Notes On Feeling Stuck
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Whether it’s in your career or personal life, there are plenty of times where it feels as if you’re not getting anywhere. The following points are a few reminders and things I do when I’m in a rut.
Asking for help.
Every problem you have, someone’s had before. As much as it may feel like it, you are not alone in anything. Talk things through with someone or find a person whose been where you are and reach out. If there isn't anyone in your immediate circle, send an email or a DM, more often than not people will happily make time for you.
Reading books.
If you can't find a person, find a book. I couldn’t tell you the amount of times words have offered me some kind of solace when those in my personal life couldn't. There’s a book on every topic and every kind of person you want to read about. Personally, books have helped me better understand myself and others, they've helped me navigate my career, relationships, grief. I’ve read about many things I can relate to but more so things I can't.
Books allow you to experience decades before your time, they provide the perspectives of those from different cultures, genders and races to yourself. Expanding your mind and going beyond what you know, forces you to view situations differently, giving you a more well-rounded world view which i’ve found ultimately reduces the feeling of being stuck.
Levelling Up.
When we make plans we tend to be in a good mindset and make plans believing we’re still going to be in that mindset going forward. I think because of this, we often forget to factor in those days of feeling stuck, or ill, or generally feeling like shit. There are plenty of times where we still show up but our productivity suffers and that’s okay. While discipline and habits can help us, we have to accept that external factors are always going to be interrupting our plans. Despite this, we tend to come out of every rut feeling more inspired and more motivated.
“You might have days where everything’s really off and you can’t get anything done. But those are the good days, because those are the days you’re trying to raise your level, trying to get to another place.”
– Stanley Whitney
You’re on time.
Comparison has led me to believe I should've achieved a lot of things already that other people my age have. We’re so used to seeing successful people and thiriving businesses online that we convince ourselves we’re behind in life if we’re not at the same point as others. You can’t compare your life to a curated feed of someone else's. Also, what other people are doing is irrelevant. No one else is living your life, has your background or has lived your experiences. The only person worth comparing yourself too, is your past self. You are always right on time.
Notes On Feeling Stuck
Some great advice here. Especially on reading and expanding your mind.
I was listening to a podcast recently in which the guest said that the feeling of being stuck is caused by a pause in growth. I think as long as your reading or anything which expands the mind the feeling of being stuck is alleviated. Even be it only slightly.
Iv always just viewed my life as a radio frequency. It will go up and down all the time. But how are you meant to appreciate good without bad?
Look forward to the next one.
Connor.