Victoria KimbleI’ve been stuck. For years.
It’s hard to type that for the world to see. I’m so ashamed to admit it. But it’s 2024 now, and I look back and realized I have been stuck for almost four years. I released a book in 2020, and now it is four years later and I have very little to show for it.
I think part of the reason I’ve stayed stuck is because getting myself unstuck has been such a daunting task. But some deep reflection over the past few months leading up to 2024 has given me a few insights:
Fear will keep you stuck
There are so many ways to describe fear, but the most appropriate way for a person who is stuck is “deer in the headlights.” Why do they freeze when a car is barreling down on them, when their quick reflexes could easily get them out of harm’s way? Fear, of course.
Anyone who is stuck is probably struggling with fear. Fear of failure, fear of wasting time, fear of disappointment. But the thing about fear is, once it is identified it loses its power. And once it has lost its power, it can be defeated.
Unrealistic expectations will keep you stuck
I confess to wanting instant success. I want every word I write to be gold, and I want every endeavor I embark on to reach its maximum potential the day I send it out. But that is so unrealistic.
I have let the knowledge that real success takes days and weeks and months and years of work stop me from getting started at all.
Every step taken will help you get unstuck
The way to get unstuck is to move forward. Even if that means one step at a time. Every micro-movement forward is a movement away from where you were, and that is definitely worth celebrating.
My point is, take a step toward whatever it is you are aiming for. Just one step; don’t let the overwhelming thought of all the steps needed to get to the end goal stop you from getting started.
- Do you wish you had a cleaner house? Put away one thing, or clean one small area.
- Do you want to start a new hobby? Start with one basic skill or aspect of it.
- Do you want to write a book? Start with one sentence.
One step is a great step. Then tomorrow, take another. When you look back, you’ll see real progress you can be proud of. And that is way better than looking back and realizing that you have been in the same place for almost four years.
What is one step you can take today to work toward a goal you have?
Julia N. White
Michelle Kaderly Welsh
Misha
Many thanks for your transparency and encouraging words. I’m hoping to take those baby steps soon.
The words and insights you’ve written are gold! Fear scrambles me all the time. I appreciate the reminder that “one step is a great step.”
I can so relate. I’ve been stuck too. Mostly because of my mother’s health issues, but I’ve also let fear and depression creep in. I am also starting to move slowly and get a little unstuck. Thanks for the encouragement.
I really appreciate your blog. Thanks. I’ve been wrestling for too long, so I’m going to take those steps and do it imperfectly and afraid, which is a big step for me. 🙂
Great post! For me often is which work in progress do I focus on? But this has encouraged me to just keep writing! Thank you!