writing so I was thinking about blogging and then I was thinking about WA. Then I joined back up again and I have been having fun since.
I first start out writing about what is passion to me then just listening then that give me ideas on what to write about.
So that is how I got unstuck. I hope that this gives you ideas.
Mary
First off, welcome back!
Sometimes taking a break from writing is the best medicine.
-Mike
Thank you and I do have to agree with you, except one little thing and that is taking a break is not always good.
Because you may not want to come back. And then you start extending your vacation.
I have wrote two children's books and I am almost done with the 3rd book. It has just sat. I haven't wanted to finish it yet.
That is why I came back to WA and for many other reasons as well. Was to get back into writing again. I missed it.
Mary
Good point Mary. That’s why I employed just a 24 hour rule a strict 24 hour rule because you’re right if you’re stay away from something too long, you may not come back.
However, for me using a strict 24 window works well and if for some reason I don’t, maybe the project task or goal was not worth it to begin with.
But that’s just as me everyone is different.
Thank you so much for your comment and feedback.
-Mike
I do understand but me I just keep going and going and going like the Ever ready Battery.
I just don't know when to stop. I have to learn to do that. My husband gets on me about taking a break and I don't I just keep on working.
Mary
I think to some degree, we all here in WA share that never wanting to stop attitude and passion.
It's hard to stop when you get on a roll!
-Mike
Exactly you don't want to stop when you are on roll because then you lose your train of thought.
And you don't want to do that. That could cause a mess up on the content that you are writing.
I get into the zone and I just don't know when to quit. That is how I get when I get on a roll. I have always been this way.
Once I start I don't want to stop. But you are right we here at WA is all like that at least that is what I think anyway.
Mary
Great blog, Mike
When I'm feeling stuck, I have to stop what I'm doing and walk away.
I then use up the rest 9f the day by watching a film or a repeat of my favourite comedy
That usually unblock and refreshes my mind in preparation for the next day ;)
That is a great way, Simone!
I also use a similar method. I use the 24-hr. rule -- and it seems to help me return with a clearer mind and more focused,
-Mike
Hey Mike, great blog!
Writing down goals is definitely something we should all do, but yes, there are times when we're stuck.
It could be writer's block, lack of motivation, over-tiredness...
When that happens to me, I leave my computer and go do something else for a short time.
This is where the "Pomodoro technique" of setting a timer is my biggest help. Regardless of what I'm doing, I'll take that 10-minute break and it helps reset everything!
Sometimes that's when I do my best "weeding" in my garden, haha.
Cheers,
Suzanne
That is a great way, Suzanne -- I like the Pomodoro method!
I use the 24-hr. rule -- and it seems to help me best return with a clearer mind and more focused,
-Mike
haha, yup, I've used that too, lol.
I get so brain-dead, I take an entire day off! That's whats so nice about this business!!
See more comments
Hello Mike, great post! I love your method of walking away for 24 hours and coming back with a fresh perspective.
I find discussing goals for the day with my husband first thing in the morning, or sometimes the evening prior is a great way to get unstuck.
Kind regards
Erica
Hi Erica...
Thank you!
It sounds like you use your husband as a feedback coach -- which is excellent!
-Mike
I do actually see my husband as a coach. He was a professional soccer player and he seems to know strategies really well, plus he is creative with his feedback.
Thanks so much, Mike
Erica
That’s awesome!
-Mike