By Darrin Pfannenstiel, J.D., M.Ed, LPC-A | Therapist - Men, Women, and Couples

At some point in our lives, most of us have experienced feeling stuck. It’s that “Groundhog Day” movie feeling that every day feels the same — rinse and repeat, but mixed with the same feeling you get when you know you’re hungry for something, and you keep opening the refrigerator, but nothing feels appealing to you. You feel unsettled and uncertain, but craving something.

For some, we may feel stuck in a dead-end job, in a relationship that no longer serves us, or in a state of indecision about what to do next. While it's a frustrating and uncomfortable feeling, it's important to remember that feeling stuck is a normal part of the human experience. In this blog post, I’ll explore with you why feeling stuck is normal, and offer tips on how to move forward.

Feeling stuck is normal

First, it's important to acknowledge that feeling stuck is a natural and normal part of life. Why? Because life is full of ups and downs, and feeling stuck is simply one of the downs. We all experience periods of stagnation, where we feel like we're not making progress, or like we're spinning our wheels. It's a common feeling that everyone goes through at some point. But, it’s important to remember that emotions are information. I’ll say it again: Emotions are information. They tell us something about ourselves or our environment and how we are (or are not) making contact with it.

Feeling stuck can be a signal

Feeling stuck is often a signal that it's time for a change. It can be a sign that we're ready to move on from our current situation and explore new possibilities. Or, it's an opportunity to reflect on our values, goals, and passions, and make sure that we're on the right path. It doesn’t always necessarily mean that we need to change jobs or careers. Instead, it could mean we need to learn ways to re-ignite our passion for our job or career or otherwise change something else in our life that is showing up instead as job dissatisfaction when that’s not the case. The point is that each person and each situation is different. As such, getting “unstuck” requires time and introspection — in particular, an ability to step outside ourselves to see what’s going on to move forward.

Moving forward - Some Tips

So, how do we move forward when we're feeling stuck? Here are some tips:

1. Take a break: Sometimes, the best thing we can do is take a step back and take a break. It can help us gain perspective and recharge our batteries. The reason this step is helpful is that when you’re thrashing about in the middle of the rapids (metaphorically speaking), you can’t see the broader picture. So, obsessing or ruminating about your predicament can be counterproductive. But, putting your head in the sand doesn’t help either. Instead, take a break, but with an intent to revisit your predicament.

2. Reflect on your values and goals: Take some time to reflect on what's important to you and what you want to achieve. Use this as a guide to help you make decisions and move forward. This step is helpful because you’re trying to find your North Star.

3. Seek help and support: Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or a professional for help and support. Sometimes, talking to someone can provide clarity and perspective. That said, it’s not uncommon for my clients to report that they have talked to friends and family who have given advice, but the advice they received is unfeasible or isn’t quite hitting the mark. That’s where I can help as an unbiased, third-party.

4. Take action: Once you've gained clarity on what you want, take action towards your goals. It doesn't have to be a big step. Rather, make a series of small steps that will build momentum and propel you forward.

Feeling stuck is a normal part of life, and it's important to remember that it's temporary. But, by taking a break, reflecting on your values and goals, seeking help and support, and taking action, you can move forward and create the life you want. So, embrace the feeling of being stuck, and use it as an opportunity for growth and transformation.

How I Can Help

As an experienced attorney-turned-therapist, I specialize in helping clients who feel stuck. I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to face these challenges alone because the same thing happened to me when I was practicing law and I felt directionless, unsatisfied, and unfulfilled. And that's why I offer a safe and supportive space where I can guide my clients through this.

Through therapy, we can work together to identify the underlying issues that may be causing you to feel stuck, and develop strategies for moving forward. I use innovative approaches to help my clients overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals.

At Eros Counseling, I specialize in helping men, women, and couples overcome issues relating to feeling stuck — especially as it relates to personal growth. Let me guide you through the process of turning a sense of feeling stuck into hope, purpose, and direction.

Ready to begin? Contact me today to schedule a 15 minute consultation. Starting your journey toward a purpose-driven life is just a click away!