Replace “I’m Stuck”

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How’s your Fall going—have you found your groove with a good routine? Or, do you feel bad because it seems like you’re stuck when everyone else’s life is working? Break the gridlock by using Way #3 in the September series, Cancel the Guilt Trip: Replace “I’m stuck,” the declaration that automatically pops out anytime you feel blocked.

“I’m Stuck” is Super-Charged

I remember the day I learned that those two seemingly insignificant words—”I’m stuck” —are super-charged. A woman at a writer’s conference asked a panel of bestselling authors how they handle writer’s block. If there’s anyone who knows about feeling stuck, it’s writers, who have a humorous but true reputation for procrastination! So, I couldn’t wait to hear their advice.

One person told how some of her best ideas happened by taking a short walk around the block. Someone else suggested working on a different project. And the third panelist said they often power down and simply start fresh the next day.

No matter what idea came her way, the writer at the mic shook her head no, insisting it wouldn’t work for her. I was shocked—spending time searching for the perfect answer certainly wasn’t helping her produce new books! Moreover, it seemed that her long-term self-worth had gotten mixed up with a momentary block.

As the panelists continued offering suggestions, one thing became clear: They had learned how to use the soft skill of healthy self-esteem to draw a bright line between the thought, There’s something wrong with me—I don’t work right vs. “What I tried didn’t work. I just need a new or better idea!”

Ten Alternatives to I’m Stuck

You can avoid the mistake of minimizing your identity by finding alternate phrases. Instead of muttering, “I’m stuck,” replace it with one of these ten alternatives:

1. I’m working on it.
2. It’s coming along.
3. Quality work takes time.
4. I’m figuring it out.
5. I’m stumped—but that’s temporary!
6. I’m getting there.
7. I’m looking at it from another angle.
8. I’m sure there’s a solution.
9. I’m making progress.
10. I keep chipping away at it—I’m unstoppable!

The Replace “I’m Stuck” Challenge

Your Fall may be having a slow start, but don’t let the doubt, confusion, or shame that can come with feeling blocked become the boss of you. Change how you’re feeling with these three steps:

• Make it fast by taking 30 seconds to use a key affirmation from Light it Up—7 Skills for Setting Intentions that Work: I’m not stuck—I just don’t know what to do yet.
• Make it deep by taking 30 minutes to reflect on what doesn’t seem to be working. Changing one element could have a domino effect on the rest of the situation.
• Make it real by putting your insight into action. Relieve the feeling of, “I’m stuck,” by taking one small, incremental action every day this week.

Feeling frustrated, irritated, or stumped for the perfect answer are temporary states, so don’t make them your permanent truth. Cancel the guilt trip that goes along with thinking you’re stuck. Act like the creative, wise CEO of your life—a Soul Boss—and connect with your internal wisdom about what to do next.