The Weight of Stuckness: Understanding and Overcoming It
We’ve all been there—feeling stuck. Whether in our careers, relationships, personal growth, or even creative pursuits, the sensation of being stuck can feel suffocating, frustrating, and bewildering.
And yet, admitting “I’m feeling stuck” often feels just as challenging. Why is this feeling so hard to handle?
I often find that I feel stuck this time of year, especially living in Chicago. The day’s are shorter, and even during the day it’s often cloudy and gray, the cold makes it hard to want to be outside and easy to want to stay in bed. This feeling of a lack of motivation often leads me to spiral in my brain and all of a sudden “im stuck”.
Feeling stuck isn’t just an emotion; it’s a complex mental and emotional state that signals a disconnect between where we are and where we want to be. There are multiple things at play, including:
- When we are stuck, we often lack clarity. We may not fully understand why we are stuck, what is keeping us there, or how to move forward. Humans crave certainty, and ambiguity can make us feel anxious and powerless.
- Feeling stuck often comes with a clash of values, desires, or expectations. We might know we want to move forward, but fear, self-doubt, or external pressures hold us back. This inner tug-of-war is mentally exhausting.
- When we are moving toward a goal, even small progress feels energizing. But when we are stuck, that momentum stalls. This inertia can make the path ahead feel even more daunting, creating a feedback loop of inaction and frustration.
- Many people associate being stuck with failure, laziness, or a lack of ability. This negative self-talk can spiral, making it even harder to gain perspective and take productive action.
- In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others who seem to be thriving. This can amplify feelings of inadequacy and make our stuckness feel even more isolating.
Acknowledging that we are feeling stuck is an act of courage and self-awareness. It’s the first step to untangling the knot of emotions and circumstances holding us back.
Naming our feelings allows us to process them. Suppressing or ignoring the feeling of being stuck only prolongs the discomfort. Admitting we are stuck creates space to explore why. What’s missing? What are we avoiding? This honesty is key to uncovering the root cause. When we acknowledge our stuckness, we are more likely to reach out for support, whether through friends, mentors, or professional guidance.
Even when we do these things, how do we move forward? It seems to me that instead of seeing stuckness as a failure, view it as an opportunity for growth. Being stuck signals that something isn’t working—a critical insight for making meaningful change. Often, we feel stuck because the next steps feel overwhelming. For me breaking my goals into smaller, actionable steps to regain a sense of control. And sometimes, feeling stuck arises from pursuing goals that no longer align with our values. Take time to reassess what truly matters can change our outlook. .
Feeling stuck is hard because it touches on our deepest fears, uncertainties, and self-perceptions. But it’s also a natural part of growth and transformation. By admitting you’re stuck and taking small, deliberate steps, you can turn this challenging phase into a powerful turning point.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, know this: You’re not alone, and you’re not as immovable as you might think. The first step to getting unstuck is believing that it’s possible—and you just took that step by acknowledging it.
