Getting Unstuck: Simple Steps to Reclaim Your Motivation and Focus

Let’s face it. It’s easy to be Average

In fact, it’s pretty common to feel ‘stuck’

Does this sound like you: Interested in everything, distracted by anything, and never truly committed to any one thing or project? As the years pass, you do too many things but never stick to anything long enough to get rewarded.

As I get older, this feeling becomes stronger. Personally, I began asking questions like, “Where am I going?” “What have I done?” “What will I be known for?” Yet my mind is a jumble of random knowledge that’s not getting me where I want to be.

I’m all over the place with ideas and plans, but nothing seems to bear fruit. Do I wipe the slate and just focus on one thing?

I’ve tried that, and then doubt and FOMO creep in—what if I’m doing the wrong thing? Oh, but wait. Here’s another shiny object or toy to distract you. And suddenly, six months later, you’re still stuck – right where you started.

So, what’s the solution? How do you break free? How do you get unstuck? You see where you want to be in your imagination – but how do you get there?

Focus, discipline, commitment.

Scary big words for us serial noodlers and procrastinators. (Apologies if you were expecting a magic formula)

But that doesn’t mean you must be all ‘5 a.m. ice bath and half marathon before work’.

The first step is to identify WHY you’re stuck.

Recognize why you’re stuck

You’re feeling uninspired or bored with daily life.
You lack the motivation to pursue goals.
Spending valuable time procrastinating and doomscrolling or avoiding important tasks.
You have self-doubt or fear of change.

What’s causing this?

Take a step back and look at what’s happening in your life and work.

Does some part of your life feel stagnant?
No work promotions, no vacations or excursions, a lack of joy with hobbies
Are you avoiding something?
You’re supposed to get that medical test or make that important but very scary call to someone. There’s an elephant in the room in your life that you just can’t deal with.
Have a toxic work environment?
Working with people who don’t share your passion or are irritating can burn you out quickly.
Asshole bosses don’t help, either.
Stressful or unfulfilling home life?
You and your spouse/partner no longer see eye to eye; you feel lonely and want to take the world on your own.

Your mindset needs to shift

You are your thoughts. There is no getting around this. If you walk around all day thinking there’s a cloud over your head, look up—there probably is. What you put out into the universe is exactly what you get back. People that bitch and complain all the time never get far – and they won’t let you get very far either. Avoid these people at all costs. They are energy vampires. Instead, focus on surrounding yourself with positive, motivated people who will lift you up and encourage your growth. Cultivate an abundance mindset – there is more than enough success, happiness, and fulfillment to go around.

Change your limiting beliefs

I had a rough time about 20 years ago. A friend told me about Tony Robbins. I’d dabbled in his books in the 90s, but I was too ‘on the go’ to make practical use of his advice. This friend gave me a set of audio CDs of one of his programs. I listened to them nonstop until some of it took hold and made sense.

He spoke about your limiting beliefs: Your limiting beliefs are the negative self-talk that holds you back. They’re usually subconscious and can be deeply ingrained. Your limiting beliefs might include “I’m not smart enough,” “I’ll never be successful,” or “I don’t have what it takes.” Ask yourself where they came from and whether they are actually true. Replace them with more empowering thoughts that align with your goals and vision.

Identify your ‘core values’

What makes you tick? What are your non-negotiables in life? Once you’ve identified your core values, make sure your daily actions and decisions align with them. These ‘guiding principles’ will help keep you motivated and focused on what truly matters to you. Surround yourself with supportive people who share your values and ambitions.

Break down the big goals into smaller, manageable steps.

Tony Robbins calls this ‘chunking’ – don’t look at a problem as a big unsolvable puzzle. Break it down. Broke? Your first step is to make a budget. Overwhelmed by clutter? Start by tackling your kitchen junk drawer. Struggling with a big project at work? Make a list of all the steps needed to get it done. Focusing on the big problem can be frightening, but breaking it down into actionable steps makes it feel more achievable and less scary.

Celebrate small wins along the way.

No, don’t go on a 3-day bender because you check off one thing. When setting goals, you should also set rewards. Accomplish your workouts this week? Have a cheat day. You get the idea. Celebrate those small wins along the way to stay motivated and keep the momentum going. Positive reinforcement helps you stay on track and maintain your motivation over the long haul.

Go Easy on yourself!

Consistency and discipline are key, but remember to balance them with self-care and rest. It’s important to be kind to yourself throughout the process. Burnout and exhaustion will only set you back. Take breaks when needed, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip. Progress isn’t linear, and setbacks are a normal part of growth.

If all else fails, ask for help

This is something I personally struggle with. I’ve always been a go-it-alone type of personality – but there’s a limit. Reach out to friends and family if you think they can help. If not, it may be time to seek professional support. A therapist, coach, or counselor can provide tools and insights to help you overcome barriers and get unstuck

With the right mindset and habits, you can get unstuck and break free from the cycle of average. Make 2025 the year you get unstuck!