By Robert Weil, Senior Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Think Human.
Are you feeling stuck…You really want to make something happen, but you can’t seem to get in action?
Where do you begin?
Procrastination is a phenomena where we put off things that we know or feel need to get done. For most people procrastination is not a mental illness…it is a normal way we deal with difficult or unwanted situations…whether it be something that makes us feel vulnerable, challenged or even simply when we have to do something they simply don’t enjoy.Procrastination allows us to avoid having to deal with what we are trying to avoid, but it also can create a feeling of being stuck in our lives and when we begin to do that which we have been procrastinating, we often feel a sense of freedom, relief or happiness.
In my life coaching sessions, I often notice an interesting thing about people being stuck…that in a funny way sometimes my clients sort of like being stuck. It is a kind of respite from dealing with life in a particular area. And sometimes we even sub-consciously prefer to stay stuck. That’s because when we’re stuck, we don’t actually have to be doing anything that leaves us feeling vulnerable or at risk. We don’t have to go and interview like crazy, or network to find a job or grow our business, or date, or have difficult conversations with people…because after all…we’re stuck.
There is though, a compelling reason to get unstuck…as a life coach, I believe getting back in action, taking risks and making things happen is the ONLY place where true happiness and fulfillment live. When you are stuck, you may be comfortable in what you know, but you miss that sense of satisfaction, pride and confidence which comes with living life in action, on the court, in the game.
So let’s play!
Life Coaching Suggestions
1. Do something outside of your box today. Even if it is not in the area where you’re stuck. In order to get unstuck sometimes you need to shake things up. Call a family member you haven’t spoken to in a while just to say hi, cook a romantic dinner for someone, go to a fun event, play a sport, sign up to run a marathon, get some friends and create a weight loss or fitness challenge, do something, anything to start shaking things up. Try it, but not just once, try it every day for a week or two, see how you feel and let us know.
2. Communicate. Share what you are dealing with, thinking about, what you want to create, how you are feeling…open up to others. Have a conversation you have been meaning to have with someone, say that something that has been on your mind, acknowledge someone, thank someone…just start sharing. Communications that you are thinking but not saying lead to more of being stuck. Putting up with a situation in your life that does not honor you or work for you will keep you stuck. And keeping emotions inside will keep you stuck. Check in with yourself and see if any of these ring true for you. And then get in communication with someone. Staying in your own head is a sure way to stay stuck.
3. Talk to friends and family about how they listen to you. Do you have friends or family who listen to you complain about being stuck and empathize with you. That is the worst. Tell your friends or family that you are not into being stuck in that area anymore and you are ready to take action. Ask them to stop feeling bad for you or listening to you like there is nothing you can do about it, or like you are confused or overwhelmed. You can do something about everything in your life. And the sooner you start believing that the better. Setting up people around you to listen to you in that way will help you to stay true to that new way of thinking.
Sometimes we just get unstuck…but why wait for sometime…when you can get going now!
To contact Robert, email Robert@think-human.com or call Think Human at 800-253-4580.