There’s a moment many of us reach where life feels a little stagnant, like we’re going through the motions without much satisfaction. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your career, personal life, or even emotionally, it’s a frustrating place to be. We all have goals and hopes, but over time, things can get in the way. Responsibilities pile up, unexpected life events happen, and what once felt possible can start to feel distant and unattainable.
Feeling stuck isn’t about laziness or lack of ambition. Often, it’s the result of circumstances outside our control or because we’ve lost clarity on what really matters to us. But the good news is that getting unstuck is entirely possible. It starts with taking a step back, assessing where you are, and reprioritizing your goals to align with what brings you personal fulfillment. Here’s how to do it in a practical, actionable way, no fluff, no cheesy slogans, just real strategies for getting out of the rut.
Acknowledge What’s Holding You Back
The first step in getting unstuck is acknowledging that you’re stuck in the first place, and that it’s okay. Life is complex, and there are often external factors contributing to your feelings of stagnation. These can range from financial constraints, health issues, or caregiving responsibilities to societal pressures, workplace dynamics, or even the current state of the world. It’s important to recognize that while these factors can influence your progress, they don’t have to define it.
Actionable Tip: Start by listing the factors outside of your control that are contributing to your feelings of being stuck. This can help you see the big picture and remove some of the self-blame. You may find that things like time, money, or obligations are legitimate barriers, but by naming them, you can begin to develop a plan to navigate around them.
Reflect on What Fulfillment Means to You
Once you’ve acknowledged the external forces at play, it’s time to turn inward. Many people feel stuck because their goals no longer align with their current values or desires. Maybe a goal you set years ago, like climbing the corporate ladder, no longer brings you the sense of satisfaction you thought it would. Maybe personal goals like travel or creative projects have fallen by the wayside because life got busy.
To get unstuck, you need to reassess what fulfillment looks like for you at this stage in your life. Fulfillment isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. For some, it’s tied to career success, while for others, it might be about deeper relationships, personal growth, or creative expression.
Actionable Tip: Take some time to reflect on when you’ve felt the most fulfilled. What were you doing? Who were you with? How did you feel? Jot down some examples of these moments. These reflections will help you identify the types of experiences and goals that bring you genuine happiness and satisfaction.
Assess Your Current Goals
Once you have a better sense of what fulfillment looks like for you, the next step is to assess your current goals. Are they aligned with what you now value most? Or are you still chasing old goals that no longer serve you? This can be a tough process because many of us have been conditioned to believe that once we set a goal, we must achieve it, no matter what. But the truth is, it’s okay to pivot. Sometimes, the goals we set aren’t right for us anymore.
Actionable Tip: Grab a notebook and list your current goals, both big and small. Next to each goal, ask yourself the following:
Is this goal still important to me?
Does this goal bring me closer to personal fulfillment?
Why did I set this goal in the first place?
By answering these questions, you’ll start to see which goals are worth pursuing and which ones may need to be re-evaluated or even let go of.
Reprioritize Based on Your Current Reality
Life is full of shifting priorities. Just because something was a priority a year ago doesn’t mean it still needs to be today. Reprioritizing is a key part of getting unstuck. Often, we feel trapped because we’re holding ourselves to outdated expectations or goals that no longer fit our current life circumstances.
For example, if you’ve recently become a parent, it’s normal for career aspirations to take a back seat for a while as you adjust to this new phase. Or if you’ve spent years climbing the corporate ladder, you might realize that now you want to shift focus to personal growth or relationships.
Actionable Tip: Revisit your list of goals and rank them in order of importance based on your current reality, not based on past expectations. Think about which goals bring you closer to what you value most right now. Then, identify the top 2-3 goals that align most closely with your current sense of fulfillment and focus on those.
Break Your Goals Into Manageable Steps
A common reason people feel stuck is because their goals feel too big or overwhelming. When you’re staring at a massive goal, like writing a book, starting a business, or making a major career change, it’s easy to feel paralyzed by the enormity of it all. This is where breaking your goals down into manageable steps comes into play.
Instead of focusing on the end result, think about the smaller, more immediate actions you can take to move forward. Each small step gets you closer to your goal without overwhelming you in the process.
Actionable Tip: Take one of your top goals and break it down into bite-sized tasks. For example, if your goal is to start a new career, the first few steps might be:
Research potential fields of interest.
Reach out to someone in that field for an informational interview.
Update your resume or LinkedIn profile.
Identify a relevant course or certification.
By focusing on these smaller steps, you’ll gain momentum and confidence, which will help you get unstuck and move forward.
Cultivate a open and Creative Mindset
A big part of getting unstuck involves shifting your mindset. We often stay stuck because we believe our situation is unchangeable, that we’ve missed our chance or lack the resources to make a shift. While some of these thoughts may reflect real limitations, they also close us off to creative solutions that could move us forward.
An open and creative mindset allows you to explore new possibilities, even when the path isn’t clear. For example, if you’re feeling stuck in your career, think about lateral moves that help you develop new skills or more fulfillment rather than focusing only on promotions. Or, if time feels like a barrier, explore creative ways to adjust your routine, like requesting flexible work hours.
Actionable Tips:
Problem-Solving: Instead of getting frustrated by challenges, ask yourself, "What’s another way I could approach this?"
Flexibility: Be open to adjusting your goals or timelines if needed.
Resilience: View setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures.
By cultivating this mindset, you stay adaptable and motivated, which helps you break free from old patterns and move toward personal fulfillment.
Create Accountability
Accountability can be a powerful motivator when you’re trying to get unstuck. Sharing your goals with someone else, whether it’s a friend, mentor, or coach, can help you stay focused and on track. Accountability also provides a built-in support system, so you don’t have to navigate your goals alone.
Actionable Tip: Choose someone you trust and share your top goals with them. Ask them to check in with you regularly to see how you’re progressing. You might also consider joining a group or community of like-minded individuals who are also working toward personal or professional growth. Having others who are invested in your success can help keep you motivated and provide valuable feedback.
Be Kind to Yourself
Lastly, one of the most important aspects of getting unstuck is self-compassion. It’s easy to get frustrated when progress feels slow or when you face setbacks along the way. But being hard on yourself will certainly be a part of keeping you stuck. Instead, practice kindness and patience with yourself as you navigate this process. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly.
Actionable Tip: Celebrate your small wins along the way. Acknowledge the effort you’re putting in, even if the results aren’t immediate. Remind yourself that growth is a journey, not a destination.
Reclaim Your Sense of Fulfillment
Getting unstuck and reprioritizing your life goals is a powerful way to reclaim your sense of personal fulfillment. By acknowledging what’s holding you back, reassessing your goals, and taking practical steps toward meaningful change, you can begin to move forward with clarity and purpose. Remember, you have the ability to reshape your life in a way that aligns with what truly matters to you. It’s never too late to start fresh and pursue the goals that bring you joy, growth, and fulfillment.