I’ve been thinking a lot lately about feeling stuck. I’m talking to coaching clients, family and friends, and it seems to be the norm rather than the exception, that people are feeling stuck after almost a year being cooped up in their homes, with little certainty around so many major things in life. We are still in the midst of a global pandemic, and to top it off, a severe cold weather system is affecting many places in the US right now, with power and water outages. There’s definitely a theme here, like we’re all in the same bad movie!
“Being stuck” is defined as: to be trapped, to remain or linger, mental resistance, a delay, a difficulty or an obstacle. We are stuck in so many collective things currently (pandemic, political, lack of social mobility, too much bad news, etc.). We begin to wonder when things will shift for us, and open up a space where we can break free, and feel creative and inspired again. Certainly some situations in our lives are beyond our control, like a 100-year-level pandemic. But there are many other times when we all experience feeling stuck in our own personal lives, and that presents an opportunity to take a deeper look and see what’s there for us, and figure out how to best get through those times when they arise.
I have collected a few articles, referenced at the bottom, which I think are good on the topics of Being Stuck, and its relatives: Resistance and Fear (I’ll write more about Resistance and Fear in future blogs).
Some key points are paraphrased below:
- We can often find the source of our stagnation in our own hearts or minds.
- Sometimes we are clinging to old ideas about reality, and we need to make adjustments that bring us back in tune with life, so we can flow again.
- Sometimes it is fear of change that’s keeping us stuck, and we can resolve to find ways of facing that fear.
- Sometimes we simply don’t want to accept change (which is resistance).
- Resistance is created by fear, and fear is a by-product of uncertainty.
- This fear can show up as opposition, confrontation or unwillingness (resistance with others or oneself) and it’s your body and mind’s way of keeping you safe and preventing failure.
- Uncertainty requires a new approach. When you loosen your attachment to a particular outcome or view of success, then fear diminishes, and you find your flow again (of creativity, or even leadership).
- When resistance shows up, either in you or in others, (or you feel personally stuck), be curious what’s behind it. What are you afraid might happen? What are you wanting to avoid? Ultimately, meet resistance (and being stuck) with more space for curiosity and reflection.
Once you understand things better, fear subsides, you can devise a constructive plan, and move forward. Above all, be kind to yourself and remember, we all find ourselves here sometimes.
If you want to take a look at how being stuck, resistant or afraid is affecting your life, coaching can make a difference. It’s easy to drop into; it’s a positive, collaborative and supportive experience that empowers you to shift things for yourself. Give it a try and tap your creative juices!
You can book directly on my website: https://empoweredpathwayscoaching.com
REFERENCES:
HOW FEAR BLOCKS CREATIVITY BY MADISYN TAYLOR:
FEELING STUCK BY MADISYN TAYLOR:
FEAR / THE TRICYCLE COMMUNITY:
Resistance is Created By Fear
https://www.judejennison.com/blog/resistance-is-created-by-fear-a-product-of-uncertainty/
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