At one time or another we’ve all felt stuck. Our momentum grinds to a halt and we find ourselves procrastinating about what to do next. Know what I mean?
This often shows up after not getting the results we were after for a specific campaign or project. Sometimes it’s a case of overwhelm and there are just too many things to think of. We lose our focus or aim and we end up in a kind of holding pattern.
The longer we stay in this holding pattern, the more we feel we will never get out of it.
So, the first thing to do is act fast. Once you realise you’re stuck or you sense that you’ve lost momentum, I suggest applying one or more of these 5 fixes:
1. Ask yourself: If I was assuming something about this situation, what might that be?
Asking quality questions will always open up ideas and opportunities. It’s what I mostly do as a coach and I will happily share with you the best questions I use. This is one of them. Asking what you’re assuming will re-frame your situation. You will be able to view it differently. eg. If you were in a situation trying to decide between two course of action, asking this question will help you to understand your unconscious assumptions about the situations. You may be assuming that one course of action is hard or expensive. You may be assuming that someone won’t agree to your request etc.
2. Ask your future self
I love this practice. Asking your future self is a very powerful tool that you can use not just to get you unstuck but to guide you throughout your journey. It’s a simple as imaging that you are at your end goal. You have achieved what you set out to achieve. Imagine that version of yourself and ask them for advice. Sounds a little strange at first, but it’s kind of like asking your wiser self. If you already had achieved the goal and were looking back to right now, what would you advise yourself to do.
3. Revisit your values
We can often get stuck when we feel that all directions or decisions are equally weighed. Going back to basics and revisting your values will help with this. You have a values list, right? (If not, check out my blog post here about it) If you see your situation and choices through your values, it will be easier to start to move forward. It will make it clear to you what is truly important.
4. Change of scene
Sometimes it’s a case of getting perspective. Once you’re in that holding pattern and overthinking about what to do and not doing anything, it can be good to just escape. You need to step outside of the zone you’re working in and look inwards, rather than be in the middle of it trying to find the way. I always find that a day trip to a different city or town helps.Getting away from our“roles” is important. Go somewhere noone knows you and you can just be you, not you the business owner, wife/husband, parent, manager etc. You’ll be surprised by the effect. You’ll likely get a new perspective or idea that will make all the difference.
5. What is the best case scenario
We’re all familiar with best and worst case scenario evaluations. Have you ever weighed up a decision using only the best case scenario, for both options? If you’re stuck on a decision, look at each option separately and imagine the absolute best case scenario. What is the ideal outcome? What would you be doing? How would you feel?Imagine the absolute best case scenario for both options and then go with what feels best. Remember, don’t consider the worst case scenario at all. Just look at the absolute best for both options.