HOW TO GET UN-STUCK

At one time or another, just about all of us hit a plateau. We know what we want to accomplish and changes we need to make. But, we just can't get going. We feel stuck. Or, we make some progress and then slip back.

If you feel stuck, here are some suggestions:

  • Make sure that you have a workable goal - clear, specific, positive, do-able and written down. Have an action plan that spells out, step by step, how you will proceed. You can learn how to develop goals that will work in a six-article series (January to March, 2003) in the Solution Leader Ezine archives. Click here.
  • Test your goal. Is it something that you really want? Or, is it what other people
    want from you? You are much more likely to achieve goals that are in line with your passion and values.

Do you have a workable goal but just can't get started? Or, lose momentum easily? You might try some of the following techniques that have worked for others:

  • Seek advice from people who have achieved goals similar to yours.
    Find out how they did it. Use things from their experience that will work in your situation.
  • Listen to songs with inspirational lyrics. Sing them often.
  • Spend time every day doing stating positive affirmations to yourself ("I will be losing two pounds every week," "I have the skills to do the new job," etc.)
  • Spend time each every day visualizing yourself following your action plan and achieving your goal. Close your eyes and picture these things happening in a mental videotape.
  • Read success stories in self-help literature.
  • Listen to inspirational tapes.
  • Download a computer screen saver that inspires you.
  • Participate in groups that are designed to support people working on similar goals (job-seeker networking groups, weight loss groups, etc.)
  • Spend your time with positive, caring people.
  • Make your goal visual. Pick a symbol of your goal and place it where it will be a frequent reminder of what you want to accomplish. People have used such things as a picture of a younger and thinner self, a toy model of a car they are saving for, a statue of someone whose lifestyle they wanted to imitate, etc. Whatever works for you!
  • Set up a reward system for achieving incremental steps toward your goal. The rewards must be things you really want and are proportionate in value to the steps you are accomplishing.
  • Use helpful language in your conversation and thinking. Say and think "When I ..." rather than "If I ...". "I will ..." instead of "I want/wish ..." etc. Talk and think as if reaching your goal is a sure thing.

If you don't find these techniques helpful, you might have to start with some more basic changes in your life. In her book, Coach Yourself To Success, Talane Miedaner mentions several steps that help many people achieve their goals:

  • Eliminate things that drain your energy. This includes:
    - all the petty annoyances that you put up with (drawers that stick, the
    unpleasant ring on your phone, a friend who is always late for appointments, a leaky faucet, etc.)
    - all the bad habits you don't like but continue (excessive TV viewing or
    computer time, biting your finger nails, too much caffeine or alcohol or sugar or gambling or shopping, gossiping, procrastinating, etc.)
  • Add the things that give you energy. Such things as:
    - eating a nutritious, balanced diet
    - exercising regularly
    - taking a positive and optimistic outlook on things
    - doing more of the things that bring you joy and happiness
  • Clean up your physical space. Where is your clutter?:
    - office desk or files?
    - garage?
    - clothes closets?
    - car back seat or trunk?
    - where else?
  • Simplify your life. Do you have:
    - too big a house, yard or lawn?
    - too many interruptions on your electronic gadgets?
    - too many places to be and things to do?
    - too much debt and too many credit cards?
    - too many things you bought to impress others rather than to add
    pleasure and value to your life?
    - what else? Elaine St. James has suggestions for you in her book,
    Simplify Your Life.

Occasionally, difficulty in accomplishing goals is due to a physical or emotional problem. If this might be true of you, be sure to see your physician and have a check-up. Or, have a psychologist or counselor assess your situation.

It's up to you. Make a great life for yourself!

WANT A LITTLE HELP?

Need a little help achieving the future you want for yourself?
It's been my life's work and my passion to help individuals and organizations create their own best futures. Let's work on your future together. You can make it happen!

PLEASE CALL ME at 704-788-9184 or Email me at Glen@SolutionLeader.com.